June 10- North Carolina in the Great Depression- Dr. Karl Campbell

Between the stock market crash of 1929 and the outbreak of WWII in 1939, the Great Depression profoundly changed both the United States and the Tar Heel State. Dr. Karl Campbell, professor of history at ASU, will explore the economic causes, government reactions, life experiences, and lessons learned from the worst economic crisis in American History.

June 24- Bobby Taylor and the Jazz Kings

Bobby Taylor and the Jazz Kings invite you to a jam session on June 24. They will be performing standards from the Great American SongBook and requests from the audience will also be taken.  Joining these world class musicians will be special guest Maggie Lauterer from Crossnore, who will add vocals to the session.

July 8- Death in Briar Bottom- Dr. Tim Silver

Dr, Tim Silver, professor emeritus of history at Appalachian State, will talk about his recent book Death in Briar Bottom: The True Story of Hippies, Mountain Lawmen, and the Search for Justice in the Early 1970s.   With a mix of true crime, southern history, and personal storytelling, Dr. Silver will explore the real story behind the killing of Stanley Altland in Yancey County in 1971.

July 22- The Rule of Law: A Panel Discussion- Larry Coleman, Luther Munford, Karl Campbell

This summer, the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, John Roberts, joined many legal scholars, historians, and government experts from across the political spectrum in warning that “the rule of law is endangered.” Two lawyers, Larry Coleman and Luther Munford, will join political historian Karl Campbell in an open discussion about the controversies relating to the rule of law in America today.

August 5- Understanding the Lines of Conflict in the Middle East- Dr. Curt Ryan

From the Gulf wars to the war in Gaza, the Middle East has been ravaged by wars, undermining the stability of the entire region. In this presentation, Dr. Curtis Ryan (Department of Political Science, Appalachian State) will explain the key actors and interests driving current conflicts, with a view to finding the prospects for peace. 

August 19- An Evening of Appalachian Music and Stories- Lynn Church and Family

Join us for an evening of mountain music and storytelling performed by Lynn Church and his sons Eli and Ethan. Lynn, who owns Three Nails Hardware in Newland, grew up listening to the music his family members played and sang in their homes and on their front porches. Many of the tunes were created right here in Avery County. The Churches share their music to the praise and honor of God.

September 2- Realignment: American Politics in Transition- Dr. Karl Campbell

Our political system is currently undergoing a major realignment. Both Republicans and Democrats are transitioning into new parties defined by new values, policies, and constituents. Dr. Karl Campbell (Department of History, ASU) will offer a non-partisan exploration of the issues and historical forces behind the confusing political transformation we are living through today.