Kathryn Newfont, Professor of History at Mars Hill University, will reflect on how collaborations such as the Madison County “Forever Free” project extension can shape our understanding not only of the Appalachian region’s complex past, but also of its multi-faceted present. Drew Reisinger’s efforts to unearth the history of chattel slavery in the public records under his care set a new standard for the nation. From the beginning Reisinger emphasized the importance of this historical work to the present-day citizens of Buncombe County, who elect the Register of Deeds. Now, in another Appalachian innovation, educators and students with Mars Hill University’s Public History Program have extended this remarkable effort into neighboring Madison County. Newfont will reflect on the potential this sort of work has for transforming our understanding of slavery in the southern mountain region and beyond. She will consider ways this collaboration and others like it can not only extend our grasp of the Appalachian region’s “Many Mountains” past, but also shapes our understandings of its complex “Many Mountains” present
