West Virginia Traditions
Southern West Virginia has a rich history of the traditional arts. Beginning with the earliest settlers to the region mountain music has played an integral role in the cultural heritage of the region. From Blind Alfred Reed to the Lilly brothers and Little Jimmie Dickens the third district of West Virginia is the birthplace to many a cultural icon. While the tradition of making mountain music continues today, we cannot forget the rich past from which we came.
Together with the West Virginia Humanities Council I have been working on a new Mountain Music Heritage Project, which will work to preserve the musical heritage of West Virginia. In the meantime, I hope that you will find this site as a useful resource in learning more about the region's history and its central role in gospel, bluegrass, country and blues history.
Sincerely,
Rep. Nick J. Rahall 
New: Traditional Arts and Crafts Festival Schedule
Links
West Virginia Register of Historic Places (by county)
Appalachian Highlands Music Association
West Virginia Division of Culture and History
West Virginia State Gospel Singing Association
Friends of Old-Time Music and Dance