The Western North Carolina Historical Association presents the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award Thursday, December 9 from 6:30-8:00PM via Zoom.

Originated by the Louis Lipinsky family and now supported by the Ruth Siegel and Jacques Sartisky Foundation and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Board, WNCHA has presented the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award annually for printed works that focus special attention on Western North Carolina since 1955 when Wilma Dykeman was presented the award for The French Broad. 

The December 9, 2021 award ceremony will celebrate the five finalists for the 2021 award with readings and remarks by each author.

This year’s finalists were chosen from an original group of 40 nominations. The finalists, listed below, encompass a broad range of genres and forms.

Mary Othella Burnette, Lige of the Black Walnut Tree: Growing Up Black in Southern Appalachia

Wayne Caldwell, Woodsmoke

Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, Even As We Breath: A Novel

Vicki Lane, And the Crows Took Their Eyes

Matthew Wimberley, All the Great Territories

Tickets: This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required and a Zoom link will be emailed to attendees. If you are able, please consider making a donation with your registration. Donations are placed into a community fund and help us offer tickets to other events at no-cost for those who would be otherwise unable to attend.

For questions, please email Trevor Freeman at education@wnchistory.org