MEET DR. HELEN LEWIS     

In 2005 The Craddock Center board began an annual lecture to honor Dr. Helen Lewis focusing on some aspect of Appalachian life with the goal of preserving or improving our life together.

Helen Lewis is a native of Georgia educated at Georgia State College for Women (BA), Duke University, University of Virginia (MA), and University of Kentucky (PhD). After teaching and working in the Central Appalachian coalfields from 1955 to 1990, she chose to come back home to Georgia to live near her family in Fannin County. She was one of the founding members of the Appalachian Studies Association and is a great asset to this area and to The Craddock Center.

As a sociologist, anthropologist, and educator she has lit many a fire for justice in both students and community organizations. Her entire life has been dedicated to helping folks help themselves. She has written many articles and books including Mountain Sisters (University of Kentucky Press, 2003). A collection of her writings is currently in process also to be published by the University of Kentucky Press. She continues to teach, write, consult, and is a huge blessing to those of us who are her neighbors!

2012 Helen Lewis Lecture

Helen Lewis Appalachian Celebration March 31 at the Bonnie Higdon Reaves Auditorium at 125 School house Rd, Epworth, GA. Dr. Judith Jennings & Dr. Patricia Beaver, guest speakers, will discuss Lewis’ latest book, Helen Matthews Lewis: Living Social Justice in Appalachia. This book is a rich collection of Lewis’ writings and memories that document her life and work beginning in 1943 with her job on the yearbook staff at Georgia State College for Women with Mary Flannery O’Connor. The book provides a unique look into the life of one extraordinary woman, Dr. Helen Lewis. Make your plans now to come help celebrate the ways she has impacted lives for over sixty years. The event is free and begins at 7:00 pm with the Bennie Shook Family Band. There will be a Silent Auction beginning at 6:30 pm and a book signing at the end of the program.

Where is Epworth? As you come into Blue Ridge on Appalachian Hwy. 515 turn left onto Hwy. 5 at the McDonald’s light and continue 7 miles to Old Hwy. 5 at Abernathy Furniture. Turn left and immediately right onto Madola Road. In a little less than a mile, turn left to stay on Madola road and .1 miles turn right onto schoolhouse Road. We will have signs out to mark the way.