3/13/2009
In 1859, news of abolitionist John Brown's raid on the arsenal at Harpers Ferry reverberated across a divided nation. In 2009, a coalition of four states is working to commemorate the 150th anniversary of this historic event.
West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania are marking the John Brown Raid Sesquicentennial with re-enactments, dramatic productions, art exhibits, academic lectures and walking tours from April through December. From Oct.16-18, 2009, there will be three days of public education events at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in Jefferson County, W.Va.
For a complete calendar of events, visit www.johnbrownsraid.org, www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm or call (304) 535-6029.
Brown and his band of followers marched from the Kennedy Farm in Maryland to the town of Harpers Ferry. Their goal was to seize weapons from the arsenal for an armed uprising against slavery. Overnight, the picturesque community at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers was thrust into the turbulent center of national events of the day – and made an indelible mark on American history.
Then, as today, Brown was hailed as hero by some, condemned as criminal by others. Historians agree that Brown’s raid focused the nation’s attention on slavery and helped spark the American Civil War.
Quad-state events include:
April 18: “A Prelude to History: The Wedding of Virginia Kennedy”
The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park John Brown Raid Sesquicentennial opens with a full day of family-oriented programs. Events center on the arrival of Brown’s associate Captain John Cook and his marriage to Virginia Kennedy. Highlights include family and youth activities focusing on Harpers Ferry 1859 and a dramatic presentation titled “My Conspirator,” the life of Captain John Cook as told by his sister Kate.
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Contact: Park Information
Number: (304) 535-6029
Web site: www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm
May 2: Rededication of John Brown House
The rededication and grand opening of the John Brown House will include house tours, a public reception and a walking tour of John Brown sites in Chambersburg, Pa.
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: 225 East King Street, Chambersburg, Pa.
Contact: Ann Hull
Number: (717) 264-1667
Web site: http://pafch.tripod.com
May 9: Music of “Sword of the Spirit”
Celebrate John Brown’s 209th birthday with a concert of songs based on his life, his friends and supports. The original material is written and performed by Greg Artzner and Terry Leonino. The concert will be performed again in October.
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Contact: Park Information
Number: (304) 535-6029
Web site: www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm
May 30: “Remembering John Brown”
The 128th Anniversary of Frederick Douglass’ Storer College Address on John Brown will feature Fred Morsell’s dramatic presentation of this address. A former slave, Douglass was an eloquent spokesperson for the abolition of slavery and for racial equality.
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Contact: Park Information
Number: (304) 535-6029
Web site: www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm
June 25-26 - Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission Kickoff
Description: The inaugural kickoff of the Virginia Sesquicentennial ACW Signature Tour Series will include tours, programs, receptions and a joint Virginia/West Virginia Sesquicentennial press conference.
Time: To Be Announced
Location: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Contact: Cheryl Jackson
Number: (804) 786-3591
Web site: www.virginiacivilwar.org
Tour of the John Blessing House
June 27, July 25, August 22, September 26, October 24
John Frederick Blessing was a local baker and confectioner who befriended John Brown during his imprisonment in Charles Town. Prior to his execution, Brown inscribed and presented his jailhouse Bible to Blessing. The Blessing house is now owned by the Jefferson County Black History Preservation Society. Currently the house is not open to the public on a regular basis. Join a guide for a special sesquicentennial tour of the John Blessing house.
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: 303 East North Street, Charles Town, W.Va.
Contact: James Taylor
Number: (304) 725-7242
Web site: http://jeffctywvblackhistory.org/
John Brown Walking Tour of Charles Town, Jefferson County
June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27, October 25, November 22
Join a guide for a two-hour walking tour of John Brown related sites in Charles Town. Sponsored by the Jefferson County Black History Preservation Society.
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Jefferson County Courthouse, Charles Town, W.Va.
Contact: James Taylor
Number: (304) 725-7242
Web site: http://jeffctywvblackhistory.org/
June 30 – John Brown at Hagerstown
The concert will feature songs based on the story of John Brown, his friends and his supporters. All material written and performed by Greg Artzner and Terry Leonino.
Time: To Be Announced
Location: University Plaza, 50 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, Md.
Contact: Kevin Moriarty
Number: (301) 791-3132
Web site: www.washingtoncountyarts.com
July 5, 12, 19: “In the Footsteps of John Brown”
Step back in time on a two-hour, two-mile walking tour of Harpers Ferry, with a knowledgeable park ranger as your guide.
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Contact: Park Information
Number: (304) 535-6029
Web site: www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm
July 12 – Kennedy Farm Open House
The 150th anniversary of the arrival “Isaac Smith” and sons. The afternoon will include tours, demonstrations and refreshments. Sponsored by Kennedy Farm Foundation
Time: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: 2406 Chestnut Grove Road, Sharpsburg MD
Contact: Todd Bolton
Number: (304) 535-6026
Web site: www.johnbrown.org/toc.htm
July 25 – “Slavery, the Abolitionist Movement and Reflections of Jefferson”
An insightful dramatic presentation on the issue of slavery featuring Jim Getty as Abraham Lincoln and Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson.
Time: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Location: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Contact: Park Information
Number: (304) 535-6029
Web site: www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm
August 8-9 – Frederick Militia & Fire Company Days
The city of Frederick will celebrate the militia support provided to Virginia in response to John Brown’s Raid. The support came from the militia companies that were part of the city’s fire companies. The event will include lectures, living history demonstrations, antique fire equipment and a downtown outdoor celebration along Carroll Creek.
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Linear Park at Carroll Creek, Frederick, Md.
Contact: George Wunderlich
Number: (301) 695-1864
Web site: www.civilwarmed.org/index.cfm
August 14 – Descendants Reception
A reception and program to honor the descendants of John Brown’s Raid, sponsored by the Jefferson County NAACP.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Charles Town Visitor Center, 108 N. George Street, Charles Town, W.Va.
Contact: George Rutherford
Number: (304) 725-9610
Web site: www.harpersferrywv.net/NAACP.htm
August 15 – 16th Annual African American Cultural Heritage Festival
Theme of this year’s parade will be to honor the descendants of John Brown’s Raid.
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: West Washington Street, Charles Town, W.Va.
Contact: George Rutherford
Number: (304) 725-9610
Web site: www.harpersferrywv.net/NAACP.htm
September 16 – John Brown Community Forum
Sponsored by the Jefferson County Black History Preservation Society, the forum will focus on John Brown and the five African American raiders.
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Charles Town, W.Va.
Contact: James Taylor
Number: (304) 725-7242
Web site: http://jeffctywvblackhistory.org/
October 15 – “Sword of the Spirit”
John Brown’s final and colorful last days of life are brought back to life in this drama based on the letters of John and Mary Brown. The play is written and performed by Greg Artzner and Terry Leonino
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Old Opera House, Charles Town, W.Va.
Contact: Park Information
Number: (304) 535-6029
Web site: www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm
October 16-18: Sesquicentennial Commemoration of John Brown’s Raid
Three days of public education events, including a full-slate of music, drama, scholarship, living history, family and youth activities, and ranger-conducted programs.
November 7-8: “If John Brown did not end the war that ended slavery, he did at least begin the war that ended slavery”
Watch the dramatic debate between historical figures former-slave-turned- abolitionist-spokesman Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Fred Morsell and Jim Getty.
Time: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Location: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Contact: Park Information
Number: (304) 535-6029
Web site: www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm
Contact Information
Tricia Sizemore
304-558-2003 x 319
tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov