BRISTOL, Va.-Tenn. (Oct. 9, 2025) – The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is thrilled to announce a spooky Speaker Session with celebrated local author and journalist Joe Tennis, taking place on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. ET. The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is encouraged as seating is limited and demand is expected to be high.
“We are excited to welcome Joe Tennis to the museum for what promises to be a fascinating evening of storytelling and local lore,” said Museum Director Dr. Rene Rodgers. “His historical research into local hauntings makes for some exciting tales for the Halloween season.”
Joe Tennis is known for his deep dives into the history, folklore, and ghost tales of Appalachia and beyond. The author has 11 books to his name, including “Haunted Highlands,” “The Marble and Other Ghost Tales of Tennessee and Virginia,” “Haunts of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands,” and “The Ghostly Tales of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands.” He brings a rich blend of fact and folklore to his work, offering audiences an entertaining, thought-provoking, and sometimes humorous, journey through the region’s haunted past. Tennis will have copies of his books available at the museum for purchase and will gladly sign them for attendees.
Tennis’ writing and photography have been featured in major regional outlets such as Blue Ridge Country, Bristol Herald Courier, Kingsport Times-News, The Appalachian Voice, The Virginian-Pilot, and The Roanoke Times. A gifted speaker, Tennis has captivated audiences from Kentucky to Virginia Beach.
To register for free to attend the Speaker Session in person, visit the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org. The program will also stream live on Radio Bristol’s YouTube channel.