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Webcasts on Appalachian People and their Stories.

Documenting Appalachia one story at a time.  Each Webcast we introduce you to a special guest as they unravel what Appalachia means to them.  

It could be their work, their family, their home, or their heritage.  Appalachia is our heart and soul and it is our passion to document it one guest at a time.   

Our goal is to change the narrative about Appalachia one story at a time.  Join Us!

Current Webcasts

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The Stories and Traditions of Appalachian Women

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Food Stereotypes and Appalachian's Culturally Diverse Foods

 Click Here

Visit Ireland, WV

Home of Irish Road Bowling & Fried Potato Contest

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Just the Facts

on the Environmental Impact of the Train Derailment in E. Palestine, OH

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When was their last pay raise?

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Nurses in Appalachia Kentucky

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Is Freemasonry a secret society?

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New Web Location

Upcoming Webcasts

April 6th, 2023

On YouTube

April 18th, 2023

On YouTube

April 21st, 2023

On YouTube

Mining In Appalachia

Topics to include:


April 27th, 2023


May 2023

May 4th 2023

May 18th, 2023

Professional Genealogy Services

We provide Professional Genealogical Services on a case-by-case basis.   Contact us for details.

Our Professional Genealogical Services provide accurate and detailed reports on Your Ancestors, Your Quests, Your Brick Walls.  We excel in researching Unknown Parentage/Adoption using DNA Research and US Based Research.

We provide an Ancestor History to our guests to complete their story.

Sandy Patak - Webcaster

Appalachia.   When the word comes up in conversation with those not from Appalachia, I usually get asked if that is "The Trail".   No.  Most of the time, I also get asked if Appalachia is a real place or just a distinction of where Hillbillies come from (as if to say that Hillbillies are some mythical creature similar to how Fairies are defined in Scotland).  Yes.  Appalachia is a real "place".   Yes, there are Hillbillies too.

I started Ancestry Roads a long time ago as the place for my Professional Genealogical business.   During 2019, two things became quite evident:  Professional Genealogy is slowly winding down to the "Ancestry Arm Chair Genealogists" and at the same time Appalachia is under attack from the Media, Hollywood, Politicians, and even Professional Genealogists.  I could not stand by and let Appalachia continue to be attacked.

So, in 2022, I made the decision to close the Professional Genealogy part of my business (except for Adoption Angels which I will always do) and focus on something so dear to me:  Appalachia and Appalachians.   I want to Change the Narrative of Appalachia and Appalachians by sharing their stories, one at a time.

 The birth of the Ancestry Roads Webcast.  

All of our guests are never paid to appear on the Webcast.