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BEVERLY -- Experience Traditions for Today in Beverly this Saturday and learn how heritage of the past impacts our lives today. Demonstrations, music, food and living history from multiple time periods can be enjoyed by the entire family!
Beverly Heritage Day kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Beverly Heritage Center and throughout Beverly. Features this year include a clogging dance group, History Alive! presentation, and a Civil War Art Show.
"This year's theme features heritage-inspired arts, music, and stories," said Phyllis Baxter, event committee chair for the Beverly Heritage Center. "We are excited to welcome energetic cloggers, talented musicians and creative artisans to share their versions of tradition, alongside the living history activities that bring our past alive. This event will be fun for children, families, and everyone who enjoys a good time."
Special features this year include the Lincoln County Cloggers, an Appalachian Clog Dance group presenting at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. At 3 p.m, Doug Wood will present a History Alive! presentation about Thomas Ingles, an early settler in Western Virginia who was captured as a child by the Shawnee.
History Alive! is sponsored by the West Virginia Humanities Council.
Living history camps will include Wood sharing about Native American groups in our area, along with other early frontier camps. Civil War soldiers will demonstrate black powder rifle firing, and World War II camp will interpret their experiences.
Another feature will be at the historic Laura Jackson Arnold house. The all new Civil War Art Show special exhibit features Civil War original sketches, prints, paintings and three-dimensional art by soldiers, civilians, and noted artists of the Civil War period to late 19th century related to West Virginia and the First Campaign events that took place in this region. At the Arnold House, take the opportunity to tour the historic home and learn about Laura Jackson Arnold, sister of General "Stonewall" Jackson.
Laura, a Union sympathizer, opened her home to wounded soldiers during the war. Enjoy old-fashioned ice cream floats in the Arnold house yard, while listening to live old-time music from Andy Fitzgibbon, Josh Wanstreet and friends.
In the Beverly Heritage Center, a sample of dresses showcasing fashion through the ages from a recent event continues the Traditions for Today theme. Information about preserving historic buildings will also be showcased including information from partners Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, and Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, along with tours of the historic 1841 Randolph County Jail restored Jail cells and the Jailer's office.
Visitors can participate in vintage lawn games, as well as craft activities for children and adults. Blacksmith Joseph Mullenax, and leatherworker Tom Powers will be demonstrating their craft, with creations made in front of guests which will then be available for purchase. Mountain Weavers Guild will demonstrate fiber arts based on heritage traditions.
This year the Beverly Heritage Day lunch will feature an Appalachian staple, homemade beans and cornbread.
Additionally, local restaurants Mi Fiesta and Happy Days Cafe will both be open on that day.
The Randolph County Museum on Main Street and the Subscription School behind it, will be open for visitors, including free admission to the Museum.
The Parade of History at 10:30 a.m. will introduce the living history characters. Activities and living history camps will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with music, tours, and food at scheduled times
The schedule for the day will include:
Beverly Heritage Day – Traditions for Today
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Camps and activities open, Museums open
Living history and historic craft demonstrations, games and crafts, kids activities, 1841 Jail open
Art Show, activities at the historic Arnold house
Professor Horsehair, 19th c. street musician (morning)
10:30 a.m.
Parade of History
11 a.m. Lincoln County Cloggers, Walnut Street in front of Jail
11:30 a.m. Infantry firing demonstration
Live music pump organ and flute, Courthouse
Lunch (until 1:30 p.m.), BHC Patio
Bean and cornbread lunch (vegetarian option available)
Pie and Cake Sale, until gone, BHC Patio
Noon
Live music: Fair Play (Goff yard)
12:30 p.m. Old-time music and Ice Cream Floats
throughout the afternoon (Arnold House)
1 p.m.
Live music: Trio Salon Ensemble, Courthouse
1:30 p.m.
Infantry firing demonstration
2 p.m.
Lincoln County Cloggers, Walnut Street in front of Jail
3 p.m.
History Alive! Doug Wood as Thomas Ingles, Goff yard tent
5 p.m.
Event Closes
Support for the event from Elkins-Randolph County Tourism CVB, WV Humanities Council, Citizens Bank of West Virginia, Davis Trust Company, Mountain Valley Bank, Town of Beverly, Long John Silver's, and West Virginia Reenactors Association enables activities to be free to the public. Admission to the Beverly Heritage Center museum is also free for the day.
Beverly Heritage Day is sponsored by the Beverly Heritage Center along with the Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation and Historic Beverly Preservation, and runs from 10 am through 5 pm on Saturday, July 20.
Beverly Heritage Day launches Beverly Fireman's Festival Week, with activities daily from July 20 through July 27, including parade at noon on Saturday July 27.
For more information see www.beverlyheritagecenter.org, email info@beverlyheritagecenter.org or call 304-637-7424.