General Information Regarding the Gathering
Southern WV is an excellent location for MHA as it truly represents the diversity of Appalachia. These coalfields have sheltered a diverse ethnic and racial mixture beginning with some of our earlier Melungeon ancestors, many of whom knew & claimed their blended connections. Later, in the early 1900’s, the area provided a home for many who came from the same areas & peoples as our earlier Melungeon blend. This gathering will have new Melungeon researchers as well as the opportunity to highlight some of the local history and invite other ethnic groups to share their stories and join our celebration as we explore ours.
Chief Logan is a scenic area with a full lodge, restaurant and conference center. The lodge has an indoor pool and fitness center. There is a museum and recreational park across the ridge with an outdoor pool, hiking trails & game courts; it even has a bocce court. It is located about 2 ½ hours from Wise, VA & about 1 ½ hours from Pikeville, KY. For those coming from the west, east or north, it is about an hour from Charleston WV. All major roads leading into the area connect to US 119 which is 4 lanes.
Speaker and schedule details are still being developed as of this printing.
The Portuguese Making of America and Santa Elena This year we are reading these wonderful books & both authors will attend. If you don’t have your own copy, check at your local library or contact us to buy a copy. Eloy Gallegos will present in a chat format. Manuel Mira will do both a formal program & an informal chat.
Registration Check in for sessions will begin at 8am each day in the conference room area of the center.
Reception will be planned for Friday night with details announced at the gathering. Activities are being planned for early Thursday arrivals.
Please bring your own musical instruments for a jam session during the evenings. Also bring old family pictures, recipes, stories and tall tales as our popular chats will be back this year.
Dress Since our first gathering was born of the idea of MHA’s first president, Audie Kennedy to have a little ‘picnic’, we keep to a casual dress.
Housing The lodge is smoke free (with designated areas outside). For those wanting smoker’s accommodations, there are several motels in the Logan and Chapmanville area within a few miles of the center. Best Western has special rates for us & Holiday Inn Express is also nearby.
Meals These are available at the restaurant at Chief Logan Lodge & a complimentary breakfast is included with your room. There are national chain restaurants & fast food within a short drive from the center.
Special Note The renovated W V Museum at the Cultural Center in Charleston will open June 20th & is worth stopping to or from 13th Union (closed Mondays).
