History Comes Alive at Sandstone Visitor Center

The public is invited to come to Sandstone Visitor Center of New River Gorge National River on September 5, 2015 from 10 am to 4 pm for a special living history event. Join the Living History Interpreters of Trails Inc. as they share some of the survival skills used by 18^th Century Shawnee, Delaware, Mingo, and Cherokee hunting parties as well as skills used by their predecessors in prehistoric times.   

In the 18^th Century, American Indians of the New River region utilized myriad natural resources in order to survive and thrive.  In late summer they were often engaged in harvesting and preserving garden foods and wild foods, while at the same time preparing for their winter hunts.  Some ancient skills changed when European manufactured metal and cloth goods became available, but others remained important to survival.  The New River area provided a great variety of stone, wood, plants, animals, and other raw materials with numerous properties that were useful to several cultures that utilized the area. 

Program topics will include useful wild plants, useful animal products, tools of stone, bone, and wood, finding water, making fire, and making shelter.  Local living history educators Ronald, Gwendolyn, and Roslyn McAllister will join Dianne Anestis and Doug Wood to engage visitors in interactive demonstrations. 

 At 3:00 pm, Cherokee War Leader, Ostenaco (portrayed by Doug Wood of the WV Humanities Council History Alive! program) will council with visitors at the Visitor Center to discuss how his army and the Virginia militia forces survived the difficult winter campaign of 1756-57 against the Shawnees through southwestern Virginia and West Virginia.

In the event of inclement weather, the demonstrations will be moved indoors.  Bring your own family stories of your ancestors to share with the interpreters.  Visitors of all ages are welcome. Stop by any time between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Sandstone Visitor Center is located just north of the I-64 and State Route 20 interchange at exit 139 (the Hinton/Sandstone exit). For more information call Sandstone Visitor Center at 304-466-0417.