All Things Appalachia — Funerary Practices in Appalachia

Appalachian Funerary Practices

with Dr. Rodger Payne

Thursday, August 1

6-7 pm

Rogow Room, Transylvania County Library

The program will give an overview of funerary practices as an important part of human culture and spirituality before delving into the unique practices among the people of the Southern Appalachian region and their religious and cultural context.

Dr. Rodger Payne is a native of western North Carolina who came to UNC Asheville having served on the faculties of Hampden-Sydney College, the University of Virginia, and Louisiana State University, where he chaired the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies. He returned to the western NC area in 2007 to become the first faculty member of what is now the Department of Religious Studies at UNC Asheville.

Dr. Payne has authored numerous publications on religion, including “Southern Crossroads: Perspectives on Religion and Culture” (2008). He has been recognized with a Distinguished Faculty Teaching award in 2020 and is known for his humorous and engaging style balanced by a willingness to explore in-depth and complex topics.

This program is part of the All Things Appalachia speaker series, a monthly program series at the Transylvania County Library exploring the people, natural world, culture, and history of the southern Appalachian region. Presenters include experts in the fields of history, ecology, outdoor recreation, and more. The programs are on the first Thursday evening of most months at 6 pm in the Rogow Room.  Each program lasts approximately one hour. These free programs are supported by the Friends of the Library.