2011 Appalachian Studies Conference--Richmond, KY

At the 34th Annual Appalachian Studies Conference, Professor Will Simson convened "Sources of Public History," a panel that included several important presentations.

• John Cuthbert and Lori Hostuttler of West Virginia University Library and Archives on the 250,000 plus digital images now available through an online search engine to the public for viewing and personal use; the digital repository now provides a new and significant revenue stream for the Library and Archives.
• Lori Thompson, Marshall University, on Huntington, WV digitized TV reportage and reporters' scripts for all of WSAZ-TVs broadcasts; the station served as the Tri-state's main television link for local people through the mid-20th century. Thompson has been instrumental in making the station's videos available to locals online.
• Ross Burger, North Georgia College and State University, discussed the renovation and relocation of an 1830s Dahlanega, Georgia Gold Rush era cabin to University grounds for use as a craftways learning center.
• Marshall University students Katie McWhorter, and Rebecca Falcon described new, free data analysis application, "Trendalyzer," available through Google; used initially for identifying cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural reasons behind health needs, the application is perfect for combining disparate Appalachian demographic information into more useful data.

Professor Simson also presented at the conference. Drawn from his dissertation research, "Victory Gardens and Munitions from the Old Red Scar: The Chemicals Industry in the (East Tennessee) Ducktown Basin During WWII," Simson discussed the successful rational management schemes of Tennessee Copper Company owner Sam A. Lewisohn and general manager J.N. Houser that provided nationally recognized and awarded war work for thousands.