Skip to show segment

Oral Histories of Moonshining

Julia Maggard (University of Virginia at Wise)

The common stereotype of moonshiners is one of lawbreakers and profiteers. But Julia Maggard says moonshining was a crucial economic supplement for some families in impoverished regions and that moonshiners supported each other in times of need.

15 mins

The Coming of Southern Prohibition

Michael Lewis (Christopher Newport University)

South Carolina saw the statewide prohibition of alcohol in 1915. But not before the state established its own dispensary system more than a decade earlier. In his book The Coming of Southern Prohibition, Michael Lewis tells the story of one South Carolina town at the intersection of race, religion, and alcohol.

13 mins

Hearing Appalachia

Tessa McCoy-Hall (UVA Wise) and Meredith McCool (University of Virginia)

Hoping to revitalize the town of Appalachia, Virginia, Tessa McCoy-Hall and Meredith McCool looked to the past. They share the stories they heard while interviewing old-timers from the once-rich mining town.

8 mins

Coming Home to Big Stone Gap

Adriana Trigiani

Best-selling author Adriana Trigiani talks about life growing up in the small Appalachian town of Big Stone Gap—and about her movie, Big Stone Gap, based on her novel of the same name.

15 mins

This type of content is made possible by listeners like you. Please consider partnering with us and help enrich the lives of all our listeners nationwide.

Support With Good Reason