HEARTS OF APPALACHIA PROJECT
"Preserving mountain stories, faith, and heritage — one memory at a time."
“Your Christmas tree can help us
light up the mountains with
kindness and remembrance.”
Meet the Coal Miner Critters—hardworking forest folk inspired by the miners who shaped our mountains. Each ornament shares a bit of faith, grit, and heart from Appalachia’s story. Every purchase helps Hearts of Appalachia Project, Inc. provide 10 x 8 Memorial portraits to families who lost a miner through accidents or from black lung disease. Help us keep those memories alive.
Our Ornaments are $16.00
and include your child's name on the back.
Welcome
Every mountain, every town, and every family has a story worth remembering. Here, we gather those stories from coal camps to country churches and keep their spirit alive through words, film, and faith.
Whether you’re preserving your family’s memories, honoring a loved one who worked the mines, or helping your town’s story be told, you’ve found your place here among kindred hearts.
Explore our blog to read real stories from across the mountains, discover ways to share your own, or lend a hand in keeping Appalachian history alive for generations to come.
ABOUT US
Hearts of Appalachia Project was founded with a simple but powerful purpose: to keep the heartbeat of our mountain communities alive through stories, art, and shared compassion. We believe that every family, every holler, and every coal miner’s tale carries the spirit of Appalachia — a spirit of grit, grace, and faith that deserves to be remembered and celebrated.
What began as one woman’s dream to honor her Granny’s legacy has grown into a grassroots nonprofit built by artists, volunteers, students, and everyday folks who love these hills. Together, we collect memories, record voices, and create projects that shine a light on the beauty and strength of Appalachian people.
Our Projects
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Heartbeats of Appalachia: Video storytelling series featuring towns, coal camps, and communities across the region.
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Memorial Portraits: Creating personalized digital portraits to honor Appalachian coal miners and community members. Each piece preserves a face, a name, and a legacy — ensuring our mountain heroes are never forgotten
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Stories from the Coal Mines: Preserving miners’ histories and honoring their families through portraits and documentaries.
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Stories from the Mountains: Connecting generations by recording elders’ memories and guiding young volunteers in the art of storytelling.
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Pearl & June Porch Wisdom: A lighthearted Appalachian duo sharing humor, heritage, and a touch of porch philosophy.
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Community Resources: Sharing food, addiction, and outreach directories across counties to help families in need.
Volunteer
Opportunities
We’re looking for passionate folks to help collect stories for both Stories from the Mountains and Stories from the Coal Mines, assist with researching community resources across every Appalachian state we serve, contribute as guest writers on Appalachian heritage, and lend a hand with social media and outreach. Together, we can keep our mountain stories alive for generations to come.
