Articles 

Riflemen of the Cumberland
By Mel Hankla
There are no words to properly express the excitement I felt that early spring day 
in 1984. My friend and mentor, North Carolinian Earl Lanning, was taking me to 
Danville, Kentucky, to introduce me to his dear friend and mentor, Clemens Caldwell, a well-known historian and collector of early frontier artifacts. I was not prepared for the life-changing experience of handling several of America’s finest Kentucky Rifles. I had studied the books of Joe Kindig and Dr. George Shumway and was familiar with most of Clem’s rifles, but one in particular took my breath. It was different from the rest; long, slim, architecturally bold, its dramatically tapered and flared barrel was a full four feet long. Its condition was “like new” and was obviously made by a gifted craftsman, a true artist. Rolling it over in my lap, the graceful signature of its maker, Jacob Young, came into view.
Jim Kibler: Diverse Artistry in the Longrifle Culture
By: Mel S. Hankla
Muzzleloader January/February 2014

Jim Kibler is an artist, a professional gunmaker, whose existing work covers the full spectrum of these three classified styles. However, his personal working philosophy is that historical correctness is subordinate and will not be allowed to stand in the way of artistic design. Jim was born March 20th, 1975. He grew up in the small town of Hanoverton, Ohio, and currently lives just outside of town. For 12 years he was a professional Metallurgical Engineer, earning a Bachelor of Science degree at Ohio State University in 1997. While in his teens, his father collected a late period (1875) percussion rifle made by Hanoverton, Columbiana County, Ohio gunsmith William Johnson. Jim was quite taken with this little rifle and it created great interest and  provoked much intrigue.
John C. Ennis III: Talent, Versatility, Excellence
By: Mel S. Hankla
Muzzleloader September/October 2014 

Michelangelo said, “Art is an idea,”and today there are relatively few “new ideas” found on contemporary rifles. BUT... this is surely not so in the work of John Ennis. As you peruse these pages filled with examples of John’s work, you will notice his faithful execution on the “documentary” pieces; but also notice that on the longrifles most all of the decorative designs have come from the belly of imagination. Many would call these “fantasy guns,” a somewhat new term most often used in conjunction with very elaborate rifles. These works of art are a mix between “interpretation” and the “new school” classifications of contemporary rifles. They stand as proof that that the American Longrifle is still evolving. These so called fantasy guns are a continuum of an art form that goes back for generations and are artistic expressions built on architectural foundations laid long ago. They are contemporary: “of the present time; modern.”
Filmmaker focuses his lens on emancipationist Cassius Clay 
By Jennifer Hewlett April , 2011

He fought slavery, was instrumental in the United States' purchase of Alaska, was a founder of the Republican Party and donated the land on which Berea College was built. He was famous for his expertise in using a Bowie knife, and his life was filled with duels, scandal and mystery. And now a documentary intended to give Kentuckian Cassius Marcellus Clay his due is in the works.
The Long Rifleman 
Louisville-Thruston Chapter
Kentucky Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, March 2011 Newsletter

Compatriat Mel Hankla was the featured speaker and gave an excellent talk entitled, "The Kentucky Rifle, - America's Exallibur." He discussed the evolution of the long rifle in America and different theories on their development. 
Across the Woods with Kentucky's "Humble" Gunsmiths
By Mel Hankla, Winter 2009

Until recently, the name Conrad Humble was not associated with the Kentucky rifle; however, his younger brother, Michael is well documented and considered among the earliest gunsmiths in the Kentucky region. He established a gunshop at the “Falls of the Ohio” (now Louisville) as early as 1777 but only rumors of rifles signed by him have existed. In 2001, the first known rifle signed by elder brother Conrad Humble surfaced, and in 2007, after many years of searching, a rifle by Michael Humble was discovered. These two rifles have confirmed that fine rifles were indeed being produced in the Kentucky region during the 18th century. 
A Long Tradition
By Sean Patrick Hill 
February 20, 2013

More than anything else, the Industrial Revolution destroyed much of the longrifle-making tradition. The practice of the master handing down the skills to an apprentice nearly vanished by the late 1800s. In a culture where the purpose of making things is so intertwined with money, it’s little wonder such crafts are vanishing. Though there are numerous builders in the contemporary longrifle culture, they don’t number in the thousands. Sometimes the craft has been made more visible, as when Hershel House taught Mel Hankla (now a devoted craftsman and preeminent longrifle historian) under the auspices of a National Endowment for the Arts folk art grant, but more likely than not, the general public is largely unaware of the artistic endeavors going on not only in the backwoods of Kentucky, but also in its urban areas.   
Preserving American Tradition
By Mel Hankla

Hershel, Frank, and John House are the progenitors of what has become known as the "Woodbury School" in today's contemporary longrifle culture. Named for the small Kentucky river town in which they grew up, products made by this group of individuals ingenuously express their personalities, artistic talents, and way of life.
Tom Eblen: A historic icon, Kentucky long rifle increasingly seen as work of art, too

The Kentucky long rifle has been an icon for two centuries, thanks in part to the myth and folklore that grew up around the taming of America's early Western frontier.

But recently, the best surviving examples of these weapons have been attracting attention for another reason: They are impressive works of art and craftsmanship.
The Folky Artist
By Mel Hankla

This grouping of 18th century American powder horns is easily recognized to all be created by one hand. After more than 15 years of dedicated study there is no indication as to whom this maker was, nor where he was from. Early Americana and powder horn expert Walter O’Connor has labeled this 18th century craftsman, the “Folky Artist”.
Jack T. Haugh ~ Fit & Finish to the Highest Degree 
By Mel Hankla 

In 1976, Jack Haugh became a household name in the muzzleloading world when he along with John Bivins, assisted by Monte Mandarino and Mark Silver, produced a much publicized series of longrifles in honor and celebration of the bi-centennial of America’s independence. The odd numbered rifles were signed by Bivins and the even numbers by Haugh, and were accompanying with engraved powder horns by Tom White. These Pennsylvania styled rifles are highly sought by contemporary longrifle collectors today. 
Hershel House and his Woodbury School
By Mel Hankla

Hershel Carmen House was born July 4, 1941 and needs no introduction to these pages. His work has been nationally known for the better part of four decades. Hershel and his younger brothers Frank and John are the progenitors of what is known as the "Woodbury School" in today's contemporary longrifle society. Named for the small Kentucky town on the banks of the Green river in which they grew up. Products made by this family ingenuously express their personalities, exhibit varied artistic talents, and reveal a genuine way of life that has significantly influenced many aspects and countless members of today's contemporary longrifle culture.
Frank and Lally House: Artistry in Unison
By Mel Hankla

Frank and Lally House are well known in today's contemporary longrifle culture. Each an artisan in their own right, their names are usually spoken together and their unique conceptual art is treasured by collectors internationally. Lally creates embroidered pieces inspired by traditional Native American designs using naturally dyed porcupine quills and moose hair. Frank is a renowned gunmaker, blacksmith, and horn worker who was influenced by his brother Hershel House, the progenitor of the Woodbury school of contemporary longrifles.
The Battle of Kings Mountain
By Mel S. Hankla
Fall 2005

Many historians consider the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780 to be the turning
point in America's War for Independence. The victory of rebelling American Patriots over British Loyalist troops completely destroyed the left wing of Cornwallis' army. This decisive battle successfully ended the British invasion into North Carolina and forced Lord Cornwallis to retreat from Charlotte into South Carolina to wait for reinforcements. This triumphant victory of the Overmountain Men allowed General Nathanael Greene the opportunity to reorganize the American Army.