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“Water come down.” Those were the first words of writer, teacher, environmentalist, and historian Wilma Dykeman and a precursor to a life spent near her beloved French Broad River. Shannon Hitchcock will read from and discuss her new children’s book, Of Words & Water: The Wilma Dykeman Story (illustrated by Sophie Page), which brings the story of this remarkable woman to life. She will be joined by Wilma’s son, Jim Stokely, who is President of the nonprofit Wilma Dykeman Legacy. The conversation will include a look at Hitchcock’s research and Dykeman’s lifetime of advocacy and education as well as her connections to Berea College, University of Tennessee, the Knoxville News-Sentinel, and more.About the speakers
Shannon Hitchcock is the author of several books for children and young readers, including her storyteller series: Saving Granddaddy’s Stories, about Ray Hicks; She Sang for the Mountains, about Jean Ritchie; Story Quilts; and now Of Words & Water. She lives in Western North Carolina where she can see the mountains every day.
Jim Stokely: In addition to work writing for the National Park Service and 25 years as Human Resources consultant and director, Jim Stokely served as director of a major National Endowment for the Humanities project called “An Appalachian Experience.” He serves as President and Treasurer of the Wilma Dykeman Legacy and has written and edited numerous books.
Lectures are free and open to the public. In-person at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S Gay Street or online on Facebook Live. Guests are invited to bring a “Brown Bag” lunch.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
601 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN, United States, Tennessee 37902
