For days I have been thinking how to properly introduce myself to you in a newsletter. I was raised to believe that a good handshake made the best and most lasting impression on folks. Hopefully, in the near future, I will be able to meet you personally with a warm smile.

I was raised in Lee County, Virginia and lived most of my childhood on Lone Branch in the Flatwoods community. We lived approximately 2 minutes from the Hancock County, Tennessee state line, and Middlesboro, KY was about a 45 minute drive away. During the Holidays my parents would bring us to Johnson City to go shopping. So, I am very familiar with the region.

I knew from an early age that where I grew up was special. Hearing grandparents, aunts, and uncles tell stories that had been handed down over the years gave me a sense of belonging and attachment to our land. My aunt was interested in family genealogy and for a seventh grade history project she helped me compile a written collection of stories and along the way she fueled my obsession for genealogy as well.

When I went to Berea College in Berea, KY for undergrad, I thought I would be an agriculture major focusing on farming or landscaping. Since my father was a farmer and farming was about all I knew, I assumed that I should stick with what was familiar. My work study job placed me at the Appalachian Cultural Museum and after working there for a few months, like most freshmen, I changed my major to American History. Little did I know that my mind would get captivated by “The History of Appalachia” freshman level course I took. Then I enrolled in “Appalachian Music” as a Cultural Arts credit. “Politics and Institutions in Appalachia,” was the class that solidified the notion that I wanted to get my degree in Appalachian Studies even though there was not a Major for Appalachian Studies available. Try convincing the President of Academic Affairs that obtaining an Independent degree is the best thing for your career. It wasn’t easy for this 18 year old sophomore, but I did it.

While attending Appalachian State University to receive my Masters Degree, in Boone, NC, I was accepted to the internship program at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian. I’ll never forget my first day in DC. I took the metro into the city. As I stepped off the escalator onto the National Mall I looked to my right and saw the US Capital and to my left was the Washington Monument. I felt so small and nervous, but I also felt very blessed. Who would have thought that this farmer’s daughter would be working for the largest museum in the world? After my internship, I worked for the Museum of the American Indian for five more years. I loved the job, but I missed the mountains. Plus, the weather and the traffic in DC just did not suit me. About a year ago, my husband and I began searching for jobs in central Appalachia. As soon as I saw the announcement for this position I called the museum to make sure they were still accepting applications. My dream job would be combining my passion for Appalachian Studies with my love for museum work. I applied for the job without mentioning it to any of my family or close friends in the area. I didn’t want to get their hopes up, especially, my parents and aunts and uncles. In February I got the call from Interim Director, Anita Deangelis. She informed me that the floor was about to fall in, but “would you still like the job.” I was ecstatic. Within a month I was here at the Reece.

“How is the job now” you ask, five months after my first day? Well, come to the museum and ask me in person. I hope that your next experience at The Reece will be as delightful as I am happy. I look forward to sharing the next chapter of my life with you and The Reece. Please feel free to email or call anytime. I look forward to shaking your hand.

Warmest Regards -
Theresa Burchett-Anderson