Apple Shop fights to preserve Appalachian culture after devastating floods
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In a poignant reflection of resilience and cultural preservation, Appleshop, a vital cultural hub in Whitesburg, Kentucky, is grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods that struck Eastern Kentucky in the summer of 2022. The floods severely impacted the organization, which has served as a center for documenting and sharing Appalachian history and culture for over 55 years.
Operations director Roger May described the scene upon returning to the facility after the floods, recalling the overwhelming sight of water and mud that had inundated the building. For many years, Appleshop has been a vibrant space for filmmaking, theater, radio, and music education, fostering a platform for local voices to share their stories. However, the recent disaster has left the organization in dire straits, with its physical location now deemed unsuitable due to its position in a floodplain.
The flooding not only damaged the building but also threatened the integrity of Appleshop's extensive archive, which includes irreplaceable film, audio, and photographic materials documenting the region's rich cultural heritage. In response to the crisis, Appleshop staff, including filmmaker Oakley Fugate, have taken it upon themselves to document the community's recovery through a new project titled \"All Is Not Lost.\"
As the organization works to rebuild, it faces significant challenges in fundraising and securing a new location. The radio station has temporarily relocated to an RV, and theater productions are currently on hold. Despite these setbacks, the community's spirit remains strong, with efforts underway to preserve the archive. Data management company Iron Mountain has stepped in to assist, providing cold storage for over 9,000 recordings from Appleshop's collection to prevent further degradation.
The situation at Appleshop highlights a broader issue regarding the impact of climate change on cultural preservation. Jennifer Gramato from Iron Mountain emphasized that the floods not only affect the present but also threaten the memories and histories that connect communities to their past.
As Appleshop navigates this challenging period, its staff and supporters remain hopeful, drawing on the resilience that has characterized the Appalachian region for generations. The organization is committed to adapting and continuing its mission of cultural preservation, ensuring that the stories of the community endure despite the obstacles they face.
Operations director Roger May described the scene upon returning to the facility after the floods, recalling the overwhelming sight of water and mud that had inundated the building. For many years, Appleshop has been a vibrant space for filmmaking, theater, radio, and music education, fostering a platform for local voices to share their stories. However, the recent disaster has left the organization in dire straits, with its physical location now deemed unsuitable due to its position in a floodplain.
The flooding not only damaged the building but also threatened the integrity of Appleshop's extensive archive, which includes irreplaceable film, audio, and photographic materials documenting the region's rich cultural heritage. In response to the crisis, Appleshop staff, including filmmaker Oakley Fugate, have taken it upon themselves to document the community's recovery through a new project titled \"All Is Not Lost.\"
As the organization works to rebuild, it faces significant challenges in fundraising and securing a new location. The radio station has temporarily relocated to an RV, and theater productions are currently on hold. Despite these setbacks, the community's spirit remains strong, with efforts underway to preserve the archive. Data management company Iron Mountain has stepped in to assist, providing cold storage for over 9,000 recordings from Appleshop's collection to prevent further degradation.
The situation at Appleshop highlights a broader issue regarding the impact of climate change on cultural preservation. Jennifer Gramato from Iron Mountain emphasized that the floods not only affect the present but also threaten the memories and histories that connect communities to their past.
As Appleshop navigates this challenging period, its staff and supporters remain hopeful, drawing on the resilience that has characterized the Appalachian region for generations. The organization is committed to adapting and continuing its mission of cultural preservation, ensuring that the stories of the community endure despite the obstacles they face.
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