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NEWS BRIEFS
WV State Parks hosting summer interpretative programs
CHARLESTON — American Indian and European cultures fought six wars westward of the Allegheny Mountains in what later became the Mountain State of West Virginia. The men and women involved in the 18th-century cycles of war and peace shaped the future of Trans-Allegheny culture. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park near Parkersburg is the setting for the first of three summer interpretative programs titled “Trans-Allegheny Clash of Cultures,” sponsored by West Virginia State Parks.
“Our cultural forebears will come alive again on Blennerhassett Island July 4,” according to Park Superintendent Donna Smith. The second event is at Hawks Nest State Park July 18 and the third at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park Aug. 29.
Doug Wood and Trails, Inc. will present a living history program that engages park guests with life of the 18th century. Blennerhassett Island, the first in the series of "Trans-Allegheny Clash of Cultures" presentations, will focus on the Revolutionary War in order to complement the "Ringing of the Bell" program at 2 p.m., also to be held this day on the island.
Six living history presenters will tell several "sides" to the story of American Independence from Great Britain. A Tory explains his loyalty to Great Britain. A Delaware assures his alliance to American patriots. A Shawnee relates his Nation's division over the war. A Virginian captive explains his perception of the war. A young Virginian woman tells her perspective. An Indian woman bemoans the erosion of female power during the war.
“These historical perspectives on the impacts of the struggle for American Independence on 18th century Ohio Valley cultures are not often explored,” says Doug Wood, lead interpreter from Trails, Inc. “Blennerhassett Island provides the perfect backdrop for this exciting and educational event. Island visitors will encounter living history characters through the day and learn first hand about this era.”
There is no set time schedule for the program, as visitors will encounter the interpreters throughout the day from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend any part of this program. Boarding of The Island Belle sternwheeler is at Civitan Park in Belpre, Ohio, this summer, with ticket purchase on the island. Visit www.blennerhassettislandstateparks.com for directions and additional island information.
For more information about the State Parks Calendar of Events and Activities, go online to www.wvstateparks.com or phone 800 CALL WVA and ask for the specific park or forest.
About each “Trans-Allegheny Clash of Cultures” presentation
Blennerhassett Island Schedule: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Living history characters will meet and engage island visitors throughout the day. There is no set schedule but be prepared to encounter various characters.
Hawks Nest Schedule: July 18. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – War camp open to the public. Visit with historical characters who traveled the New River war paths. Characters will include a prisoner in a war camp, an Indian warrior, Mary Ingles, and Cherokee war leader Man Killer Ostenaco (portrayed by Doug Wood).
Droop Mountain Schedule: August 29. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – War camp open to the public. Visit with historical characters who traveled the Seneca Trail. Characters will include a prisoner in a war camp, an Indian warrior, Cherokee war leader Man Killer Ostenaco (portrayed by Doug Wood), and Koleshqua, the Cornstalk Warrior (a History Alive! Presentation of the West Virginia Humanities Council, portrayed by Dan Cutler).
