Our Roots
The original Northern Appalachian Folk Festival was founded in 2013 by Indiana University of Pennsylvania professor and historian, Jim Dougherty. The son of a coal miner, NAFF began as an expression of his passion and interest in the history and contributions of this wholly unique American region. His goal was to celebrate all of the qualities of the areas that make up Northern Appalachia.
The Struggle For An American Way of Life: Coal Miners and Operators in Central Pennsylvania, 1919-1933
A documentary written and researched by Dr. James Dougherty as part of Manuscript Group 176 at the IUP Special Collections and University Archives at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Watch here.
Jim Dougherty, PhD
Founder/Director
NAFF incorporated as a charitable organization in Pennsylvania in 2018 and achieved federal 501(c)3 status in 2023.
Today, the Festival is one of the region's must-visit annual events and NAFF, Inc. provides the community with workshops, art exhibits, educational resources, and more all year long.
