Heroes of Southern Appalachia

The Museum of Appalachia will hold its annual Heroes of Southern Appalachia event, and the 2025 award recipient will be Autry O.V. "Pete" DeBusk. The event, now in its fourth year, includes dinner and the awards ceremony and will be held on the grounds of the Museum of Appalachia. Each Heroes of Southern Appalachia award is presented to a person of Southern Appalachian heritage, who embodies the spirit of the region with characteristics of perseverance, fortitude, self-reliance and service. The accomplishments of each recipient have brought greater awareness and understanding of Appalachian culture.