History of Archeology at Harpers Ferry
Learn how archeology has influenced our knowledge of history at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
Niagara Movement Pilgrimage to John Brown’s Fort
Retrace the footsteps of the men and women of Niagara during this commemorative walk to the site of John Brown’s Fort in 1906. A 10am memorial service follows at the Curtis Freewill Baptist Church.
Archeology and the US Armory Grounds
See how excavations of the US Armory revealed a huge slice of the hidden history of Harpers Ferry.
Archeology and the US Armory Grounds
See how excavations of the US Armory revealed a huge slice of the hidden history of Harpers Ferry.
“I Will Follow Them to the Death”: Sheridan’s Soldiers, 1864
See Harpers Ferry as the staging ground for Union General Philip Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign during the summer of 1864.
Defend and Protect: Arming America’s Soldiers
Special exhibits and programs highlight the establishment and technology of the Harpers Ferry Armory.
WV Day at the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex
Celebrate West Virginia's 155th Birthday at the Grave Creek Mound and learn about how the Native people of the state.
Mountain Games
Mountain Games celebrates our Appalachian Heritage through life and work experiences of our ancestors, but in a fun competition style event. Events such as Dead Eye Shooting, Tomahawk Throwing and Steel Walker are just a few of the 10 competitions in the games. In addition there will be a Trail Run to start off the day as well as the Inaugural Storytelling Competition. For the kids there is a great Kids Zone for children 6 and younger to enjoy and participate in their own activities. This year's event features a Lumberjack Duel with STIHL Timber Sport Champions Arden and Matt Cogar battling head to head. This is an event you DO NOT want to miss. Go to www.ClaimYourHeritage.com for more details how you can get involved and register today!
“The Mine Wars”
In the beginning of the 20th Century, coal fueled industrial progress. Coal mining was an industry in which nearly 750,000 men across the U.S. spent 10 to 12 hours a day blasting, shoveling, and loading the fuel that made the nation’s industrial progress possible. This film brings to life the decades-long struggle for the miner’s right to organize and join a union, and shows how the coalfields of southern West Virginia became a war zone.
West Virginia Day
Celebrate West Virginia’s founding in 1863 with special family-oriented crafts, museum hunt, and an all-day showing of “West Virginia: A Film History”, a 6 ½ - hour documentary series produced by the West Virginia History Film Project and the West Virginia Humanities Council. Stop in for an episode or two!
Fort Mulligan Day-Civil War Fort
Civil War Fort, living history, skirmish, music, food and speakers.
Blacksmith Demos – Pricketts Fort
Come out and watch some of the best blacksmiths in North Central West Virginia apply their skills. There will be demonstrations throughout the day on many aspects of traditional and modern blacksmithing.
Colonial Kids Day – Pricketts Fort
Bring the kids to the fort for a full day of fun and educational activities for them to experience. Activities will include life in the militia, games of the colonial child and a story in the Thomas Library. Child must be accompanied by an adult and regular admission applies.
Colonial Kids Day – Pricketts Fort
Bring the kids to the fort for a full day of fun and educational activities for them to experience. Activities will include life in the militia, games of the colonial child and a story in the Thomas Library. Child must be accompanied by an adult and regular admission applies.
Colonial Kids Day – Pricketts Fort
Bring the kids to the fort for a full day of fun and educational activities for them to experience. Activities will include life in the militia, games of the colonial child and a story in the Thomas Library. Child must be accompanied by an adult and regular admission applies.
Hearth Cooking Demos – Pricketts Fort
Come out and tour the fort and smell the food cooking over an open hearth, the way food was prepared during the colonial period of our history. Recipes will be available upon request.
Hearth Cooking Demos at Pricketts Fort
Come out and tour the fort and smell the food cooking over an open hearth, the way food was prepared during the colonial period of our history. Recipes will be available upon request.
Historic Arts Workshop: Waste Paper Basket with Helen Efaw
Learn to make a waste paper basket with locally acclaimed basket weaver, Helen Efaw. The basket will have two wooden handles. The class is designed for the beginner as well as the advanced beginner in the art of basket weaving. This is an all-day class so bring your own lunch.
School of the Longhunter
An intense weekend of instruction, exploring the role of early frontiersmen on the American frontier. Speakers will focus on the frontier skills of the Longhunter.
2017 Legacy of Mary Ingles Encampment and Living History Event
Each September since 1989, the Mary Ingles Trail Associates have presented a historical encampment based on research of the life of Mary Draper Ingles. This year marks the 262nd anniversary of Mary Ingles' odyssey. In 1755, the Virginia frontier was embroiled in the turmoil of the French and Indian War, and it was also in 1755 that Mary was captured by, and escaped from, Shawnee Indians. Accompanied by a German woman captive taken only a few weeks earlier than Mary, the two women followed the rivers and traveled nearly 500 miles on foot through the wilderness to reach home. That journey took her through western Virginia. School Day - Friday We focus on education and hands-on activities on the school days. Each group of children will see at least five different demonstrations (approximately 15 minutes each, but may vary). Please allow at least three hours in your day to tour the camp and watch the demonstrators. Our reservations are filled on a first come-first served basis. We only take 400 people per school day! (200 at 9:30 a.m.; 200 at 11:00 a.m.) Homeschool, Public School, and Private School are all welcome Public Days - Saturday & Sunday Dramatic presentations and explorations into the lives of some of the people who influenced Mary’s life will be ongoing throughout the day. Visitors to the camp may also be able to interact with interpreters who have researched: Tommy Ingles and his Indian father, a Shawnee warrior who is upset with the English, a Cherokee liaison between Will Ingles & Johnny Draper and their wives' Shawnee captors, a Virginia farm-wife, a salt maker, a trader, and others. On Public Days, the living history encampment is open: Saturday 9:00 - 3:00 Sunday 12:00 - 3:00 (Our church services is at 10:00 and all are welcome to join us, but the camps will be closed until 12:00). There is no charge to attend programs. MITA accepts donations to continue the annual production of this interpretative event.
Hearth Cooking Demo @ Pricketts Fort
Come out and tour the fort and smell the food cooking over an open hearth, the way food was prepared during the colonial period of our history. Recipes will be available upon request.
Harvest Time At The Mill
Saturday, October 22nd The farmstead will open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (FREE admission) Farmstead Visitors Center – Exhibits and items for sale Blaker’s Mill will be grinding corn meal – Farmstead Staff Blacksmithing Demonstrations - Farmstead Staff Heritage Artist demonstration & selling Goat Milk Soap Making Demonstrations (11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm) Wagon rides pulled by Mammoth Mules (11 am – 3 pm)(FREE) (Sponsored by: Swisher Feed of Weston and Southern States of Weston) Candle Making and other hands on heritage activities for children (FREE) Food: Jaws BBQ Sunday, October 23rd The farmstead will open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (FREE admission) Farmstead Visitors Center – Exhibits and items for sale Blaker’s Mill will be grinding corn meal – Farmstead Staff Blacksmithing Demonstrations - Farmstead Staff Heritage Artist demonstration & selling Goat Milk Soap Making Demonstrations (1 pm) Candle Making and other hands on heritage activities for children (FREE) Food: Jaws BBQ
We Shall Remain: After the Mayflower
See the “First Thanksgiving” through Native American eyes in this episode of American Experience produced by PBS.
Way Back Weekend- Hot Fuel
The heat is on! Learn all about the fire that fueled 19th Century Appalachian progress. Get up close with glass making, pottery firing, and engage your senses in a live Blacksmith shop! *WBW's also includes museum tours, wagon rides, petting zoo, food for purchase and other hands-on farm fun. info@heritagefarmmuseum.com
Way Back Weekend- Cast Iron CookOff
Bring the appetite as smoky scents of cast iron cooking will fill the Farm! Area Chefs faceoff in this regional competition and you experience how our Appalachian ancestors used an open fire to turn raw foods into the finest cuisine. *WBW's include event listed, museum tours, wagon rides, petting zoo, food for purchase and other hands-on farm fun!
Rosser’s Raid on Beverly: One Last Frolic for the Confederacy
Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex Lecture Series: As ice and snow gripped the Alleghenies in January 1865, Confederate General Tom Rosser launched a raid on the Union depot at Beverly, Randolph County, West Virginia. Surprising the Yankees after a late-night dance, Rosser's raiders plundered the town and carried off twice their number in prisoners. Archaeology aids in revealing this tragicomic tale.
NATIVE AMERICAN WEEKEND AT PRICKETTS FORT
Bring the family and enjoy an interactive history lesson which will include displays, demonstrations, and hands –on activities for the kids. Regular admission applies.
HEARTH COOKING DEMO AT PRICKETTS FORT
Come out and tour the fort and smell the food cooking over an open hearth, the way food was prepared during the colonial period of our history. Recipes will be available upon request. Regular admission applies.