People & Mountains Bringing the latest humanities news to thousands of households, schools, libraries, museums, colleges, and nonprofits across West Virginia and beyond! Percival Everett Pulitzer Prize Winner West Virginia Humanities Council’s Official PublicationSummer 2025The legislation establishing the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities begins directly enough. But let’s look at that second sentence more closely. Recent weeks have given me new opportunities to discuss with citizens, journalists, and representatives why every sitting congress since 1974 has reaffirmed and supported our work. Beyond the public good accomplished by preserving, celebrating, and sharing West Virginia’s history and cultural heritage, I think one major reason lies in the unique—indeed, the substantial—return on investment we represent. As if to illustrate my point, on April 29, the Federation of State Humanities Councils with support from the Mellon Foundation dedicated $15 million in emergency stabilization funds in response to the unprecedented cancellation of congress’ support for our missions in our home states. That type of co-investment comes only when you have—as we do—a proven track record of efficiency and accomplishment that spans decades. The legislation argues that federal support for the humanities is best accomplished by pooling public and private resources, maximizing the impact of both. And the best way to ensure that impact is to let the states run it. We secure that shared investment by matching federal support dollar for dollar, through contributions from West Virginia’s people, institutions, and businesses. Federal support for our work is the farthest thing from “entitlement spending.” If we can’t put up a matching dollar, we don’t access a federal dollar. Period. Our efforts cost the taxpayer less than one dollar per year. In return, our grants and programs serve all 55 counties and deliver over $1 million annually to West Virginia’s cultural network and economy, in support of local institutions such as historical societies, community centers, museums, town festivals, schools, and libraries. That’s how we ensure that tax dollars are returned to West Virginia, multiplied, to support programs that West Virginians themselves design, execute, and want to see continued. If federal support for the humanities councils is lost, it will not come back. It simply will leave West Virginia and never return. For half a century, we have multiplied federal funding roughly 3-to-1 in support of West Virginia’s cultural economy and heritage. Continued congressional investment in our work will ensure that we can help sustain both well into the future. —Dr. Eric Waggoner “The arts and the humanities belong to all people of the United States. The encouragement and support of national progress and scholarship in the arts, while primarily a matter for private and local initiative, are also appropriate matters of concern to the Federal Government.” From the Executive Director Photo by Marcus ConstantinoWhy the Humanities Are Essential Grant Spotlight The Power of the Word At the Heart of Folklife 4 8 18 24 The West Virginia Humanities Council’s Historic Headquarters Cover photo by Michael Keller “The sun doesn’t always shine in West Virginia, but the people do.” — John F. Kennedy4 People & Mountains By Dr. Eric Waggoner Since 1974, the West Virginia Humanities Council has played a pivotal role in preserving, sharing, and celebrating the rich cultural and historical narratives that shape our identity as West Virginians. We are deeply committed to telling the stories that connect us to our past and guide us toward a more informed future. Whether through the lens of folklore, literature, history, or the arts, we strive to honor the voices of those who have lived and worked in this diverse and vibrant state. In our mission to make the humanities accessible to all, we have continuously expanded our efforts, funding a wide variety of projects that bring these stories to life in unique and impactful ways. From exhibits that transport visitors into the heart of our history, to documentaries that capture the essence of our evolving culture, to books and publications that document the lived experiences of generations past and present, we work tirelessly to foster a deeper understanding of our state’s diverse heritage. The Council has supported educational initiatives such as workshops, lectures, and even hands-on archaeological digs, offering opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage directly with West Virginia’s history. These programs not only educate but also cultivate a sense of pride and connection within our communities, allowing individuals to see themselves as active participants in the ongoing story of the state. While much has changed since our early years, the core principle that drives our work remains unchanged: a firm belief in the critical importance of the humanities. In a world that is increasingly focused on technology and rapid change, we remain steadfast in our commitment to preserving the stories, traditions, and knowledge that have shaped West Virginia and its people. It is through the humanities that we find meaning, identity, and a sense of belonging. We continue to honor this commitment, ensuring that the stories of West Virginia’s past are shared and celebrated for generations to come. HUMANITIES ESSENTIAL WHY THEARESummer 2025 5 When we gather to read, watch a film, analyze a painting, or discuss our history, we engage in a process of reflection that helps us understand what it means to be human. These moments allow us to connect with people whose lives and experiences may be vastly different from our own, yet whose stories share a common thread of struggle, hope, and resilience. By delving into art, literature, and the events of the past, we confront the complexities of human existence and, in doing so, gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. In these spaces of learning and reflection, we also face our past—both the triumphs and the mistakes. It is through this confrontation that we develop the empathy and awareness needed to foster positive change. The humanities offer us not only knowledge but also a lens through which we can explore the intricacies of human behavior, relationships, and society. They empower us with the tools to think critically, to ask important questions, and to dream about how we can build better futures—not just for ourselves, but for the communities we belong to. In the case of West Virginia, the humanities can help us reimagine a future where creativity and understanding fuel progress for the entire state and beyond. We are incredibly proud of our continued commitment to the humanities and to all those who contribute to our mission. We believe that when we come together to explore, learn, and celebrate, we strengthen the bonds that tie us to one another, and, ultimately, to the world. Dr. Eric Waggoner is executive director of the Council. NITIES NTIAL6 People & Mountains By Stan Bumgardner Perhaps the most ambitious project of our last 50 years has been the research, writing, editing, and publication of The West Virginia Encyclopedia (2006). It was the first complete, one-volume reference book about the state in nearly a century. Working under the slogan “All there is to know about West Virginia,” the editors packed more than 350 illustrations and 2,200 articles into this 927-page book, written by almost 600 experts on topics including archaeology, biography, geology, history, literature, folklore, culture, military history, and the arts and sciences. In 2010, the Council launched an online version of the print book to make this comprehensive resource more easily accessible and keep it up-to-date. Since then, e-WV has added hundreds of new articles and images, thousands of new quiz questions, and nearly 70 K-8 lesson plans on various topics, including a Civics Toolkit. e-WV has become the place to learn about all things West Virginia in ways that are academically rigorous and enjoyable to explore. e-WV also distributes the column “This Week in West Virginia History” to every newspaper in the state. Teachers often use these articles and our daily online “Today in WV History” to make our past more relevant to students today. e-WV has become a uniquely useful and interactive West Virginia resource for users of every age, attracting nearly 500,000 unique visitors a year and about a million page views. Stan Bumgardner is the e-WV media editor. e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia OnlineSummer 2025 7 To support e-WV, you can donate online at wvhumanities.org/donate/donate- here or by mail at 1310 Kanawha Blvd. East, Charleston, WV 25301. Learn more at wvencyclopedia.org By Lee R. Maddex In June 1775, the Continental Congress ordered the formation of two companies of Virginia riflemen to march to the aid of George Washington’s forces at Boston. Washington recommended that Hugh Stephenson and Daniel Morgan command the two companies. Stephenson raised his company in the Shepherdstown area, while Morgan raised his around Winchester. As the companies were being raised, a rivalry ensued between the two commanders. Each wanted the privilege of leading the way, an honor to be given to the first to fill his company. Within a week both companies were filled, and after six weeks of preparation both were ready and eager to get to Boston. Stephenson and Morgan agreed that the two companies would rendezvous at nearby Frederick, Maryland, and march together to Boston. Stephenson arrived at Frederick only to find that Morgan, wanting to arrive at Boston first, had stolen a day’s march. Stephenson’s 98-man company left on July 17 and attempted to overtake their rivals, often marching 30 to 36 miles in a day, but were unable to do so. After marching 600 miles in 24 days, Stephenson’s riflemen arrived at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and were placed in the defense of Roxbury. Morgan had arrived five days before. The extraordinary journey of the Virginians became known as the Bee Line March. Lee R. Maddex, a native of Pittsburgh, earned his B.A. in mathematics and M.A. in public history from WVU. While he has spent most of his career in cultural resources management, he has also worked at WVU and Carnegie Mellon University. He was a three-term AmeriCorps member, as well, serving at the Morgantown History Museum and at WVU’s West Virginia & Regional History Center. He’s now retired. The Bee Line March This year marks the 250 th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, so it seems like an appropriate time to introduce a new e-WV feature: 250 Years Ago in West Virginia History. We have a great one to start with—back to nearly the beginning of the Revolution. When the war started in Massachusetts in April 1775, militiamen from what is now West Virginia were among the first to volunteer. Here’s their story. Historical marker for the Bee Line March rally point in Shepherdstown’s Morgan’s Grove Park Photo by Emerging Revolutionary War EraFor more than 50 years, the West Virginia Humanities Council has offered matching grants to nonprofit organizations that provide public humanities programming to West Virginians. These grants range from lectures, school projects, and symposia and panel discussions to documentaries, reading and discussion series, exhibits, and reenactments. Grant award amounts range from $2,000 to $20,000. Our Travel Assistance grants, in amounts up to $500, have helped students, teachers, and cultural professionals attend meetings of the Appalachian Studies Association, International Thespian Festival, Shakespeare Association, American Library Association, Society for American Archaeology, and American Folklore Society. Unique to West Virginia, our $3,000 fellowships support individual research and writing projects in the humanities for teachers, college faculty, and independent scholars. Learn more at wvhumanities.org/grants GRANT SPOTLIGHT Grant Categories Although grant making is temporarily paused, the Humanities Council considers applications in the following grant categories: Major Grants support humanities events such as symposia, conferences, exhibits, and lectures. Minigrants have a budget of $2,000 or less and support small projects, single events, or planning. Fellowships of $3,000 support research and writing projects for humanities faculty and scholars. Media Grants support the production of electronic or film materials, or a newspaper series. Publication Grants are available to recognized nonprofit and academic presses and support only the production phase of a completed manuscript. Teacher Institute Grants are available to colleges and universities and the state Department of Education, and support summer seminars for secondary and elementary teachers. By Erin Riebe 8Summer 2025 9 Alchemy Theatre The Council has awarded Alchemy Theatre in Huntington grants the last five years. This community-based company supports local artists and provides professional entertainment to inspire positive change in the community and beyond. The theatre troupe says that the Council’s “generosity and help have allowed us to grow our festival exponentially each year, and have incredible free offerings throughout the year.” Greenbrier Historical Society Founded in 1963, the society preserves the rich history of the Greenbrier Valley. Serving four counties—Greenbrier, Monroe, Summers, and Pocahontas—the society owns and manages the Blue Sulphur Springs Pavilion in Monroe County and Lewisburg’s North House Museum & Archives, The Barracks, and the 1834 Supreme Court of Appeals Law Library & Study Building. Over the last six years, the Council has awarded six minigrants to the historical society to further its goals. Friends of Ashby’s Fort Mineral County’s Fort Ashby, believed to be the only remaining French and Indian War structure in West Virginia, hosts programs related to frontier history. Friends of Ashby’s Fort has received several Council grants over recent years for archaeology digs, workshops on Appalachian old-time music, and a demonstration of dendrochronology—the science or technique of dating events, environmental changes, and archaeological artifacts. Erin Riebe is the grants administrator for the Council.Next >