The Museum of Appalachia will host a public celebration of the life founder John Rice Irwin who passed Jan. 16, 2022, at the age of 91. The celebration will begin with a brief reception, followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Many of the beloved founder’s friends, including John Alvis, Sam Venable and Lamar Alexander, will share personal stories in honor of his memory, as will his family. Musicians also will perform Irwin’s favorite songs. Founded in 1969, the museum is now a nonprofit organization and a Smithsonian Affiliate museum.