Silas House And Making A State Park, Inside Appalachia

Before emancipation, Appalachia provided pathways to freedom for enslaved people trying to escape bondage. A new project identifies more than two dozen previously unknown underground railroad sites. Also, the Fly Around Music & Arts Festival in North Carolina was inspired by the hard work that followed Hurricane Helene. And, a ballad about floods recorded a generation ago still provides solace for people today. You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia. 

A new generation is learning the story behind "Brown Hill," a song by influential bluegrass band The Lost and Found.Also, data centers are changing the landscape, and one project is planning to plow over an extremely rare stand of seed-producing American chestnut trees.  And, small food producers embrace digital technology for the humble farm stand.  You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia. 

This week, data centers are rapidly expanding into rural parts of Appalachia, and folks say they are having trouble finding information about these projects. Also, artificial intelligence (AI) is disrupting human art – including fiber arts like crochet.  And, folks are pushing back, like they always have — with song. You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia. 

This week, author Silas House returns with a sweeping new novel.Also, some folks say, you have to fake it 'til you make it, even if you're trying to establish a state park.  And, the story of the first Mothman sightings as written by a small town journalist in 1966.You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

This week, ballads tell stories about all kinds of real-life events, but after Hurricane Helene, one group of ballad singers felt some topics were still too raw. Also, the author of a book on ancient Ohio credits a former grad student with introducing him to the region’s mysterious earthworks. And, the legacy of Affrilachian poet Norman Jordan includes a summer camp for teens to study their heritage.You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia. 

This week, Barbara Kingsolver’s new novel takes on issues of class and classical music. Also, kudzu warriors band together to fend off invasive plants and take back the land. And, it’s pawpaw season. But a new bug could be harming the trees.You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia. 

Ballroom culture offers LBGTQ folks a chance to be as fabulous as they want to be. Also, the national media reports on the deaths of notable people, but small, hometown papers add a more personal touch. And, alpha-gal syndrome takes red meat off the menu, but what about ostrich?  You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia. 

This week, it’s not easy to find a place to play hockey in Appalachia, and if you happen to be young and ambitious, it can be harder. Also, rappers and musicians across West Virginia come together for a song challenge. And, farmers learn to turn unwanted sheep’s wool into home insulation. You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

One thing about Appalachians, we can get competitive.  We’re proud of our local food. Love a good hunt. And enjoy competition with friends. We learn the rules and celebrate our victories. But there’s more to competing than just winning or losing. This week, Inside Appalachia, we’ll meet competitors who are keepers of beloved Appalachian traditions.

Encore: Torn All To Pieces And Marina Waters, Inside Appalachia