A.T.rail Of History

Mills Kelly describes himself as an historian, podcaster, backpacker, photographer, and author. He's had a long and distinguished career. He is a (now retired) professor of history at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. He's also had a long history with the Appalachian Trail. While at GMU, he hosted an excellent podcast on the A.T., The Green Tunnel. A link to this podcast can be found below. He is the Historian of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Mills is one of the A.T.'s...

Ed Riggs interviews Jim Foster. Jim is the Chair of the Museum's Hall of Fame selection committee. Jim talks about how and why the Hall of Fame was started and the 2026 Hall of Fame Class. They also discuss the 2026 Hall of Fame Banquet, to be held on November 8 at the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, WV. Follow THIS LINK for complete information on the Banquet and to purchase tickets.

Cinda Waldbuesser recently took time to talk with us. She joined Appalachian Trail Conservancy as President and CEO in January, 2026. We talked about what attracted her to this position, her experience in the conservation sector and her plans for ATC. Cinda Merrill Waldbuesser is an accomplished conservation and public-sector executive with more than two decades of leadership experience spanning the National Park Service (NPS) and the nonprofit sector. She is recognized for her strategic acum...

Bill O'Brien, President of the Museum, is also active in ALDHA, the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association. ALDHA's annual meeting is called The Gathering. In 2026, The Gathering will be held on Columbus Day - Indigenous Peoples Weekend at Gettysburg College, close to the Museum. Bill is one of the Coordinators of the 2026 Gathering. He tells us about the origins and mission of ALDHA, as well as some highlights of this year's event.

Bill O'Brien became the new President of the A.T Museum earlier this year. But, Bill's association with the Trail and the Museum goes back many decades. Bill talks about first learning about the Trail, his two thru-hikes, the many Trail icons he has met over the years and his plans for the Museum.