We are a group of family researchers and mountain lore historians dedicated to tracing and recording our ancestors who lived and died in the foothills and mountains of the Blue Ridge, Balsams and the Great Smokies. Many of these sturdy pioneers spent their entire lives in these mountains, while some removed to other areas, leaving descendents who are now scattered throughout the world.

Our primary goal is to reunite these descendents through on-line group discussion and annual MountainKin reunions. We are also committed as a group to work together to protect and preserve the history of the mountains which we love so dearly.

One of the ways we are doing this is by publishing a series of books called "Voices of Our Mountain Kin." Volumes 1 and 2 are now available and stories are being collected for Volume 3. Go to http://www.easysite.com/mountainkin for more information about the books.

We would like to extend an invitation to anyone who has mountain heritage and a desire to know their ancestors to apply for membership in MountainKin.

Photo is of the 2009 Rosman NC Heritage Day, encampment of the 2nd SC Rifles re-enactors, Co. K, Berlin Owen explaining to the spectators about cooking over a campfire.