Do you like to explore old log cabins? Are you curious about how our ancestors lived? Join noted folklorist Gerry Milnes for his program on Frontier Homes today in Beverly.

“Early Architecture on the Old Frontier of West Virginia” will be Milnes’ featured presentation for the Randolph County Historical Society annual meeting.

Prior to the program, visitors can tour the Jacob Stalnaker cabin from 4-6 p.m., and enjoy a free reception before the 6:30 program.

Milnes will trace the history of log buildings back to the first American log cabins, through eighteenth and nineteenth century shelters constructed in the Potomac Highland and Allegheny Mountain region.

“This slide program will explore many uses of log buildings, including forts, barns, outbuildings, commercial and community buildings,” Milnes explained. “We will also look at ethnic influences, construction techniques, folklore, and anecdotes gleaned from old-timers.”

The program is taken from Milnes’ upcoming book, “The American Log Cabin: Folk Architecture and Lore on the Old Frontier of West Virginia,” which will soon be offered by 35th Star Publishing of Charleston.

Milnes served as the Folk Arts Coordinator of the Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College for 25 years. He is a folklorist, filmmaker, teacher, musician, and author.

He is published by Alfred Knopf, University Press of Kentucky, University of Tennessee Press, and August House Books. Milnes is a recipient of the Governor’s Arts Award for Appalachian Studies, the Vandalia Award, The Footbridge Award, the Robert C. Byrd Fiddling Award, and numerous first-place musical competitions ribbons.

The annual meeting of the Randolph County Historical Society this evening will include the 4-6 p.m opening of the Jacob Stalnaker Cabin behind the Randolph County Museum in Beverly. The free reception at 6 p.m. and program at 6:30 will be in the Beverly IOOF Community Room, located upstairs in the building next door from the Randolph County Museum, on Main Street in Beverly. The event is free and open to the public.

The Randolph County Historical Society offers this program as part of the Centennial in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Society, and as a program contribution to commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence through 2026.

For more information, see www.randolphhistoricalwv.com or email randolphcountymuseum@gmail.com.