Folklorist Milnes stewards WV’s living heritage, keeping our past alive for generations

By: Paula Kaufman

Outlets: West Virginia Watch

Published: June 2, 2026

Words: 658

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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My neighbor Gerry Milnes turns 80 this year. Like so many elders in Elkins, his mind is sharp as a tack. Hands agile.

Around Elkins, most know him as a musician, teacher, grandfather, and historian. When my computer autocorrected “musician” to “magician,” I laughed—it wasn’t entirely wrong. He’s a renaissance man. A folklorist and “folk-keeper.” He preserves what time might forget.

West Virginia is known for being lampooned and made fun of. Extracted for …

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