Gerald “Gerry” Milnes (b. 1946) is a West Virginia folklorist, musician, filmmaker, author, and educator who has spent over five decades documenting and preserving Appalachian culture. Inspired early by country, bluegrass, and traditional music, he moved to West Virginia in 1975 and began extensive fieldwork recording local musicians, craftspeople, and folk traditions. During his 25 years at the Augusta Heritage Center, he built a major archive of recordings and photographs and produced albums and documentary films. He has also written influential books on regional folklore, contributed to film and television projects, and promoted cultural preservation through mentorship and apprenticeship programs. Widely recognized for his impact, Milnes received numerous honors, including the Vandalia Award (2013), West Virginia's highest folklife honor.

Gerry's Books

Gerry's Photos