BRISTOL, Tenn.-Va.. (Oct. 30, 2023) – Many of us who were raised around the Appalachian mountains have been told from an early age, “If you hear something calling you from the woods, no you didn’t.” Such warnings and stories of strange goings-on in our hills compelled Damean Mathews to pen the book Tales of the Mysterious and the Macabre: Stories From the Appalachian Foothills. He’ll share some of those myths and legends at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum on Nov. 14, 7 p.m. ET, as part of the museum’s monthly Speaker Sessions Series. There is no cost to attend.
“We are excited to have Damean Mathews here with us in November to share some of the wonderful stories of Appalachian folklore that make living in this part of the world so interesting!” said Dr. Rene Rodgers, head curator at the museum. “Our monthly Speaker Sessions are a great way to learn about our region’s musical and cultural heritage in engaging ways, and this Session is sure to be a favorite.”
A Tazewell, Va. native, Mathews is a writer with a deep love for literature and a strong fascination with the paranormal, particularly ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and monsters. He started writing in high school and was inspired by his first publication in a literary journal. He specializes in the paranormal and teaches about relating global legends to local lore in Southwest Virginia.
Mathews takes pride in his Appalachian culture and explores the region’s mountain lore and legend, incorporating them into his writing. He has independently published several books, including Moonlight and Maverip. He is is also a high school English teacher and enjoys life with his supportive wife in their mountain home.
Those who wish to attend the Speaker Session with Mathews are encouraged to RSVP through the events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org. If you are unable to join the gathering in person, you may view the program live on WBCM Radio Bristol’s YouTube page.