Sights & SoundsBroomlore: Witches, Weddings & More
There are more histories tied to your everyday house broom than you may realize, as many contemporary broom makers will tell you.
Sights & SoundsAnna Mullins Documents the Richmond Folk Festival
Anna Mullins, a documentary photographer from Coeburn, shares thoughts and images from the 2023 Richmond Folk Festival.
Sights & SoundsBringing Bristol to the 2023 Richmond Folk Festival
Bristol, Virginia, was in lights this weekend in the Virginia Folklife Area of the 2023 Richmond Folk Festival.
Sights & SoundsKeeping Folk Traditions Alive
VPM spoke with four members of our 2023-24 Folklife Apprenticeship Program to hear about what they hope to achieve through the learning process and how their work can build bridges between cultures.
Sights & SoundsA Family’s Drag Tradition in Bristol
Seventeen-year-old Anna Fleenor of Bristol first raced on a drag strip as part of a youth racing class. From the passenger seat, her father, Chris—a seasoned racer—offered tips to quell her nerves. But as soon as the light turned green, he gave Anna a command that she still hears in her head when it’s time to race: “Mash it.”
Sights & SoundsVirginia Folklife Program Transcribes Oral Histories for Reedville Fishermen’s Museum
Our Virginia Folklife team recently presented transcribed oral histories to the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum.
Sights & SoundsDaal, Kirtan & Chunni on the National Mall
On April 9, 2023, the National Mall transformed from a space of American nationalism and Western secularism into a celebration of Punjabi heritage and Sikh history with the 6th annual Sikh Freedom March.
Sights & SoundsA Tribute to Virginia Folk Hero “Uncle Wade” Ward
Beloved clawhammer banjoist “Uncle Wade” was born on Saddle Creek, just outside of Independence, Virginia, on October 15, 1892 and lived in Grayson County all his life.
Sights & SoundsCelebration of Virginia Folklife at the Library of Virginia Recap
Last weekend, we presented a two-day “Celebration of Virginia Folklife” on July 7 and 8, 2023 at the Library of Virginia in Richmond, as part of the Library’s year-long 200th anniversary celebration.
Sights & SoundsBart Long Shares His Clydesdale Team With Bristol
Bart Long of Bristol, VA, has a hitch of Clydesdales that he regularly brings to community parades, including to the recent Memorial Day parade in Marion, VA.
Sights & SoundsLinda Skeens’s ‘Blue Ribbon Kitchen’
This year, Linda Skeens of Russell County returned to the VA-KY Fair with a new book in tow: “Blue Ribbon Kitchen: Recipes and Tips from America’s Favorite County Fair Champion.”
Sights & Soundsgeonovah: Big Stone Rap
Hip-hop artist Geonoah Davis was born and raised in Big Stone Gap, and he is making it his mission to build a supportive community for artists like him—artists that do not fall into stereotypical Appalachian categories.
Sights & SoundsBetty Vornbrock & Sharon Andreucci
Betty Vornbrock of Hillsville has spent the last year teaching Sharon Andreucci of Galax old-time fiddle tunes—particularly repertoire played by Appalachian women.
Sights & SoundsTrapping Black Bears in the Great Dismal Swamp
PhD Candidate Perri Meldon shares her research into the cultural and ecological histories of Virginia’s Great Dismal Swamp.
