Kelly St. Germain, founder of Appalachian Memory Keepers, has built a life around honoring the stories, traditions, and people of Appalachia. From his roots in Owensboro, Kentucky to his work in North Carolina, St. Germain’s journey reflects a deep commitment to cultural preservation and authentic storytelling. 

Originally drawn to economics and corporate marketing, St. Germain’s passion for history never faded. Inspired by his great-grandfather’s stories and his father’s love of local history, he eventually shifted focus. He earned a master’s degree in history and launched a career that blended media production with heritage work. 

In 2017, St. Germain founded Appalachian Memory Keepers, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Appalachian identity through film, photography, and oral history. What began as a side project on social media quickly grew into a thriving online community. Today, the organization reaches tens of thousands across platforms, offering what St. Germain calls “an online museum” of Appalachian life. 

His work challenges stereotypes and uplifts the voices often overlooked in mainstream portrayals of the region. “Appalachia is one of the last places in America it’s still okay to ridicule,” St. Germain said. “We’re here to change that.” Through documentaries, house tours, and community-sourced stories, he and his team spotlight the richness and resilience of Appalachian culture. 

St. Germain is especially proud of capturing stories that would otherwise be lost, such as interviews with elders, forgotten industries, and communities like Junaluska in Boone, North Carolina. His work is driven by service. “We serve future generations by preserving this and making it available to them,” he said. 

In a rapidly changing world, St. Germain’s mission is to ensure Appalachia’s legacy endures, one story at a time. 

Listen to more of St. Germain’s story on The Mountain Spirit podcast: https://www.wearecap.org/podcast