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Happy Trails To A.T. Hall Of Famer Bill Kemsley

6/17/2026

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PictureBill Kemsley, 1928 - 2026, photo credit Taos News
We're sad to report that Bill Kemsley, a member of our Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame, has passed away at age 98.

Known to many as “Backpacker Bill,” Kemsley founded Backpacker magazine in 1973 and later co-founded the American Hiking Society in 1976. He was a leading advocate for the Appalachian Trail, helping build public support for legislation that secured federal funding and land acquisition to protect and complete the iconic trail. In 2018, he was inducted into the A.T. Hall of Fame for his contributions to trail advocacy and conservation.

Bill's book, "One Step At A Time" is available for purchase at the Museum and HERE at our online store.

Thanks to the Taos News for information used in this article, as well as the accompanying photo.

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Schedule For The 2026 A.T. Arts & Culture Festival, June 20

6/11/2026

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2026 A.T. ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL
presented by Earl Shaffer Foundation & Appalachian Trail Museum

10 AM-10:15 AM        Welcome Bill O’Brien A.T. Museum President and Sanna Larsen Bagby of Earl Shaffer Foundation
                                    What’s New at the Museum Julie Queen, A.T. Museum Manager
                                    Today’s Schedule Gwen Loose, AT Museum Vice-president
 
10:15 AM-11:15 AM   Meet these A.T. Authors
Craig A. Eckert: Rocks, Roots and Rattlesnakes A Geologist’s Journal: 150 Days of Discovery on the Appalachian Trail
Kip Redick: American Camino: Walking as Spiritual Practice on the Appalachian Trail 
Craig Barnhart and Nancy Stawitz: Appalachian Trail Dog Extraordinaire! A trail adventure from the viewpoint of a dog
 
11:15 AM-11:30 AM     Break
 
11:30 AM-12:30 PM   “Make It Yourself” Trail Gear
Nancy Barnhart and Sanna Bagby begin a discussion about making your own trail gear. Others are then invited to share their unique trail gear.
 
12:30 PM-1:30 PM      Picnic Lunch Courtesy of the Earl Shaffer Foundation
                                    Music by Shine Delphi
Shine Delphi travels this world with a resonator guitar and a few words to share. Born in Pennsylvania, raised in California, and rebirthed in the crescent city of New Orleans. Shine is a performer that will leave you feeling good and wanting more. From his technical ability on the guitar to his simple yet touching lyrics, he is an act that spans many genres and all ages. He has opened for such bands as The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, and The Tony Rice Unit just to name a few. 
 
1:30 PM—2:30 PM     Open Mic Readings from books or trail journals, poetry, songs
The Blue Blazes leads us in a sing-along of some of Earl Shaffer’s original songs. Others are then invited to share to share their creative works.
 
2:30 PM-3:30 PM        Artists Inspired by Mountain Flora & Fauna
Janette Musser-Toth and Nancy Stawitz Barnhart share their artwork inspired by nature.
Janette is an impressionist painter, originally from the Pittsburgh area, who has been a professional artist for over 40 years in various fields including theatre.
Nancy is an artist, designer, deep thinker, and lover of the Natural World, born in Florida, raised in Puerto Rico, lived the majority of her life in south central Pennsylvania as a professional dinnerware designer and then massage therapist.
                                               
3: 30 PM     Closing Remarks Sanna Larsen Bagby of Earl Shaffer Foundation and Bill O’Brien A.T. Museum President
                                               
4:00 PM-4:45 PM       CONCERT & HAPPY HOUR  Music by Cumberland Honey Duo. Mocktails by Lisa Kovatch.
Please join us on the A.T. Museum lawn for a musical treat, herbal refreshments, and socializing.
Museum will remain open until 5:00 PM.                                  
Hailing from the heart of Cumberland County, PA, Cumberland Honey Duo brings sweet harmonies with folk and soul influences and a taste of bluegrass. Their original songs weave stories of life and love with heartfelt harmonies that feel like home.
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