Free program to honor Labor Day
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ELKINS -- Mary Harris, also known as Mother Jones (1830-1930), labor activist, will be portrayed by Karen Vuranch of Fayetteville on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. at The Arts Center in Elkins.
The free presentation is part of the History Alive! program of the West Virginia Humanities Council and is sponsored by Randolph County Democrats in honor of Labor Day.
Mother Jones was an Irish immigrant who within one week lost her husband and all four of her children to yellow fever in 1867. After losing her home and seamstress business in the great Chicago fire of 1871 she devoted her considerable energies and talents to fighting for improved working conditions for children, coal miners, railroad workers, and textile mill workers.
She was a major player in the organization efforts of the United Mine Workers of America in West Virginia in the early part of the 20th century. Her tenacity and fiery oratory endeared her to the miners and her efforts helped put West Virginia at the vanguard of the American labor movement. She played important roles during strikes along the New River Gorge, Paint Creek, Cabin Creek, and just before the Battle of Blair Mountain.
Jones is one of the many character presentations offered through the West Virginia Humanities Council's History Alive! program as a means of exploring history by interacting with noteworthy historical figures. These programs provide audiences with the opportunity to question those who have shaped our history.
The West Virginia Humanities Council is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing educational programs in the humanities for all West Virginians. For 50 years, the Council has been providing educational programs in the humanities to schools and communities across the state.
The Arts Center is located on Randolph Avenue in Elkins. For more information, visit www.randolphcountydems.com.