You might enjoy a book called
Lest We Forget, The Melungeon Colony of Newman’s Ridge. This book explores some theories of the origins of the Melungeons, a mountain people of the Southern Appalachians. In exploring those theories, the book examines evidence of many finds of this kind. The author acknowledges that most academics don't trust finds that aren't made by academics. As a result, few of these finds are given as much credance as they may deserve. In any case, they are fascinating reading.
The link goes to a book review that I wrote, and the review links to an essay on the Melungeons.
WFTR
Bill