Applications to
Participate in 2008
If you're part of the community and would like to get involved, visit the Volunteers page for some suggested ways you can participate.
Craft & Art Vendors
(download both pages)
pdf 1 pdf2
Food Vendors pdf
29th Hampshire Heritage Days
September 5-7, 2008
Last year's Hampshire Heritage Days were an enormous success and 2008's event promises even more. Like the living history that is at the core of Hampshire Heritage Days, this is a living, evolving website with frequent updates. Please come back often to see what has changed!
Next Heritage Days Committee meeting Wednesday, June 11, 6:30PM at The Bottling Works, 426 E. Main St. in Romney. All are welcome. Volunteers wanted! Your community needs YOUR help--the more the better. Call coordinator Debi Wine for more information at 540-333-5950.
2007 Knight of Olde Hampshire —
Reva Mae Shingleton Smith
Five distinguished citizens who have gone above and beyond in their dedicated
service to the community were honored at Wednesday night's dinner—Patty
Anderson, Ed Buckbee (not pictured), Kenneth Seldon, Loudoun Thompson,
and Reva Smith, shown with Delegate Ruth Rowan.
Living
History: Visitors to Hampshire Heritage Days 2007 met Stonewall
Jackson and his wife, Anna, and horse, Little Sorrel, on the grounds
of Liberty Hall, the home on Main Street that served as Jackson's headquarters
while he was in Romney. Abraham Lincoln was represented with recitation
of The Gettysburg Address on the Courthouse steps. "Mad" Ann
Bailey, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Belle Boyd are other historical characters
who were in town for folks to meet and learn about.
Those who have ever wondered what the life of a farmer was really like
in the t1750s ,learned that and moreat Scott
Simmons' living history presentation, including what life was like with
no electricity, radio, television, and (oh horrors) no internet, . Travel
was by horseback and farm families were isolated in harsh winter months.
Almost everything you ate came from your own land, and almost everything
you wore was made at home.
With
Scott as Master of Ceremonies, various players presented different characters
from the past, ranging from the 1750s until the 1950s, including the life
and times of modest income farmer on his way to meet the Governor, the household
of a large planter, as well as a lawyer and banker. Some
showed artifacts from earlier times, others portrayed family members,
or described the history of an industry or profession
Two Interpretations of Confederate Spy, Belle Boyd
Heritage Days 2007 featured interpretations by two different talented interpreters of Belle Boyd, charming Confederate
spy, who killed a Union soldier when she was 17 and spent the rest
of the war wearing disguises and passing coded messages.
(Left) Belle Boyd (Right) Master
Windsor Chairmaker in one of his chairs in front of Mt. Vernon that he
will demonstrate making at The Bottling Works as part of Colonial Hampshire.
Colonial Hampshire and French & Indian
War Heritage exhibits and activities were presented in Romney
by the Fort
Edwards Foundation at The Bottling Works. Period arisans demonstrated
lace making, rug braiding, basketweaving, Windsor chair making and
more. A colonial surveyor was on hand, a Conestoga wagon was displayed
and the WV Farm Museum offered vintage articles to explore.
The popular flintknapper, Mike Frank, was among those demonstrating heritage
skills.
A variety of
different Children's
Activities were
offered on the grounds of the WV Schools for the Deaf & Blind,
including Jackson's Mill's History Hitting The Road with docents and
many hands-on activities. The Potomac Center offered many games
and crafts for kids as well.
Visitors could shop, just like Civil War soldiers did, at a real
sutler's store. Just one of many events that brought history to
life. Many folks toured historic
homes and buildings in West Virginia's oldest town, Romney.
Abraham Lincoln recalled the sacrifices and horrors of Gettysburg, commemorated
in his famed Gettysburg Address.
One option is to ride the
rails on the
Potomac Eagle
Scenic
Rail Excursion for a view of the encampment
and historic sites not
otherwise accessible. In addition to a regular daytime runs at 11:30 Saturday
and 1PM Sunday, a special Murder Mystery Dinner Train will be offered Saturday,
Sept. 6
departing at 6:30PM (requires reservations)
Hampshire County's Veterans will be honored in the parade with a musical
tribute by Maria Rose and Danny Elswick on the FNB Romney float.
