Stuart Foundation presents Appalachian history Saturday

ASHLAND -- Appalachian history and its influence on American history comes alive on Saturday as the Jesse Stuart Foundation presents two afternoon events.

One is a one-woman show about World War II persona Rosie the Riveter, and the other is a book-signing by one of the top contemporary authors writing about Appalachia.

Author Jeff Biggers will sign books from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Jesse Stuart Foundation, 1645 Winchester Ave.

A national award-winning author, Biggers will sign copies of his critically acclaimed book, "The United States of Appalachia: How Southern Mountaineers Brought Independence, Culture, and Enlightenment to America."

Biggers' background as an educator, radio correspondent and community organizer informs his award-winning stories that appear regularly on NPR, PRI and in many magazines and newspapers.

At 4 p.m. Saturday, the Foundation will host Angela Bartley's one-woman presentation on Rose Will Monroe, better known as Rosie The Riveter, 1920 to 1997. Bartley is a Russell High School graduate.

The drama is sponsored by the Kentucky Humanities Council.

Rosie the Riveter was World War II's best-known female icon, the home front equivalent of GI Joe. Rosie was the creation of songwriters and artists, but eventually found flesh-and-blood embodiment in actual riveters named Rose.

One of them, a native of Pulaski County, Ky., was Rose Will Monroe, who portrayed Rosie on film.

The program is free and open to the public.