Filmmaker Willy Bearden to speak at Union Co. Historical Society Annual Meeting

 

 

 

The 35th Annual Meeting of the Union County Historical Society is Friday, June 5, 2026, 11:30 – 1 at the First Methodist Church on Bankhead Street, New Albany. The luncheon is free to members of the society. Guests must RSVP by Tuesday, June 2 by calling 662-538-0014 or emailing uchm@ucheritagemuseum.com.

The guest speaker is author and filmmaker Willy Bearden of Memphis. His topic is Creativity and Preservation. Bearden, a native of Rolling fork, MS, grew up working in the Joy Theater there where he got to go to the movies for free. This influenced his life in such a way that he has been making movies for decades.

Bearden’s documentaries range from Visualizing the Blues, The Story of Cotton, A History of Memphis Garage Bands, Elmwood Cemetery, Horn Island to the culture of cigar smoking, where he flew to the Dominican Republic to shoot the film. Bearden hosts a radio program called Songs that Move You with guests from across the Mid South sharing the music that inspires them and their communities.

His books, documentaries and podcasts testify to his storytelling abilities. Come and hear him. Join the members of the society on June 5 to learn more about Bearden’s creative genius and see what he is doing locally for his current project.

For non members who would like to attend, the cost is $20. Guests must RSVP by Tuesday, June 2 by calling 662-538-0014 or emailing uchm@ucheritagemuseum.com.

Jill N. Smith
Director
Union County Heritage Museum & Faulkner Garden
114 Cleveland St.
New Albany, MS 38652
662-538-0014

“The past is never dead. It isn’t even past.” William Faulkner, “Requieum for a Nun”