As the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival approaches, the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library will host an evening dedicated to the stories, history and traditions that have helped shape Italian-American culture in West Virginia.

The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival’s Authors Forum will take place Tuesday, Sept. 1, on the first floor of the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The forum will bring together talented authors to share stories highlighting Italian, West Virginian and Italian-American culture, providing attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the people, experiences and traditions that have contributed to the state’s rich Italian heritage.

Betty Waddy, chairman of the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival said she is excited for the community to come out and experience these authors.

“The Authors Forum celebrates history and cultural preservation through storytelling. I’m very excited for the community to see what we have in store for them.”

With Clarksburg and North Central West Virginia having deep ties to Italian-American history, the forum offers another opportunity to recognize the generations of families who have helped shape the region while preserving their stories for generations to come.

The event is open to anyone with an interest in history, culture, literature, storytelling or Italian-American heritage. Refreshments will be provided by the Sons and Daughters of Italy in Morgantown.

James & Law and Laura Goff Davis are sponsoring the event, helping make the evening possible as part of the activities surrounding this year’s West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival.

Those unable to attend in person will still have an opportunity to participate. The Authors Forum will also be available virtually through Zoom.

The Zoom meeting ID is 861 0917 4166, and the passcode is 544247. Participants can join at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86109174166.

The Authors Forum provides just another way for residents and visitors to experience the heritage celebrated each year during the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival while learning more about the stories that continue to connect Italian-American families to Clarksburg, West Virginia and beyond. Click the photos below to read all about the authors who will be there.