Uplifting the South

Available at Overmountain Press

325 W Walnut St
Johnson City, TN 37604

To purchase call: (423) 926-2691

Uplifting the South

Uplifting the South reveals the inspiring story of Mary Mildred Sullivan, shedding light on the world of women’s philanthropic work during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The narrative follows her Shenandoah valley family through civil war and peace during a period in American history unsurpassed for violence and change.


Late in life, Sullivan became an avid supporter of the Settlement School Movement in southern Appalachia. Her tireless fundraising efforts and leadership on behalf of The Southern Industrial Educational Association, Inc. helped to establish the first Appalachian crafts exhibits in the Northeast. See digital archive: Southern Industrial Educational Association, VtechWorks (2018)


With perseverance and a steadfast personality, Sullivan established the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation that has provided higher education to Appalachian students for over 100 years, the oldest foundation in American history.

Photographs from the Book - Uplifting The South

“IMs. Wilson has crafted an incredible story revolving around a most unusual woman. The narrative follows a Shenandoah Valley family through civil war and peace; it combines contemporary writings with Wilson’s sweeping prose. This is a most welcome addition to Appalachian history."

James I Robertson

Jr. Director, Virginia Center for Civil War Studies, Virginia Tech.

“Uplifting the South sheds great light on the world of Women’s philanthropic work in the U.S. during the 19th and 20th centuries. Wilson’s book should be of great interest to those in Appalachian studies, women’s studies, and Southern history."

Elizabeth C. Fine

Professor Chair, Department of interdisciplinary studies, Virginia Tech.