Melungeon event this weekend in southeastern Kentucky

By ROBERT BAIRD,

June 19, 2003

"Both long-time Melungeon researchers and individuals just starting to explore their family roots will find something of interest during this weekend's Melungeon conference, Wayne Winkler says."

Fourth Union Melungeon event next week in Kingsport

By ROBERT BAIRD

June 13, 2002


"Results from a comprehensive genetics study to be unveiled next Thursday could shed some light on the origins of Melungeons. But the findings could be controversial and are likely to spark new debate."

Fourth Union Melungeon Gathering schedule of events

Coalfield Progress

June 13, 2002


"All Fourth Union events will be held at Memorial Park along Fort Henry Drive in Kingsport, Tenn."

Melungeon DNA study results unveiled, more to come today

Coalfield Progress

June 20, 2002

"Results of a two-year DNA study have confirmed some long-held beliefs about Melungeon ancestry but also contain some surprises that will be studied and debated by historians and researchers for years to come."

Fourth Union Melungeon Gathering begins today

By ROBERT BAIRD

June 20, 2002

"Fourth Union: A Melungeon Gathering kicks off today in Kingsport, Tenn., and lasts through Saturday. All Fourth Union events will be held at Memorial Park in Kingsport. The park is located along Fort Henry Drive across from Dobbyns Bennett High School and J. Fred Johnson stadium."

UVa-Wise biologist unveils Melungeon genetics study

By ROBERT BAIRD

June 25, 2002

"KINGSPORT, Tenn. - Melungeons are a genetically diverse group of people who can trace their origins to the Middle East, India and the Mediterranean region. And DNA results unveiled last week confirmed Melungeons have European, African, African-American and Native American ancestry. "If anyone has ever said, 'you inbred Melungeon,' they are wrong," Kevin Jones told about 250 people attending a Thursday press conference held here during Fourth Union: A Melungeon Gathering. A University of Virginia's College at Wise biologist who teaches cell biology and genetics, Jones conducted a recently completed two-year study of Melungeon DNA."

Association chief highlights Melungeon gathering successes

By ROBERT BAIRD

July 09, 2002

"Association chief highlights Melungeon gathering successes
A recent Melungeon gathering featured interesting presentations on a variety of topics, but the event also provided an opportunity for people to come together, explore their ancestry and make new friends."

Melungeon history focus during Saturday event in east Tennessee

By ROBERT BAIRD,

June 19, 2001

"A one-day event this coming Saturday will focus on Melungeon history and its ties to the Newman's Ridge area of East Tennessee. The June 23 meeting will be held in the Vardy community of Hancock County, Tenn. Vardy is about a 60- to 90-minute drive from Wise County."

Interest grows in Melungeon heritage, culture

By ROBERT BAIRD, Coalfield Progress

February 15, 2000

"The Internet has made possible what seemed impossible years ago - widespread distribution of and discussion about books, videos and articles concerning Melungeon heritage."

Third Union Melungeon gathering events scheduled

By ROBERT BAIRD, Coalfield Progress Staff

May 04, 2000

"Nazi persecution of gypsies. Mediterranean people living in America before Columbus' arrival. Cherokee Indians in Southwest Virginia. Traditional Turkish music. A scavenger hunt for kids."

Third Union Melungeon events begin Thursday

By ROBERT BAIRD, Coalfield Progress Staff

May 18, 2000


"A four-day celebration of Melungeon heritage, culture, and history begins this morning on the University of Virginia's College at Wise campus."

Debate on Melungeon gene pool remains alive, well

By JEFF LESTER, Coalfield Progress

May 23, 2000

"WISE - Researchers continue to dispute the specifics of bloodline when asked, "What is a Melungeon?" But a panel of area authorities on recent Melungeon research agreed Friday on one point - in central Appalachia, the word applies to just about anyone who could pass for Caucasian but isn't."

Professor discusses Melungeon ties to Carolinas

By ROBERT BAIRD, Coalfield Progress Staff Writer May 25, 2000

"WISE - Indian trading and hunting trails that stretched hundreds of miles from the east coast to Tennessee and Virginia provided a logical route for migrating Melungeons, a professor says."