Little Lecture on Jesse Stuart

(This information courtesy of Gordon Simmons)

LITTLE LECTURE TO EXAMINE THE WORK OF APPALACHIAN AUTHOR JESSE STUART

Charleston, WV (March 9, 2007) — The West Virginia Humanities Council will present a Little Lecture that examines the literary and educational contributions of noted Appalachian author Jesse Stuart. Dr. James M. Gifford, Executive Director of the Jesse Stuart Foundation in Ashland, Kentucky, will deliver the talk titled “Jesse Stuart: Man from the Dark Hills” which is taken from Stuart’s autobiography “Beyond Dark Hills”, on March 25 at 2:00 p.m.

Jesse Stuart is perhaps the best-known author ever from Appalachia. A native of Greenup County in eastern Kentucky, Stuart grew up on a farm and his rural roots were reflected in his writing throughout his lifetime. He was a prolific writer with over 50 books to his credit. Beginning in the 1930s he chronicled, celebrated and challenged life in what became known as Appalachia. He was named a Poet Laureate of Kentucky in 1954. Stuart was also an important educator and conservationist who now has bridges, schools, and nature preserves named for him.

The Jesse Stuart Foundation is devoted to preserving the human and literary legacy of Stuart and other Appalachian authors. It controls rights to Stuart’s works and has evolved into a significant regional press and bookseller. It also promotes a number of educational programs that encourage the study of Stuart’s works and the culture, history, and literature of Kentucky and Appalachia. A selection of Stuart’s books will be available for purchase at the lecture.

MacFarland-Hubbard House at 1310 Kanawha Blvd., East in Charleston is the location for all four lectures in the series. Admission for each lecture is $10 and includes a reception with the speaker. All lectures begin at 2:00 p.m. Seating is limited and those interested to attend are encouraged to call the West Virginia Humanities Council at 304-346-8500 to reserve a seat or for more information.