Participation Type
Paper
Presentation #1 Title
"Go fetch Granny”: the unique role of the Appalachian granny-woman in the practice of healing, cultural continuity and folk magic.”
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
This presentation will explore the cultural role and social evolution of the Appalachian “Granny woman” or “Granny witch." We will be examining how these individuals became acknowledged sources of spiritual power in their roles as midwife, healer and magical practitioner. These spiritual healers, advisors and often socially powerful figures developed historically from the culture of the Cunning man/woman of the British Isles. The "Granny woman" tradition eventually incorporated beliefs and practices from Native Americans, German immigrants and African Americans in the rural Southeastern Mountains, resulting in a unique American hybrid folk tradition.
This presentation is the result of extended fieldwork interviews and academic research in a university setting. The goal of the presentation is to provide an enhanced understanding of these often overlooked individuals and their role in Appalachian culture.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Presenter Bio:
Jack G. Montgomery, jr, originally from South Carolina is a Professor, and Coordinator of Acquisitions and Collection Services, at Western Kentucky University Libraries. He earned his B.A. from the University of South Carolina in 1976 and his MLS at the University of Maryland–College Park in 1987. Since 1987, Jack has worked as a law librarian in Virginia, Ohio, Missouri and as an academic librarian in Kentucky.
Jack Montgomery has been a professional speaker since 1989 and conducts professional seminars on conflict and change management as well as Emotional Intelligence to library groups nationwide.
In addition, Jack has studied world religions academically and personally since the early 1970s and is an amateur folklorist. His book, American Shamans: Journeys with Traditional Healers, was published in 2008 by BUSCA Press. Jack regularly gives workshops at various universities, festivals and other events about traditional healers and about the various aspects of American folk magic.
"Go fetch Granny”: the unique role of the Appalachian granny-woman in the practice of healing, cultural continuity and folk magic.”
This presentation will explore the cultural role and social evolution of the Appalachian “Granny woman” or “Granny witch." We will be examining how these individuals became acknowledged sources of spiritual power in their roles as midwife, healer and magical practitioner. These spiritual healers, advisors and often socially powerful figures developed historically from the culture of the Cunning man/woman of the British Isles. The "Granny woman" tradition eventually incorporated beliefs and practices from Native Americans, German immigrants and African Americans in the rural Southeastern Mountains, resulting in a unique American hybrid folk tradition.
This presentation is the result of extended fieldwork interviews and academic research in a university setting. The goal of the presentation is to provide an enhanced understanding of these often overlooked individuals and their role in Appalachian culture.
