You’re invited to West Virginia Day at the West Virginia Humanities Council on Friday, July 20, 2025!
Hosted at 1310 Kanawha Blvd. E. Charleston, WV 25301 from 2-4pm. Free to the public.

Join us for tours of the historic MacFarland-Hubbard House, live music from Kanawha County musicians Dan Carney and Robin Kessinger, and special storytelling performances featuring renowned Kanawha County storytellers Bill Hairston and Bil Lepp.

Bill Hairston and Bil Lepp are both recipients of the Vandalia Award, West Virginia’s highest honor in folklife presented by the State of West Virginia. Likewise, Bill and Bil have both participated in our West Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program! Don’t miss this gathering of incredible and accomplished West Virginia storytellers.

Bill Hairston is a pastor, a founding member of the West Virginia Storytelling Guild, a member of the National Association of Black Storytellers, and the president of the Kentucky Storytelling Association. His stories center on his life and experiences growing up as a Black man in West Virginia. He is currently mentoring his apprentice, musician and storyteller Aristotle Jones.

Bil Lepp is an author and five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars’ Contest. He is the first West Virginian to be featured at the National Storytelling Festival. In 2022, he mentored James Froemel in a storytelling apprenticeship. His humorous stories aim to teach audiences about Appalachian people and experiences.

Throughout the afternoon, come listen to Kanawha County musicians, fiddler Dan Carney of the Charleston Rogues and nationally-acclaimed flatpicking guitarist Robin Kessinger. Robin carries on traditional old-time music of West Virginia inspired by his dad Bob Kessinger and great-uncle Clark Kessinger.

The West Virginia Humanities Council depends on our supporters now more than ever. As we raise funds to ensure our programs and grants can continue, please consider making a donation today. Thank you!