Traditions and Technology

Stories of the South Branch Valley preserves and presents the stories of Appalachia through contemporary performance, music, and technology celebrating the folkways and traditions that define our region. For generations, storytelling has been central to how Appalachian people have passed down culture, values, and identity. Today, that tradition faces unprecedented change, making this work more vital than ever.

We are witnessing the gradual passing of the Silent Generation and the rapid transformation of our cultural landscape. Increased tourism, the rise of social media, and the commercialization of the Appalachian identity have reshaped how the region is seen and understood. At the same time, many young people have grown up distanced from their roots, taught to equate success with leaving home rather than building a future within it. This has left a cultural gap that our program seeks to bridge by reconnecting people to the stories, songs, and values that make this region, and the people who call it home, extraordinary.

Our first performance took place at McCoy’s Grand Theater in Moorefield, West Virginia, and featured The History of Baseball in the South Branch Valley. The show wove together live music, storytelling, and interviews with community members, including the Hott Brothers and other local baseball legends. With over 100 attendees, it was a resounding success and a powerful reminder of the shared history that unites us.

Since then, we’ve presented annual programs exploring themes such as agriculture, education, and the musical legacies of Clarence Tross and Sloan Staggs. Each event combines research, oral history, and creative performance to bring local heritage to life for audiences of all ages.

Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing this tradition with family-friendly performances that honor regional history and inspire pride of place. With your support, we can expand our reach preserving stories before they are lost and ensuring that future generations inherit a living, breathing sense of their Appalachian identity.

For more information or to get involved, contact btowns01@gmail.com