Wheeling Heritage to Host Book Discussion of ‘Wheeling’s Polonia’ with William Hal Gorby
WHEELING, W.Va. – June 24, 2021 – Wheeling Heritage will host a book discussion on Tuesday, June 29, at 6 p.m. at its conference room located on the second floor of the Wheeling Artisan Center. Author William Hal Gorby will discuss his latest book, “Wheeling’s Polonia: Reconstructing Polish Community in a West Virginia Steel Town.”
Wheeling’s Polonia weaves together stories of immigrating, working, and creating a distinctly Polish American community, or Polonia, in the heart of the upper Ohio Valley. The book addresses major topics in the history of the United States in the first half of the 20th century, while shifting from urban historians’ traditional focus on large cities to a case study in a smaller Appalachian setting.
Gorby currently serves as Teaching Associate Professor of History and Director of Undergraduate Studies at West Virginia University. He teaches courses on West Virginia, Appalachian, and American Immigration History, and is the 2020-21 recipient of the Eberly College’s Outstanding Teacher award and the University’s Nicholas Evans Excellence in Advising Award. He also received a History Hero Award from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History in 2020. In 2019, Gorby partnered with Wheeling Heritage Media to research, write and host a podcast titled “Henry: The Life and Times of Wheeling’s Most Notorious Brewer.”
Copies of “Wheeling’s Polonia” can be purchased online at artisancenter.com. Gorby’s book will also be available to purchase during the event from the Artisan Center Shop.
Wheeling Heritage hosts several exhibitions and events throughout the year that support the local arts community. As COVID restrictions continue to ease, the organization is looking forward to hosting more in-person events featuring the works of local artists and creators. To learn more about this event, visit wheelingheritage.org/events.
About Wheeling Heritage:
Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.
