Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine

Follow

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 19, Issue 01, 2002)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 19, Issue 01, published in 2002. The theme of this issue is Beyond Our Borders. This issue explores how Appalachia connects with the wider world through global events, migration, and cultural exchange. Articles examine the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in Shanksville, the transatlantic roots of Appalachian families, the emergence of international digital networks linking mountain communities, and cultural contrasts in how poverty is understood in Appalachia and abroad. Essays and creative works further reflect on identity, prejudice, and cultural perception, from immigrant experiences in East Tennessee to debates over Appalachian culture's recognition beyond the region, presenting Appalachia as both deeply local and increasingly shaped by global relationships.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 19, Issue 02, 2002)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 19, Issue 02, published in 2002. The theme of this issue is First Person Appalachia. This issue centers on personal narrative and memory as essential ways of preserving Appalachian experience. Through essays recounting encounters with patients, storytellers, family traditions, childhood moments, and creative callings, contributors reflect on how individual lives, whether those of physicians, writers, students, or community members, capture broader truths about identity, hardship, and belonging in the region. Complemented by fiction, poetry, and the 2002 Now & Then Appalachian Poetry Competition, the issue highlights storytelling as a vital means of documenting Appalachian life and passing its history forward.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 19, Issue 03, 2002)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 19, Issue 03, published in 2002. The theme of this issue is Paying Tribute. This issue focuses on remembrance and honoring those whose lives and work have shaped Appalachian culture, history, and community. Through tributes to influential writers, scholars, athletes, and everyday individuals, the articles and essays explore how memory preserves legacies and keeps the past alive. Contributors reflect on figures ranging from celebrated literary voices to family members and local leaders whose stories embody perseverance, creativity, and cultural stewardship. Accompanied by fiction, poetry, and reviews, the issue emphasizes storytelling as a way of honoring those who came before and ensuring their impact continues through shared memory.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 20, Issue 01, 2003)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 20, Issue 01, published in 2003. The theme of this issue is Youth of Appalachia. This issue focuses on the experiences, opportunities, and identities of young people in Appalachia. Articles highlight programs that expand educational and creative pathways for Appalachian youth, including college-access initiatives and documentary filmmaking through Appalshop, while also exploring the curiosity, resilience, and imagination that shape life in the mountains. Essays reflect on childhood, mentorship, cultural identity, and the enduring connection many young Appalachians feel to their land and heritage. Together with fiction, poetry, and reviews, the issue portrays Appalachian youth as thoughtful participants in their communities whose stories reveal both the challenges and possibilities of growing up in the region.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 20, Issues 02-03, 2003)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 20, Issues 02-03, published in 2003. This issue, titled "Tribute to 20 Years," celebrates 20 years of the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services. This special double issue commemorates the twentieth anniversary of the Center for Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services (CASS) and reflects on the role of Now & Then in presenting a fuller portrait of Appalachian life beyond stereotypes. Through retrospectives on CASS programs, including the Archives of Appalachia, the Reece Museum, the Encyclopedia of Appalachia, and ETSU's Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies program, the issue traces the growth of regional scholarship, cultural preservation, and community engagement. Articles, essays, fiction, poetry, and a fiction competition further highlight Appalachian storytelling, history, and identity, honoring the voices and institutions that have shaped the region's cultural and intellectual life over two decades.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 21, Issue 01, 2005)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 21, Issue 01, published in 2005. The theme of this issue is the Media and Appalachia. This issue examines how Appalachia has been portrayed by the media and how people within the region respond to and shape those portrayals. Articles explore the tension between stereotypes and reality in literature, journalism, and television, including critiques of "hillbilly" depictions in national media and reflections on the lasting legacy of the War on Poverty. Other pieces highlight journalists, photographers, and commentators who document Appalachian communities from within, offering more authentic perspectives on regional life. Through reporting, fiction, poetry, and reviews, the issue emphasizes the power of storytelling and media representation in shaping how Appalachia is understood both locally and nationally.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 21, Issue 02, 2005)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 21, Issue 02, published in 2005. The theme of this issue is Car Racing in Appalachia. This issue explores the deep cultural, historical, and economic roots of car racing in Appalachia, tracing its evolution from moonshine runners' backroad competitions to the global phenomenon of NASCAR. Articles examine the sport's regional origins, the passionate loyalty of its fan base, and the significant economic impact of speedways on surrounding communities. Features also consider racing's connections to education, business, and even religious expression at the track, alongside personal reflections from drivers and fans whose lives are shaped by motorsports. Through essays, fiction, poetry, and photography, the issue portrays racing as both a defining cultural tradition and a powerful industry woven into Appalachian identity.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 22, Issue 01, 2006)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 22, Issue 01, published in 2006. The theme of this issue is Family Matters. This issue reflects on the many meanings of family in Appalachian life, from kinship and heritage to community ties that extend beyond blood. Through stories of multigenerational families, remembered neighbors, musicians, miners, and newcomers finding their place in mountain communities, contributors reflect on how identity and belonging are shaped by relationships, memory, and shared history. Essays and features, from tributes to figures like Janette Carter to reflections on land, tradition, and the Sago mining tragedy, highlight the enduring role of family, both literal and symbolic, in sustaining Appalachian culture and community life.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 22, Issue 02, 2006)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 22, Issue 02, published in 2006. The theme of this issue is Celebrating Appalachian Institutions. This issue features the organizations, traditions, and individuals that have shaped Appalachian civic and cultural life. Articles examine a wide range of institutions, front he Crossnore School, the Southern Appalachian Labor School, and the Tennessee Valley Authority to the Appalachian League of minor league baseball, the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, and the Barter Theatre, alongside reflections on figures such as author Wilma Dykeman and Senator Robert Byrd. Through Essays, poetry, and features on music, food, and community life, the issue presents institutions not merely as organizations or buildings but as enduring forces that sustain Appalachian culture, education, and public life.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 23, Issue 01, 2007)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 23, Issue 01, published in 2007. The theme of this issue is Digging Appalachia (Archaeology). This issue explores the many meanings of "digging" in Appalachia, from archaeological discovery and paleontology to mining, farming, and the search for cultural roots. Articles highlight the remarkable Gray Fossil Site in Northeast Tennessee, alongside reflections on coal mining, family cemeteries, ginseng fathering, and the everyday labor of working the land. Through stories of scientists, farmers, treasure hunters, and community members who "dig" in the region in both literal and figurative ways, the issue examines how uncovering the past, whether in fossils, soil, or memory, deepens understanding of Appalachian history, identity, and connection to place.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 23, Issue 02, 2007)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 23, Issue 02, published in 2007. The theme of this issue is Wildness. This issue considers the idea of wildness in Appalachian life, nature, and imagination. Through stories of animals, landscapes, and unconventional personalities, contributors reflect on the unpredictable forces that shape both the natural world and human experience, from encounters with wolves, crows, bears, and elusive mountain creatures to memories of rebellious musicians, herbal traditions, and youthful mischief. Essays, fiction, and poetry together explore wildness as both a literal presence in the region's environment and a symbolic expression of independence, mystery, and creativity within Appalachian culture.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 24, Issue 01, 2008)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 24, Issue 01, published in 2008. The theme of this issue is Urbane. This issue examines the urban and cosmopolitan dimensions of Appalachian life, challenging the notion that the region is defined solely by rural traditions. Articles explore city culture, historic resorts, independent bookstores, intentional communities, and public arts initiatives, while also reflecting on places such as Pittsburgh, Asheville, Chattanooga, and Birmingham as centers of cultural exchange and innovation. Through essays, poetry, and features on music, food, and literature, the issue presents Appalachia as a region where urban life, cultural sophistication, and historical complexity coexist with longstanding mountain traditions.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 24, Issue 02, 2008)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 24, Issue 02, published in 2008. The theme of this issue is Fabric of Appalachia. This issue explores the literal and symbolic fabric that shapes Appalachian culture, from textiles and clothing to the traditions, labor, and identities woven into everyday life. Articles examine quilting, chenille bedspreads, work wear, and protest T-shirts, alongside stories of artisans, farmers, and families whose crafts and livelihoods reflect the region's material culture. Through essays, poetry, and reflections on memory and place, the issue portrays fabric as both a physical thread in Appalachian history and a metaphor for the interconnected traditions that bind communities together.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 25, Issue 01, 2009)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 25, Issue 01, published in 2009. The theme of this issue is Foodways. This issue explores the rich diversity of Appalachian food culture, tracing how Native American, European, and immigrant traditions have blended to shape the region's kitchens, farms, and tables. Articles examine local agriculture, foraging, home cooking, preservation methods, community meals, and restaurant traditions, alongside iconic foods such as cornbread, beans, pork, pepperoni rolls, and candy making. Through stories that connect food to memory, labor, faith, and identity, the issue portrays Appalachian cuisine as dynamic and multicultural, rooted in both historical necessity and contemporary revival of local, sustainable practices.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 25, Issue 02, 2009)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 25, Issue 02, published in 2009. The theme of this issue is Spirits of Appalachia. This issue explores the many meanings of "spirits" in Appalachian culture, from ghost lore and supernatural traditions to religious faith, memory, and distilled beverages. Articles recount haunted places, prophetic experiences, protective folk practices, and enduring legends, while also reflecting on ancestral presence, community figures who inspire others, and personal encounters with loss and resilience. Features on moonshine, wine, and regional drink traditions complement essays, poetry, and reviews that portray spirits as both otherworldly and deeply human, revealing how the unseen, remembered, and celebrated continue to shape Appalachian identity.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 26, Issue 01, 2010)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 26, Issue 01, published in 2010. The theme of this issue is Appalachian High. This issue explores the many meanings of "high" in Appalachian life, ranging from the devastating effects of prescription drug abuse to the exhilaration of mountain landscapes, music, food, and personal achievement. Articles examine public health challenges, economic disparities, and environmental consequences alongside stories of flight, elevation, celebration, and cultural pride, including reflections on notable regional figures and traditions. Through essays, fiction, poetry, and reviews, the issue presents "high" as both a warning and a wonder, capturing the extremes of hardship and uplift that shape the Appalachian experience.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 26, Issue 02, 2011)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 26, Issue 02, published in 2010. The theme of this issue is Getting Around Appalachia. This issue examines the many ways people navigate Appalachian terrain, history, and daily life, highlighting the ingenuity required to move through a mountainous landscape. Articles explore transportation ranging from historic inclines, trucks, and family vehicles to footbridges, rivers, and modern zip lines, alongside personal journeys and the cultural meanings attached to travel and mobility. Through essays, poetry, photography, and reviews, the issue portrays "getting around" as both a practical necessity and a defining aspect of Appalachian experience, shaped by geography, memory, and the evolving relationship between people and the land.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 27, Issue 01, 2011)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 27, Issue 01, published in 2011. The theme of this issue is Greening of Appalachia. This issue explores environmental awareness, sustainability, and renewal in Appalachia, emphasizing both contemporary initiatives and longstanding regional traditions of living close to the land. Articles examine conservation efforts, ecological restoration, green building, herbal knowledge, local agriculture, and the environmental health challenges facing mountain communities, alongside personal reflections on nature and memory. Through essays, poetry, and reviews, the issue presents "greening" as both a modern movement and a continuation of practices deeply rooted in Appalachian culture, highlighting the region's enduring relationship with its natural environment.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 27, Issue 02, 2012)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 27, Issue 02, published in 2012. The theme of this issue is Serving Appalachia. This issue highlights the many ways individuals and organizations dedicate themselves to meeting the needs of Appalachian communities through compassion, advocacy, education, and faith. Articles profile efforts ranging from housing assistance, disaster relief, and programs for women and at risk youth to grassroots healthcare, community agriculture, the arts, and initiatives supporting people with disabilities. Personal stories of teachers, nurses, volunteers, activists, and everyday citizens underscore service as both a moral calling and a practical response to hardship, while reflections on history and representation consider who defines the region and whose voices are heard. Through essays, poetry, and reviews, the issue portrays service as a sustaining force that strengthens community bonds and expands opportunity across Appalachia.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 28, Issue 01, 2012)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 28, Issue 01, published in 2012. The theme of this issue is Nuevo Appalachia. This issue examines the historical and contemporary presence of Hispanic and Latino communities in the region. It traces early Spanish exploration alongside modern immigration patterns, highlighting how Latino populations have reshaped communities in both urban and rural Appalachia through work, family life, entrepreneurship, and cultural traditions. Essays and narratives address themes of migration, assimilation, and identity, including responses to immigration enforcement, access to housing, and the development of local institutions and religious practices. Foodways, festivals, music, and language are presented as sites of cultural exchange, illustrating how Appalachian and Latino traditions intersect in everyday life. By documenting these experiences across multiple communities, the issue emphasized Appalachia as an evolving cultural crossroads and underscores the growing influence of Latino communities in shaping the region's contemporary identity.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 28, Issue 02, 2013)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 28, Issue 02, published in 2013. The theme of this issue is Global Appalachia. This issue brings together the region's connections to international cultures, histories, and exchanges. Through comparative studies, personal narratives, and cultural accounts, it considers parallels between Appalachia and regions such as Rwanda, China, Alaska, and Europe, illustrating shared experiences of landscape, resource use, and misrepresentation. The issue also documents the presence of global influences within Appalachia, including immigrant communities, cross cultural relationships, artistic exchange, and the worldwide movement of Appalachian traditions. Attention is given to how global perspectives shape local identity, from education and entrepreneurship to environmental concerns and regional development. By presenting Appalachia as both locally rooted and globally connected, the issue emphasizes the ongoing interaction between the region and the wider world and its impact on Appalachian culture and community life.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 29, Issue 01, 2013)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 29, Issue 01, published in 2013. The theme of this issue is Appalachian Industry. This issue traces the region's varied forms of labor from agriculture and craft production to manufacturing, resource extraction, and emerging local economies. It presents personal narratives and historical accounts that connect work to identity, emphasizing how industry has shaped daily life, family structures, and community values. Attention is given to wartime production, scientific research, and industrial expansion, as well as to smaller scale and evolving enterprises such as craft markets, food production, and tourism. The issue also considers the decline or transformation of certain industries alongside efforts to reclaim land, support local economies, and adapt to changing conditions. By bringing together past and present experiences of work, the volume reflects the central role of industry in defining Appalachian life and its ongoing influence on the region's economic and cultural landscape.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 29, Issue 02, 2014)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 29, Issue 02, published in 2014. The theme of this issue is Music in Appalachia. This issue reflects on the role music has in shaping personal identity, community life, and regional tradition. It brings together historical accounts and contemporary reflections that connect early folk practices, recorded sessions, and festival traditions with present day performance and reinterpretation. Attention is given to the movement of music between rural and urban spaces, the blending of influences across racial and cultural lines, and the persistence of locally rooted styles alongside global connections. Personal narratives emphasize music as a means of expression, memory, and connection, often tied to family, faith, and everyday experience. By presenting music as both a tradition and evolving practice, the issue captures its enduring place in Appalachian culture as a source of continuity, creativity, and shared meaning.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 30, Issue 01, 2014)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 30, Issue 01, published in 2014. The theme of this issue is Civil Wars in Appalachia. It uses the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War to examine conflict, division, and reconciliation within the region. It presents historical accounts and personal narratives that document the impact of the war on families and communities, including loss, displacement, and long lasting social divisions. The issue also connects nineteenth century conflict to ongoing disputes over land, resources, and authority, illustrating how struggles over ownership and identity have persisted in different forms. Attention is given to military history, local resistance, and individual acts of loyalty and survival, alongside reflections on memory and commemoration. By linking past and present conflicts, the issue emphasizes how experiences of division and resilience continue to shape Appalachian life and regional identity.

• 

  Now & Then (Volume 30, Issue 02, 2015)

  Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, East Tennessee State University

  Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, Volume 30, Issue 02, published in 2015. The theme of this issue is The Best of 30 Years, Part I. This issue presents the first part of a retrospective collection, drawing from selected works published between 1984 and 1999 to revisit major themes in Appalachian studies. It brings together essays, interviews, and narratives that reflect on topics such as health, place, and cultural tradition, community leadership, labor activism, media, religion, and humor, illustrating the breadth of concerns that have shaped the magazine's earlier volumes. The selections emphasize lived experience, storytelling, and regional identity, while also documenting moments of social change, cultural preservation, and grassroots organizing. By returning to these earlier topics the issue connects past discussions to ongoing questions about life in Appalachia. It serves as a reflection on the foundations of the magazine's work and highlights the enduring relevance of these themes within Appalachian culture.