The Historical Association: Appalachia and the Hillbilly in the American Imagination

This online Branch lecture explores Anthony Harkins’ cultural history, Hillbilly: A Cultural History of an American Icon, and the way the “hillbilly” stereotype developed in the American imagination. The talk traces how this enduring and contested image emerged and changed over time, from the late nineteenth century onwards.

The lecture examines the stereotype across different forms of popular culture, including film, music and the internet, and considers why it has remained such a powerful idea. It is presented by Professor Tony Hawkins of Western Kentucky University, USA, and is suitable for anyone with an interest in history, culture and the making of public images and stereotypes.

As a Zoom event, it offers a convenient way to join the Historical Association’s Gloucestershire Branch from anywhere.