Summer 2020 and Shenandoah, Virginia,” by William Roberts, Dating Page 2 - Upcoming HFPA from 1808-1809
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THE “Junction of the Potomac Summer 2020 and Shenandoah, Virginia,” by William Roberts, dating Page 2 - Upcoming HFPA from 1808-1809. This is one Events of the oldest known prints Page 4 - Association Re- of Harpers Ferry. In 1783, ceives Publication Donation Thomas Jefferson declared Page 4 - Repairs Begin on that this view was “worth a Potomac River Pedestrian voyage across the Atlantic.” Bridge (Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, Winston- Salem, North Carolina) A Letter from the Executive Director Dear Friends, justice, which has been entwined I’ve been on Shenandoah in Harpers Ferry’s history for cen- Street in the dead of winter, early in turies. Our office and Bookshop the morning, without another soul have been closed since March 17. in sight. No visitors or rangers. No I’m uncertain if they will be open animals or insects, the plants and by the time this newsletter goes to trees all lifeless and still. The only print. These are hard times. But movement those mornings were our town, park, and association my feet and the rivers—my two old have seen hard times before. I am friends whose loyal current has determined to ensure we survive been at times peaceful and at times 2020. turbulent, but a constant reminder I want to extend my sincere that life never stops changing. gratitude to all who have sup- This past April, I was on ported us during the past few Shenandoah Street, at the height of months, especially our members. spring, the town shuttered, with- Your renewals, donations, and out another soul in sight. Birdsong online purchases have given us the filled my ears. Squirrels, geese, and energy to get through this difficult that stubborn groundhog had free situation. Thank you to the HFPA range. The air practically vibrated Board of Directors, who have with the resurgence of life. It was not only guided and helped me the most unsettling experience I’ve through financial and operational ever had in Harpers Ferry. Shenandoah Street decisions, but who have given me In the winter, there is some- moral support every step of the thing peaceful and profound in the verse. Where were the school children? way. You make me honored to be a silence. It’s like time travel, the closest I The hikers? History buffs? Passport part of this organization. get to being in the Harpers Ferry of the stampers? It felt almost apocalyptic. Was Finally, my deepest appreciation past. The winter gives me a chance to this how it felt for townspeople during goes to the HFPA staff—Whitney, Kat- refuel before the busy season, plan for the Civil War, in between occupations? lyn, Catherine, Lea, and Logan. Thank the year, and reflect upon the past—the I tried not to overreact, but this is you for being adaptable, working re- stories of struggle and hope that drive what national parks do—what they’re motely, solving problems with creativity our mission to support this national supposed to do . they make you feel and positivity, and most of all, thank you park. things. for your patience. I’m proud to be on Being in town in the springtime, It’s surreal how much in the world your team. with nature bursting and no humans in has changed since our last HFPA news- sight is not like time travel. It was more letter was released. A global pandemic Yours in health, like stepping into an alternative uni- and now civil protests demanding racial Cathy Baldau Harpers Ferry Park Association | 1 Upcoming HFPA Events All events subject to change. Please check our Annual Member Meeting & Picnic social media outlets for updates. September 12, 2020 HFPA members: Save the date for our annual Irish Fiddle Workshop membership meeting and potluck picnic! We August 15, 2020 look forward to this gathering every year, and Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm the opportunity to share our work and prog- Cost: $50 ress with our supporters. This year, we are Location: John Brown Museum, 2nd Floor excited to present you with a preview of our Lyceum plans for our 50th anniversary year in 2021. The View is published by the Harpers Ferry Park Asso- Join musician-historian Chuck Krepley, ciation (HFPA), an Official renowned performer of historical American/ En Plein Air Painting Workshop National Park Cooperating Celtic folk tunes and creator of handmade, September 17-19, 2020 Association that supports the period fiddles, for a special workshop devot- Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily mission of the National Park ed to Irish music. Cost: $225 Service. Chuck Krepley’s two great passions are Location: Various locations throughout music and history. Once a professional blue- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park The Association operates the grass banjo player, he took up the fiddle in Park Bookshop in Harpers As long as people have been coming to Harp- the 1980s. Chuck spent many years studying Ferry NHP. Profits from sales ers Ferry, its majestic views have called to the Scottish fiddle music, winning a couple of are returned to the park to artists among us. This long tradition of land- fiddle contests along the way. He has studied support inter pretive and edu- scape-inspired artistic expression has not only cational programs to enhance and performed historical music covering ev- built up a legacy of fine art, but also helped your visit. ery period from the French and Indian War to document the Ferry’s transitions through of the 1750s through the end of the American time. In this unique three-day workshop led You are invited to join this Civil War in 1865. He was the music director by artist Paul Gallo, participants will follow unique organization and be a for French and Indian War documentary in the footsteps of generations of creatives all (304) 535-6881, e-mail us at film, Washington’s First War: The Battles for [email protected], or visit our before them, indulging in painting en plein Fort Duquesne. Chuck performs and records website at www.harpersferry- air—painting outside. with his own Civil War band, Home Front, history.org. Pennsylvania artist Paul Gallo specializes and enjoys guest appearances with several in plein air oil painting. He holds a Master of other Civil War bands including the 2nd EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University, Cathy Baldau South Carolina String Band. He also per- and currently teaches painting and draw- forms with the American/Appalachian folk OPERATIONS MANAGER ing courses at Harrisburg Area Community music band Dearest Home, as well as Celtic Whitney Richards College. In addition to facilitating numerous band Across the Pond. EDITOR additional workshops, his Catherine Mägi creative work has been placed in numerous juried GRAPHIC DESIGNER David T. Gilbert shows and recognized with several awards. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cost does not in- James Beckman, President clude meals and lodging. Cynthia Gayton, Vice President David T. Gilbert, Secretary Participants are respon- Laura Clark, Treasurer sible for providing their Chris Craig own supplies. Contact the Mark Elrod bookshop for a suggested Jim Jenkins list of supplies, a work- Doug Perks shop schedule, and more Sarah Shafer details. Jim Silvia Ed Wheeless HFPA members and staff enjoy the 2019 Annual Meeting & Picnic. 2 | The View | Summer 2020 All’s Quiet Along the Potomac WHEN THE 1918 INFLUENZA PANDEMIC ducing a series of “mini-workshops,” that inspired Henry David Thoreau, struck Jefferson County, one observer livestreamed on Facebook in part- and she’s cherished having more time to remarked upon the monotonous quiet nership with the George Tyler Moore honor this relationship. of shuttered shops and closed cafes, Center for the Study of the Civil War at Lea McDowell, Visitor and Sales declaring the ghostly abandonment a Shepherd University. Experience Specialist, would normally sight “not seen in these parts since the But Catherine is much more than be in the bookshop interacting with vis- days of the Civil War.” cocktails (close observation will reveal itors. These days, however, Lea interacts For the past few months, this scene she never actually imbibes). Catherine with virtual visitors by brainstorming of emptiness has been ours once more, and creating content for multiple HFPA thanks to COVID-19. social media platforms. She published Our bookshop and offices ceased Our bookshop and offices her first blog post for HFPA, entitled regular operation in mid-March due ceased regular operation “Along the Shenandoah: A Meditation to the pandemic. Our Puzzlepalooza for Spring”, a love letter to the sub- FUNdraiser was postponed. However, in mid-March. However, lime beauty of Virginius Island. If you our creative and dedicated staff have our creative and dedicated have yet to experience this grounding been engaged in all manner of behind- staff have been engaged in visualization, you can do so at hfpawv. the-scenes projects to continue to serve blogspot.com. She is currently work- our mission. Here is just a sampling of all manner of behind-the- ing on a new blog post - stay tuned for what we’ve been up to! scenes projects to continue another virtual adventure! Catherine Mägi, Publications and to serve our mission. She has also had the pleasure of Membership Coordinator, has spent preparing and sharing weekly recipes much of her quarantine with her eyes from HFPA’s original cookbook, Bill of on 2021 and the commemoration of has developed additional livestream Fare. You can access these via the HFPA HFPA’s 50th anniversary. An avid hiker programs to promote HFPA, its publica- Instagram ( @hfpassociation ) and Face- with a penchant for wandering forgot- tions and authors. In response to wide- book ( www.facebook.com/HFPAssoci- ten trails, Catherine has plotted a new spread shop closures and cancellations ation/ ) every Saturday for a delectable history hiking program just for women.