The Stories Behind Rattlesnake Granny

People, Places, Pots, and Pans

Thursday, April 3, 7 pm

With Stephanie Gardner

In 2024, Stephanie Gardner introduced us to the world of Rattlesnake Granny: the mountainside of the Virginia Blue Ridge in the mid-1860s. Change was coming to this rattler-catching and snake-oil-selling young woman and her community. In Rattlesnake Granny Strikes Again, Gardner promises more laughter, tears, and rattling in post-Civil War Thornton Gap.

Inspired by historical facts and individuals, Gardner delivers two well-researched novels that bring mountain life into vivid detail. In her presentation, Gardner will share the stories behind the stories of her latest book. 

Stephanie Gardner lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. She grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina and has strong family roots in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. She holds degrees in history, public history, and library science. Stephanie works as a librarian, archivist, and museum curator. She has published two books on Rattlesnake Granny.

Rattlesnake Granny books are available online and in the Rocktown History bookstore. Book sales and signing will follow the in-person event.