Robert and Laura Thurman Appalachian Storytelling Collection

Collection

Identifier: BCA 0290

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of an audio recording of Robert and Laura Thurman’s presentation about their east Tennessee heritage generally and storytelling in particular given at the Berea College Appalachian Center on November 11, 2022. Also included are recordings of ten stories told by Robert Thurman on another occasion.

Listen to Recordings

Story Titles: Gravedigger, For Now, Ma, A Fear All Her Own, Press 14, The Sacrifice, Trees, The River, The Old Coyote, The Grave.

Dates

Creation: 2022

Biographical / Historical

Robert and Laura Thurman live in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where they work to keep alive stories that are deeply connected to the region.

Robert is an artist/poet/musician. Laura comes from a family heritage rich in regional music and crafts where stories were a part of everyday life.

Both are from working-class families in East Tennessee, and both are graduates from Roane State Community College. Robert grew up on a farm in Spring City, in Rhea County, and Laura in Midtown in neighboring Roane County.

The city of Dayton, Rhea County’s seat, was home to the historic Scopes “Monkey” Trial. In 2008, Kingston, the Roane County seat, experienced a disastrous coal ash spill that was the largest environmental disasterin the nation's history. Laura’s childhood home was one the properties TVA purchased due to potential contamination.

The Thurmans strive through storytelling, visual art, and music, to contradict stereotypes and portray a people whose beliefs and traditions have relevance today.