THE “Junction of the Potomac Fall 2019 and Shenandoah, Virginia,” by William Roberts, dating Page 3 - Allstadt’s Corner from 1808-1809. This is one transferred to National Park of the oldest known prints Service of Harpers Ferry. In 1783, Page 4 - Upcoming Park Thomas Jefferson declared Events that this view was “worth a Page 5 - 75th Speaker voyage across the Atlantic.” Series: Exploring the Battles (Museum of Early Southern of Harpers Ferry Decorative Arts, Winston- Salem, North Carolina) “Take me back to Harpers Ferry…”
So swoon the opening lyrics of the and stirs the soul,” says Jim Beckman, past June, they did so in droves: alumni classic Magpie folk song, familiar to one of HFPA’s certified guides. Perhaps and fans of the Ferry bringing the village anyone who has ever ridden the park’s that’s why Harpers Ferry is one of those alive to celebrate the national park’s shuttle buses. “Being surrounded by locations that, as the song implies, peo- 75th anniversary. We hope you’ll enjoy such inspiring landscape and a place so ple do like to return to as often as pos- just a few memories of the weekend, rich in human drama inspires the mind sible. And on one sultry weekend this collected from some of our participants.
Below: “Janice and I had the thrill of re- turning to Harpers Ferry as Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation volunteers for the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park’s 75th anniversary celebration,” writes HFPA/Lewis and Clark Heritage Foundation member Jerry Wilson. “We were stationed at the fine Meriwether Lewis at Harpers Ferry Museum. Also stationed at the museum was Thomas Jefferson [portrayed by Bill Barker], who stated in his writing, Notes on the State of Virginia, ‘This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic.’”
Above: “It was an absolute thrill to be It was our ‘bible’ in first learning part of the writer’s panel with David Gilbert about the town, and I still consult it and Dr. Merritt Roe Smith,” says author almost weekly to this very day. And and professor Jim Beckman. “When my Dr. Smith’s 1977 landmark book wife and I first moved to the town several on the armory at Harpers Ferry has decades ago, the very first book we bought been on my bookshelf since 1997… was Dave Gilbert’s [Walker’s Guide to I’ve read and re-read it multiple Harpers Ferry]. times.”
Harpers Ferry Park Association | 1 The View is published by the Harpers Ferry Park Asso- ciation (HFPA), an Official National Park Cooperating Association that supports the mission of the National Park Service.
Above: A number of park alumni participated Below: “The very best thing about my Harpers The Association operates the in a special panel moderated by Doug Perks, Ferry is that it isn’t just mine,” says Catherine Park Bookshop in Harpers certified guide and a former ranger himself. “As I Mägi, co-author (with Dennis Frye) of Confluence: Ferry NHP. Profits from sales prepared for the Alumni Panel, I thought back to Harpers Ferry as Destiny, a comprehensive history are returned to the park to June 1970 when I first wore the green and gray of the Ferry. “Harpers Ferry is many stories, many support interpretive and edu- at Harpers Ferry,” recalls Perks. “In those days, energies, many passionate individuals.” Conflu- cational programs to enhance cars were parked on the green and on the river ence, released during the 75th Anniversary week- your visit. side of the railroad tracks. The Visitors Center end, seeks to honor this coming-together of so was in the ‘Stage Coach Inn,’ today’s Bookshop. many strands in history, paying special attention You are invited to join this Rangers were posted in the Master Armorer’s and to often overlooked or censored voices. Featuring unique organization and be a the Harper House. Each of us took a turn in the these items in the book “was thrilling for me,” part of Harpers Ferry’s special parking lot, leading walking tours of the Lower recalls Dennis Frye of the launch. “To have people family. For more information Town, and did foot patrols up to Jefferson’s Rock tell me (even seasoned veterans): ‘I didn’t know call (304) 535-6881, e-mail us and out on Virginius Island. But my strongest that.’ . . . or ‘I never saw that before,’ proved at [email protected], or visit memory is of how exciting it was to tell the story Harpers Ferry is continuous discovery.” Fittingly, our website at www.harpers- of Harpers Ferry to Park visitors. Every day I could the book is dedicated in part to a “confluence” ferryhistory.org. not wait to get to work!” of park alumni, including former superintendents Don Campbell and Rebecca Harriett, along with Executive Director former supervisory ranger Arnold Schofield. Cathy Baldau Operations Manager Whitney Richards
Editor Catherine Mägi
Graphic Designer David T. Gilbert
Board of Directors James Silvia, President Cynthia Gayton, Vice President David T. Gilbert, Secretary Laura Clark, Treasurer Jim Beckman Chris Craig Mark Elrod Jim Jenkins Doug Perks Sarah Shafer Ed Wheeless
2 | The View | Fall 2019 More of Harpers Ferry Preserved: Allstadt’s Corner Transferred to National Park
One October night, nearly ly, hosting Joseph McGill, 160 years ago, the residents Jr., of the Slave Dwelling of Allstadt’s Corner found Project. On the evening of themselves at the epicenter August 17th—just hours of John Brown’s war on after the transfer—McGill slavery. Two of the Allstadt led participants in a unique men, father and son, were fireside chat and overnight taken hostage by Brown’s experience at the property, lead man, John Cook, and contemplating some of hauled away to the infa- history’s harder narratives. mous armory engine house. This was McGill’s first Seven additional men, en- sleepover in West Virginia, slaved by the Allstadts, were making it the 24th state on taken along as well. Less his list of overnights. As than three years later, as McGill pointed out, there the country waged bloody were only 15 slave states at civil war, Allstadt’s Corner the start of the Civil War—a would find itself once more “They bursted the door open with a rail.” reminder that the story of under fire. The property slavery in America extends lies near the Schoolhouse Ridge line—in and private individual donations. The to both shores, North and South. Learn other words, in the midst of the 1862 Jefferson County Historic Landmarks more about the Slave Dwelling Project Battle of Harpers Ferry. Commission, the National Park Foun- at slavedwellingproject.org. Thanks to the American Battlefield dation, and the West Virginia Division Trust, these thirteen history-soaked of Culture & History also aided in the Above: Allstadt’s Corner. Below: Joseph acres of Allstadt’s Corner are now acquisition. McGill, Jr., of the Slave Dwelling Project protected by Harpers Ferry National The American Battlefield Trust has hosts a fireside chat at Allstadt’s Corner. Historical Park. added 342 acres to the national park (Photo by Jim Silvia) “The events at Allstadt’s Corner since 2002; most shaped our nation,” said Superin- of this property is tendent H. Tyrone Brandyburg at the battlefield. Through August 17, 2019, land transfer ceremony. conservation ease- “This generous donation to the Amer- ment, an additional ican people allows the National Park 200 acres have been Service to preserve this important place, preserved as views- its lessons and its stories forever. It’s an heds. honor to be entrusted with its care.” Following The purchase of Allstadt’s Corner the land transfer was made possible by gifts from Elliots- ceremony, the site ville Plantation, Inc., a NPS American was put to use Battlefield Protection Program grant, almost immediate-
Call for Dreamers, Planners & Problem Solvers
What does your HFPA membership can we keep HFPA going strong for please consider joining our brand-new, mean to you? What would you like it generations to come? If you’d like to volunteer Membership Committee. to mean? In 2021, your association will be part of shaping and implementing Contact Catherine Mägi at cmagi@ celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. How an improved membership experience, hfpawv.org for details.
Harpers Ferry Park Association | 3 Upcoming Park Events Meet Your Park Archeologist. Sep- Reacting to the Raid: Local Militia standing of the Harpers Ferry story has tember 16, 2 p.m., John Brown Museum. and the U.S. Marines. October 12-13, 11 been fundamentally shaped by archeo- What’s it like to work as an NPS arche- a.m. - 4 p.m., Lower Town. The USMC logical research in the park. ologist? Learn more about the adven- Historical Company will portray the ture of archeology at Harpers Ferry. capture of abolitionist John Brown and Drink Your Apples: Historic Cider explore reactions to the raid. Making. October 26-27, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Archeology and the U.S. Armory White Hall Tavern. For centuries, the Ground. September 23, 2 p.m., John John Brown and the Night Sky of making of cider has been a tradition- Brown Museum. Discover how exca- 1859. October 17, 2 p.m., John Brown al way of extending the use of har- vations at the site of the U.S. Armory Museum. The skies were full of portent vest-time apples. It’s also a tasty treat! provided a treasure trove of information in 1859: a massive solar storm sent the Explore the process at this demonstra- about many aspects of Harpers Ferry colorful aurora, normally reserved for tion. life. arctic climes, streaking into shockingly southern latitudes. At this program, Captain Flagg’s U.S. Quartermas- “This Scene is Worth a Voyage learn how writers of the day linked the ter City, 1864: Prospects of Peace. Across the Atlantic.” September 28, 1 mythological scene to the coming of December 7-8, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Lower p.m. (Jefferson Rock) and 3 p.m. (Lower John Brown. Town. How did soldiers and civilians Town). Thomas Jefferson (as portrayed approach a holiday of peace and hope by the renowned Bill Barker) returns to The Archeology of Harpers Ferry, a in a time of war? This annual yuletide the Ferry to recount his memories of the History. October 21, 2 p.m., John Brown event explores this question and more. place that so stirred his imagination. Museum. Discover how our under-
Attention Members! A New Face in Membership The Association sends out a monthly e-newsletter and occasional updates on HFPA is pleased to announce that for students entering traditionally un- special events happening in the Ferry. If Catherine Mägi Oliver, publications paid clerkships with public service em- you are not receiving this and would like specialist since 2017 and coauthor of our ployers; expanding and implementing to, please send us your email at info@ newest publication, Confluence, has fundraising for the Eastern Panhandle hfpawv.org, or call 304-535-6881. If you taken up the challenge of Empowerment Center, are receiving it, please open it—if it is caring for and growing formally Shenandoah not read after two or three months it our membership as well. Women’s Center; and will go to your spam folder. We don’t Catherine’s ex- working three years in want anyone to miss out on the great perience in nonprofit major gifts research in things happening here! development dates from a college development adolescence, when she office. Connect with us on Social Media! co-founded a nonprofit, Catherine, an avid city-wide musical theater hiker who describes company with her peers herself as a “recovering Twitter (carefully researching attorney,” adopted an @HFParkAssoc the paperwork involved, historic Harpers Fer- and teaching grown-ups ry armorer’s house in how to complete it), and 2015, which she and her then went about town children have lovingly Facebook convincing businesses to help her put restored. She continues to be inspired @HFPAssociation on a play. Since that time she has contin- every day by the history written—quite ued to lead in fundraising and develop- literally—upon its walls. ment roles: serving as co-chair of the Catherine seeks to foster a strong Instagram William and Mary Public Service Fund, and diverse membership communi- @HFPAssociation an organization dedicated to providing ty, with increased opportunities for stipends and post-graduate fellowships continued on Page 5
4 | The View | Fall 2019 75th Speaker Series: Exploring the Battles A New Face in Membership, of Harpers Ferry continued from page 4 members to gather, learn, contribute, The 75th Anniversary Weekend may of the largest surrender of U.S. troops and simply have fun. She is especially in- have concluded, but our speaker during the Civil War. Starting at 2 p.m. terested in growing the next generation series continues. Autumn’s offerings in the afternoon, Sam Cathey and a of Harpers Ferry enthusiasts, and would will focus on two of the most famous crew of living history volunteers will love to hear from members about what battles Harpers Ferry has endured: bring the Naval Battery on Maryland you want to see in your association. Feel John Brown’s 1859 war on slavery, and Heights to life. A guided hike to the site free to reach out and introduce yourself, Stonewall Jackson’s 1862 capture of the will depart from the Green at 1:30 p.m. and look for a special member survey massive federal garrison. October 16th marks the 160th soon! On September 14th—during the anniversary of John Brown’s attack on ATIONAL H 157th anniversary of the Battle of Harp- Harpers Ferry. Former ranger David N IS RY TO R th R E I ers Ferry—two unique Civil War tours Fox will lead a morning tour of relevant F 75 C
ANNIVERSARY A
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battlefield, historian Kevin Pawlak will of nearby Charles Town, the site of H 1944 - 2019 guide participants around the scene Brown’s trial and execution.
Recent Donations: Lockwood House Master Armorer Deborah Hale Douglas C. Evans Donations: Members: Harpers Ferry, WV Gilder Lehrman Institute, in Gayle Underwood Joseph Andrews, III Robert Johnson, D.D.S. honor of Pearl Tatten and Rockville, MD Harpers Ferry, WV the Storer College Choir Armory Superintendent Lysbeth Bainbridge and Michael Kalis Mike Hegarty/Our Lady of Members: Stephen Ramberg Falls Church, VA Sorrows Catholic School Gregory DiCostanzo and Harpers Ferry, WV Michael Keller George Rutherford Gillian McPhee James Beckman Marietta, GA Worldstrides Harpers Ferry, WV Harpers Ferry, WV Andrew Kozak Nancy Myers Kirk Bradley Purcellville, VA New 75th Anniversary Harpers Ferry, WV Sanford, NC Anne Long Sponsors: Suzanne and Jim Silvia Karl Buchspics Boonsboro, MD Tabatha Chesley Taunton, MA Willow Grove, PA Don Mundey Kathryn Bailey Conant Ed Wheeless and Chris Craig Donald and Patricia Burgess Hagerstown, MD Autumn Cook Harpers Ferry, WV Frederick, MD Laura Neal Patty Disbrow Carole Powell Carter Shepherdstown, WV Paymaster Members: Liesel Eby Harpers Ferry, WV Thomas O’Neil Jim Jenkins Andrew Dibble/Twin Devel- Hon. and Mrs. Thomas Frederick, MD Mary and Richard Kirby opment, L.L.C. Curtis Linda Parks Bernie Klemanek Potomac, MD Baltimore, MD Washington, DC Kevin Kreutner Richard Kirby/O’Reilly, Kim and Frank Edwards James Prentice Andrei Kushner Marsh, & Corteselli, P.C. Edgewood, MD Harpers Ferry, WV Ed and Kaaren Mahoney Mineola, NY Matha Ehlman Deborah Ransom Mark McDonough Bruce Kramer Harpers Ferry, WV Lebanon, OH Joy Oakes/National Park Baltimore, MD Hon. Scot and Vicki Faulk- George Rutherford Conservation Association Cynthia Mason ner Ranson, WV Doug Perks Baltimore, MD Harpers Ferry, WV Gayle Underwood Debbie Piscatelli Sandra Osbourn Deborah Fleming Fairfield, PA Susan Weston Thailand Harpers Ferry, WV Jurgen Vsych Marjorie F. Yost Sarah Shafer and Daniel Patrice Flynn Lawrence, KS Jimeno/Rations Cafe Harpers Ferry, WV Kathleen Winters Bolivar, WV Cynthia Gayton Lorton, VA Arlington, VA
Harpers Ferry Park Association | 5 Harpers Ferry Park Association Post Office Box 197 Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Published for the Members and Friends of the Harpers Ferry Park Association, the official Cooperating Association forHarpers Ferry National Historical Park.
Support Harpers Ferry National Historical Park!
To view detailed descriptions of our membership categories or to ❏ I am not interested in receiving member bene- join online, please visit www.harpersferryhistory.org fits, but I would like to make a contribution in the amount of ______to aid the mission of the ❏ I wish to join the Harpers Ferry Park Association (new member) Harpers Ferry Park Association. ❏ I wish to renew my membership (renewal) ❏ I am a Charter Member and would like to make Please enroll me in the following member category (check one): a donation of ______. ❏ $25 Armory Worker – Basic membership for a family. ❏ Check if this is a new address for you. ❏ $25 Sarah Jane Foster – An alternative basic membership for educa- tors. ______Name ❏ $50 Millwright – For those members who are frequent visitors to the park. ______❏ $100 Master Armorer – A supporting membership category. Address
❏ $250 Paymaster – For businesses, vendors or family donors who ______wish to contribute to the Association’s mission. City State Zip ❏ $500 Armory Superintendent – For supporters (individual and corporate) who wish to perpetuate Association and Park education ______programs. Telephone
Please clip and mail with check or money order to: ______Harpers Ferry Park Association Phone: (304) 535-6881 E-mail P.O. Box 197 Fax: (304) 535-6749 Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 Email: [email protected] 6 | The View | Fall 2019