The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History (WVDACH) will team up with communities across the Mountain State and higher education institutions, October 9-11, to remember the state’s history and recognize the key events that contributed to our nation’s independence. A conference at Marshall University exploring West Virginia’s impact, with participation from other state higher education institutions, will conclude the state’s commemoration. The conference is free and open to the public. Individuals must register by September 30.
The activities will kick off Wednesday, October 9, with a lantern convoy traveling from the Greenbrier County Courthouse to Tu-Endie-Wei State Park in Point Pleasant. The conference will begin that evening on Marshall’s Huntington Campus, with a keynote lecture from West Virginia University professor Dr. Max Flomen. On October 10, Governor Jim Justice and members of the West Virginia America 250th Commission will join participants at the annual Battle Days observance in Point Pleasant. The conference activities will also include a student concert that evening and will conclude on October 11 with a panel discussion examining Appalachia’s influence on the American Revolution, focusing on industry, agriculture, transportation and people.
The schedule of events is as follows:
Wednesday, October 9
A lantern convoy will travel from the Greenbrier County Courthouse to Tu-Endie-Wei State Park in Point Pleasant.
- 8 a.m. Greenbrier County Courthouse
- 9:05 a.m. Summers County Courthouse
- 10 a.m. Raleigh County Courthouse
- 10:50 a.m. Fayette County Courthouse
- 12:30 p.m. Charleston State Capitol Building (Lincoln Plaza)
- 1:40 p.m. Putnam County Courthouse
- 2:45 p.m. Tu-Endie-Wei State Park
The West Virginia Welcome Reception and Dinner will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Marshall’s Memorial Student Center. The dinner program includes cuisine from the period, student awards and remarks by Marshall President Brad D. Smith and State School Superintendent Michelle Blatt. The keynote lecture on how the state contributed to the American Revolution will be presented by WVU’s Dr. Max Flomen.
Thursday, October 10
- 8 a.m. Buses travel to Point Pleasant for Battle Days
Governor Jim Justice and members of the West Virginia America 250th Commission will join participants at this observance.
- 1 p.m. Lunch, Shawkey Room, Memorial Student Center, Marshall
After lunch, Marshall students will perform classical music selections from colonial times and patriotic songs at the Smith Recital Hall on Marshall’s campus. A reception will follow.
Friday, October 11
- 9 a.m. Examining Appalachia and its influence on the American Revolution focusing on industry, agriculture, transportation and people
- Opening remarks, Randall Reid-Smith, Cabinet Secretary, West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History
- Panel discussion, Moderator: Dr. Kevin Barksdale, Professor of History, Marshall University
- Dr. Benjamin Bankhurst, Ray & Madeline Johnston Chair in American History, Shepherd University
- Christopher Chaney, Instructor in Native American Studies, West Virginia University
- Charles Keeney, Associate Professor of History, Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College
Individuals who plan to attend should register here: Registration Form. Please indicate at the bottom of this form which events you plan to attend. Registration closes September 30.
The Marriott Delta Hotel, located downtown Huntington, is offering a special rate of $119 plus tax, per night. Contact the hotel at 304-523-8880 by September 30 to claim this special rate.
If you have further questions, email caitlyn.a.taylor@wv.gov or call the WVDACH at 304-558-0220.
