June 13, 2017 10:05 pm
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Following the Civil War, the Reverend Dr. Nathan Cook Brackett established a Freewill Baptist primary school in the Lockwood House on Camp Hill. Brackett’s tireless efforts to establish freedmen’s schools in the area inspired a generous contribution from philanthopist John Storer of Sanford, Maine, who offered $10,000 for the establishment of a school in the South. The donation was offered on the condition that the school be open to all regardless of sex, race or religion. On October 2, 1867, “Storer Normal School” was opened, and two years later, in December 1869, the federal government formally conveyed the Lockwood House and three other former Armory residences on Camp Hill to the school’s trustees. Frederick Douglass served as a trustee of... View Article
June 13, 2017 10:01 pm
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In 2017, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Storer College. Throughout the year the park will host special events and programs that tell the history of Storer College and recognize the legacy of the institution, which was the first school in West Virginia to welcome students of all backgrounds. Bookmark this page and check back often to discover the web pages we are building about Storer College history and to see updates about the 150th anniversary special events. Read more at NPS: Storer College 150th Anniversary!
June 13, 2017 9:58 pm
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From remote hideaways to coastal harbors, discover the towns that topped our list this year Your favorite small town probably doesn’t look quite like how Norman Rockwell drew it. Small towns may be united by their modest population sizes, but they’re remarkable for their diversity of character. And so for the sixth-annual round of Smithsonian.com’s America’s Best Small Towns, we set out on a quest to find 20 great slice-of-life (and if you’re Rockland, Maine, also award-winning slice-of-pie) small towns full of unique flavor. To help us on our task, we once again consulted geographical information company Esri (which sorts towns with a population under 20,000) to identify tiny towns chock full of local culture, history and natural beauty. We... View Article
January 2, 2017 10:55 pm
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Hello, In last month’s newsletter, I left off at Bears Den Hostel after Day 5 of my hike to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The folks sitting in front of the glowing fireplace when I arrived at sundown were two steps ahead of me – well fed and clean. Bears Den has a $30 hiker special: shower, laundry, pizza, pint of ice cream, bunk, and pancake breakfast. Built in 1933 for a physician, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy purchased the rock mansion and sixty-six acres in 1984. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club manages it. In the morning, Go Girl, one of the women I had met at Mountain Home Cabbin, flipped pancakes for all takers. Before leaving, I boiled water for my... View Article
October 6, 2016 10:54 pm
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The Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival occurs in nearby Jefferson County every year. While the 2016 event has already taken place, the 2017 dates are set for September 22 thru September 24. Enjoy fine arts, music, wine and crafts as you also take in the fall foliage. Book a hotel in Harpers Ferry, WV and enjoy the full historic experience. Here is what you can enjoy while attending this well-known regional event: Pre-selected artisans: Not just anyone can display their wares at the festival. Every booth you visit underwent a pre-selection process that assessed the quality of the goods and their relevance to mountain culture. You will know that you are handling quality art pieces that reflect this region... View Article
