Lecture – East Liverpool Potters Southbound to West Virginia
By Susan Weaver, Director, The Museum of Ceramics, East Liverpool, OH As East Liverpool ran out of riverfront land, enterprising potters crossed the Ohio to the “Southside” to expand or start potteries. Harker Pottery, Taylor, Smith & Taylor, Edwin M. Knowles, and Homer Laughlin China Company all moved south into what would become the towns of Chester and Newell.
The Friends of the Brooke County Public Library present their Annual Spring Event!
Come meet and greet Sacajawea who will be portrayed by a presenter from the West Virginia Humanities Council History Alive! Program! Free to attend; light refreshments will be served; parking at the back of the building.
Mark Twain Afternoon
Celebrate the life of American author and humorist Samuel L. Clemens on the anniversary of his death in 1910. Doug Riley portrays "Mark Twain" in Ripley's historic Alpine Theatre, 210 W. Main Street in Ripley. The performance is through the WV Humanities Council's History Alive!
Appalachian Artisan Festival
A day of free fun at the Cockayne Farmstead. Learn about traditional trades and crafts of Appalachia from local artisans, shop their wares, explore the 1850's farmhouse, and there will be plenty of children's activities. For more information, call 304-845-1411.
Mark Twain Weekend at the Elkhorn Inn
Join us for a unique and fun "Mark Twain Weekend" at the Elkhorn Inn Oct. 27-29 with Chef Dan Dinners and Mark Twain! Mark Twain is Doug Riley, the scholar/actor who personifies Mark Twain state-wide for the WV Humanities Council, and this promises to be a great weekend of literature, history, food, and fun! Call us at 304-862-2031 or 1-800-708-2040 for reservations!
Meet Amos Skillett
Storyteller Jerry Vencill of Pounding Mill, VA offers a presentation as Amos Skillett, a circuit-riding preacher from the 1800's. It begins at 2:00 p.m. in the historic Alpine Theatre. Ripley's namesake is Harry Ripley, a saddleback preacher who died in 1830 as the community was being organized.
History Alive! Theodore Roosevelt
This West Virginia Humanities Council “History Alive!” presentation celebrates 100 years of the National Park Service as Gene Worthington of Fayetteville portrays Theodore Roosevelt, the youngest president in our history. Often called “the conservation president,” Roosevelt pushed himself to overcome a sickly childhood and advocated a “life of strenuous endeavor.” He later established some of our most beloved national parks. “History Alive” presenters base their historical characterizations on carefully researched writings, speeches and biographies of the characters they portray, using their original words whenever possible. Humanities Council.”
History Alive! Theodore Roosevelt
This West Virginia Humanities Council “History Alive!” presentation celebrates 100 years of the National Park Service as Gene Worthington of Fayetteville portrays Theodore Roosevelt, the youngest president in our history. Often called “the conservation president,” Roosevelt pushed himself to overcome a sickly childhood and advocated a “life of strenuous endeavor.” He later established some of our most beloved national parks. “History Alive” presenters base their historical characterizations on carefully researched writings, speeches and biographies of the characters they portray, using their original words whenever possible. Humanities Council.” 304-949-2400
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.
Mountain Stage
Gregory Alan Isakov, Mandolin Orange, Elysian Fields, The Brother Brothers, Hush Kids.
Great Decisions Discussion – The Koreas
Join in on the third Monday of each month, February through November (except July), for the Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions Discussion. This national program is designed to engage citizens in learning about the world, and it emphasizes discussion and active participation from those attending. Each participant gets briefing books that feature impartial, thought-provoking analyses on eight issues of concern to U.S. policymakers today and will then be asked to report, either individually or as part of a group, on a specific topic. Discussion leader is Gordon Lane.
Pipestem State Park – August 6 – TERROR OF THE TUG
Presented by McArts, Terror of the Tug is a play written by Jean Battlo and based on events in the life of Police Chief Sid Hatfield just after the Matewan Massacre, a notable event in the history of West Virginia and the history of labor relations in the United States. Fee based. Adults: $8; Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and younger free.
Cass Scenic RR State Park – June 25 – CASS LOGGING DAYS
Cass Logging Days is two days of train and logging history! June 25-26, 2016 Interpreter Rich Pawling dressed as a Wood Hick (one who fells trees for a livelihood) wearing bib overalls, a cut-off shirt and boots will be presenting the following program at Museum both days: What it Was Like to Work for the Company. Whether living and working in a logging camp up on the Cheat Mountain or spending a night in the Company town of Cass on Saturday to "blow'er in." Hear the interpretation of the past (logging railroads, camp life, transportation, laws and their enforcement, tragedies, etc.). Bring the kids to talk and interact with the wood hick and to learn more about life in Cass during the 1920's and 1930's! Learn more on Cass event page. Blacksmith Dennis Murray-- Demonstrating and discussing his work. Near the Leatherbark Ford Shop both days. History and Technology of the Cass Sawmill Presentation and Tour Gerald Futej Discussion and walking tour following at the Sawmill site. Contact: 304-456-4300 Ext 111 (Monica)
Blennerhassett Island – June 4 – ALL ABOUT BIRDS
Nature Walk - "All About Birds" in a great for getting outside and exploring the island. At least 14 species of birds adapted to life along the river. Learn bird characteristics through scavenger-like clues including the food that birds eat; descriptions of feet, beaks, and overall bird shapes is part of the fun. Walk begins at 2:00pm and concludes around 3:15pm. There is no fee to participate in "All About Birds". Its National Trails Day - what better way to enjoy the outdoors than a walk on the island and some birdwatching. Please ride the 1:00 boat to the island to make sure you get to this great nature walk. Boat tickets are sold at the Blennerhassett Museum which is located at 137 Juliana Street in downtown Parkersburg, WV.
West Virginia State FLAT PICK GUITAR CHAMPIONSHIP
Come play with the best of the best at the Robin Kessinger Music Festival!
MUSIC IN THE HILLS – Way Back Weekend
Join a celebration of folk music history with the Robin Kessinger Music Festival, featuring the West Virginia Flat Pick Guitar Championship and other live performances!
Taste of Charleston Inaugural Tour
Come experience the flavor and the fun that downtown Charleston has to offer. Each guided tour welcomes a small group of six to 16 people and includes at least five food stops. You'll cover roughly 1.5 miles at a comfortable pace in two-and-a-half hours. Along the way, enjoy an entertaining and informative look at the history and culture of West Virginia's capital city.
Photography Tour
Sounds of Railroading Concert
Three hours of celebration through music of railroading. The show features a headline performance by Emily Miller and Jesse Milnes, along with guests Roy Harper and Johnny Bellar, Jimmy Costa, and William Sherman Holestine and Gary Wayne Jordan.
Sounds of Railroading Conference
Railroading has its own culture, long shared through folklore and expressed in song. The 2016 Sounds of Railroading Conference, presented by the Center for Railway Tourism at Davis & Elkins College, will capture that heritage as it was reflected in traditional music inspired by trains and railroaders. Four national authorities, eight renown musicians, three days of celebration.
Celebrate Rosie the Riveters at the West Virginia Botanic Garden
The West Virginia Botanic Garden; Thanks, Plain and Simple!, Inc.; and local Girl Scout troops are cooperating on this event to honor the Rosie the Riveters who worked in the defense industries during World War II. This event will begin at 12:30 p.m. with a short program where local Girl Scouts will introduce some of the Rosies in the Morgantown area. We will then plant a pink dogwood tree tree at 1:00 p.m., at the same time other Girl Scouts are planting similar trees around the state. Thanks, Plain and Simple!, Inc. is a West Virginia organization that is spearheading this effort to recognize the Rosie the Riveters. The event is free and open to the public.
Heritage Days
Heritage Days is a two day event celebrating the rich central West Virginia culture and history. The event features a Civil War Reenactment in the City of Spencer, encampments at Spencer Civil War Park, square dancing, old-time music, seminars on old time traditional cooking, quilting, presentations by General Stonewall Jackson, museums, and much more.
All Aboard!
Railroad history is the afternoon's theme for this event at the historic Alpine Theatre co-sponsored by the Jackson County Historical Society and the Ripley CVB. Historian Dan Robie will have a 2 p.m. presentation about the old Ripley & Mill Creek Valley and Ravenswood, Spencer & Glenville lines. Entertainer Mick Souter will follow with a 4 p.m. performance of "All Aboard the Iron Horse" with songs and stories.
“Always, Patsy Cline” presented by the Buckhannon Community Theatre
Buckhannon Community Theatre is proud to announce its upcoming production of "Always, Patsy Cline" directed by Jason A. Young. "Always…Patsy Cline" is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show is based on a true story about Cline's friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. The musical play, complete with down home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy' unforgettable hits such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight…27 songs in all. The show's title was inspired by Cline's letters to Seger, which were consistently signed "Love ALWAYS… Patsy Cline." This show is a traveling production, with performances in Clarksburg, Fairmont, and our home location of Buckhannon, WV. If you have conflicts, please consider attending one of our other performances. You may purchase tickets on our web-site provided. NOTE: Buckhannon locations TBA. There are senior and student discounts for tickets at $10.
Tu-Endie-Wei State Park – (3/6) – MEET TU-ENDIE-WEI
Park Superintendent Doug Wiant will be at the Museum a 2:00 p.m. to lead a 'ranger walk' around the park. The interpretative program will include park history, monument significance and invite questions about events and activities at Tu-Endie-Wei as well as Blennerhassett Island. The walk begins at 2:00 and will last about 45 minutes. Attendees participating in the Chief's Challenge get ½ mile credit. It's almost spring and time to get outdoors. Learn more about the Chief's Challenge at: www.wvstateparks.com/Hikes_Walks.html Email the park for March 6 ranger walk details.
WV Black Heritage Festival
This wonderful street festival is a celebration of black heritage that takes place during the annual remembrance of the Emancipation Proclomation. Great good, games, entertainment, and cultural events. For more info please visit their website at www.wvbhf.com or call 304-641-9963.
Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival
This annual fun-filled festival celebrates the area's Hatfield-McCoy history with live music, a tug of war across the river, narrated tours, re-enactments, exhibits, food, crafts, and more!
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival
Fantastic foods, special children's area, grand parade, cultural events and queen's pageant. Three stages of on-going entertainment - all free of charge to the public! For more info, please call 304-622-7314; visit their website at www.wvihf.com; or email wvihf@wvihf.com.
The Founder of Storer College
Dr. Dawne Raines Burke, will speak on "John Storer: A Renaissance Man for the Nineteenth-Century Shenandoah Valley" at 7 p.m. on March 2. The talk will be in the auditorium of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education (formerly Byrd Center for Legislative Studies). Dr. Burke's talk will kick off the Historic Shepherdstown Commission's 2016 Speakers Series. Dr. Burke is the author of "An American Phoenix: A History of Storer College from Slavery to Desegregation, 1865-1955." Her book tells the story of the first college open to African-Americans in West Virginia from its origins during Reconstruction to its closure after the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board Education decision. John Storer, a New England philanthropist, gave $10,000 to establish the school, requiring that it be open to all, regardless of race, sex or religion. Dr. Burke is an Assistant Professor of Education at Shepherd University and a native of Martinsburg. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Shepherd and her Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. The event is free and open to the public. The Byrd Center is located on King Street on the Shepherd University campus next to Scarborough Library. Parking is available on the street or behind the library.
Tygart Lake State Park – 2/6 – HISTORICAL TYGART LAKE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
Historical Tygart Lake Photography Exhibit. Walk Through the Photos of the Past. View Army Corp of Engineer Photographs that depict the building of Tygart Lake Dam - an awesome construction project. Exhibit opening night is February 6 at 6:00 p.m. in the Tygart Lake Conference Room. Free and open to the public. Exhibit remains in place through February 11, 2016. Don't forget to make time to enjoy a meal at Apple Annie's - Tygart Lake Lodge restaurant. Great food. Wonderful setting.
The Beatles: Band of the Sixties
Explore the music of The Beatles in this 60-minute multimedia presentation (part history and part musical analysis) spanning the full 1960s: beginning with the band's seminal visits to Hamburg, continuing through Beatlemania, and concluding with Abbey Road. The program will be supplemented with audio clips of music and excerpts from interviews with the band members. The presenter, Aaron Krerowicz is the country’s only full-time professional Beatles scholar. He won a research grant through the University of Hartford in November 2011 to study the band and since has presented his findings through more than one hundred presentations. Aaron's first Beatles book, “The Beatles & The Avant-Garde,” was published in late 2014; his second, “The Beatles: Band of the Sixties,” was released as a Kindle ebook in April 2015; and third, “From The Shadow of JFK: The Rise of Beatlemania in America,” was released in early June 2015. For more information visit his website at www.AaronKrerowicz.com. A performance by Charleston' premier Beatles Tribute Band Rubber Soul will follow the presentation. Light refreshments will be served and a book called "All the Beatles Songs" by Steve Turner will be raffled off.
Prayer of America Symposium
In conjunction with the play a Prayer of America by playwright Tom Detitta and being performed at the Fairmont State University. Pricketts Fort and Fairmont State University will host a historical symposium about the Monongha Mine disaster in 1907 with various speakers talking about the mine explosion and the aftermath, its relief efforts and the impact it had on the families.
Hearth Cooking with Cordelia Spencer
For more information call (304) 363-3030 or register online at www.prickettsfort.org/shop Students will earn to cook a full colonial meal over an open hearth. This class will include soups and pies, Dutch oven cooking, using tin kitchens and other cooking accessories. This is an all- day class so please bring a brown bag lunch.
Colonial Children’s Games at Pricketts Fort
Bring the kids to the fort and we will have some fun and educational activities for them to experience. Child must be accompanied by an adult and regular admission applies.
Historic Arts Workshops: Tatting with Tabatha Holmes
Tatting is an 18th century form of lace making that originated in Europe. This class is open to anyone who would like to build their skill into a more advanced lace maker. Weather you need a refresher or want to go beyond just making rings, this is the class for you. Students will learn to use a second shuttle to make chains in your tatting. Please bring your shuttles and thread. If you don’t have them, then some will be provided. Advanced Class, Min 2 person class/ Max 6 person class
Historic Arts Workshops: Blacksmithing- Hearth and Home with Greg Bray
This four day intermediate class class will take the student through many helpful hints on how to make toasters, cooking grills, rotating trivets etc... Students must have blacksmithing and forge welding experience. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Register online or call (304)363-3030 Min. 2 person class, Max. 4 person class. Register now!
Historic Arts Workshops: Blacksmithing- Hearth and Home with Greg Bray
This four day intermediate class class will take the student through many helpful hints on how to make toasters, cooking grills, rotating trivets etc... Students must have blacksmithing and forge welding experience. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Register online or call (304)363-3030 Min. 2 person class, Max. 4 person class. Register now!
Historic Arts Workshops: Blacksmithing- Hearth and Home with Greg Bray
This four day intermediate class class will take the student through many helpful hints on how to make toasters, cooking grills, rotating trivets etc... Students must have blacksmithing and forge welding experience. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Register online or call (304)363-3030 Min. 2 person class, Max. 4 person class. Register now!
Historic Arts Workshops: Blacksmithing- Hearth and Home with Greg Bray
This four day intermediate class class will take the student through many helpful hints on how to make toasters, cooking grills, rotating trivets etc... Students must have blacksmithing and forge welding experience. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Register online or call (304)363-3030 Min. 2 person class, Max. 4 person class. Register now!
Book Reading at Pricketts Fort
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Pricketts Fort Visitor Center to listen to a chosen, short story of a heroic frontiersman, with a different story every week. You will also have the chance to explore the Thomas Library and all of its wonderful offerings.
Book Reading at Pricketts Fort
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Pricketts Fort Visitor Center to listen to a chosen, short story of a heroic frontiersman, with a different story every week. You will also have the chance to explore the Thomas Library and all of its wonderful offerings.
Book Reading at Pricketts Fort
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Pricketts Fort Visitor Center to listen to a chosen, short story of a heroic frontiersman, with a different story every week. You will also have the chance to explore the Thomas Library and all of its wonderful offerings.
Book Reading at Pricketts Fort
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Pricketts Fort Visitor Center to listen to a chosen, short story of a heroic frontiersman, with a different story every week. You will also have the chance to explore the Thomas Library and all of its wonderful offerings.
Colonial Kids Games at Pricketts Fort
Bring the kids to the fort and we will have some fun and educational activities for them to experience. Must be accompanied by an adult and regular admission applies.
Colonial Kids Games at Pricketts Fort
Bring the kids to the fort and we will have some fun and educational activities for them to experience. Must be accompanied by an adult and regular admission applies.
Colonial Children’s Games
Bring the kids to the fort and we will have some fun and educational activities for them to experience. Child must be accompanied by an adult and regular admission applies.
Ohio River Ferryboat Festival
Celebrating Nearly 200 Years of Service by the Sistersville Ferry, the last commercial ferry in West Virginia and the only operating ferry service on more than 500 miles of the Ohio River. Musical Entertainment, Pro-Wrestling Event, Bingo, Craft & Food Vendors. Pedestrian & Vehicle Rides (standard fares apply).