Southeastern Native Americans: Fact, Fiction, and Folklore: Paul Matheny

The Florence Indian Mound Museum is collaborating with the Alabama Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association to host a presentation series titled, “Southeastern Native Americans—Fact, Fiction, and Folktales.” The series will focus on different aspects of southeastern Native American history and culture. Presentations will be both in-person and recorded. Paul Matheny’s presentation was recorded on Sunday, January 8th, 2023, at 2:00 at the Florence Indian Mound Museum.

Commander Paul Matheny began his military career as a member of the United States Navy Reserve in 1981 and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Education Degree from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Science Degree in Business Management from Naval Post Graduate School.

Commander Matheny and his wife, Victoria, are natives of McMinnville, Tennessee. He has authored two books, “Gypsies, Beasts and Indian Chiefs” and “A River Rat Goes to Ayers Hall,” and is a frequent lecturer on the Trail of Tears and American Indian Culture. Both Paul and Victoria are members of the Alabama and Tennessee State Trail of Tears Associations. His interest in the Trail of Tears is based on his Great, Great, Great, Grandfather, James Campbell, who was part of the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma.