Kinnikinnick of 18th Century Life Skills at Pipestem Resort State Park July 3 

PIPESTEM, W.Va. – Kinnikinnick is a Natick Indian word (Algonkian language family) meaning “mixture.”  On July 3 at Pipestem Resort State Park, Kultural Kinnikinnick is taking place as a special living history program and is open to the public.

The program activities through the day will trace traditions and cultural traits from the 18^th Century blending or “mixing” the various cultures of American Indians, African-Americans, and European-Americans.  Living history interpreters from Trails, Inc., make history come alive through drama, demonstrations and hands-on activities.  “Those attending any part of the program can become involved and learn about our forefathers’ lifestyle and skills,” said Pipestem Naturalist Jim Phillips.

Kultural Kinnikinnick will be staged at the Pipestem Nature Center grounds and Kinnikinnick sites will open at 10 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. on July 3.  Park guests and area visitors will meet and interact with interpreters as a full day unfolds with a broad range of demonstrations of everyday life skills in the 18^th and 19^th centuries in Appalachia.

Three special mini-programs are planned:  Gardening, Drive Hunts and Medicines of Nature, followed by an evening presentation at Pipestem amphitheater.

Gardening includes slash and burn agriculture practices in Appalachia, garden food plants, fertilizing techniques, and teaching the age old practice of corn-beans-squash planting. Gardening is scheduled from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. 

Drive Hunt blends attendees with interpreters with demonstration and discussion about community hunting efforts, AmerIndian origins of this activity and EuroAmerican technological influences. Drive Hunt is scheduled from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Medicines of Nature may be the most interesting mini-program as Diana Anestis presents an in-depth look of Appalachian home remedies. The presentation includes species identification, proper collection and preparation, preservation techniques and plant lore.  “Health care throughout history is a family priority and in the 18th and 19th centuries folk medicines, bathing, and granny doctoring was a way of life,” said Antensis.  Medicines of Nature runs from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

“Man Killer Ostenaco,” a History Alive! presentation by Doug Wood, is sponsored by the W.Va. Humanities Council at 8 p.m. at the Pipestem outdoor amphitheater. “My character Ostenaco explains and explores how Indian alliances in the French and Indian War began changing the American military tactics in a manner that is still part of military training today,” explained Wood.  After the performance, there will be a demonstrative discussion of the 18th century cultural inheritance of fighting tactics of the American soldier. The Man Killer Ostenaco presentation will conclude by 10 p.m.

Kultural Kinnickinnick is a historic interpretation day and is presented by Trails, Inc.  The program is open to the public and there is no charge.  Visitors may come to any program or part of the program as time allows.  For more information about Pipestem Resort State Park and programming services, call 304-466-1800, visit online www.pipestemresort.com or visit all state parks and forests online at www.wvstateparks.com.

Tweet

Contact Information