FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WVNS) — Hidden Historical past Happenings on the New River Gorge Nationwide Park and Protect helped some people acquire an appreciation for the traditions of Appalachia.
The occasions on the Canyon Rim Customer Heart on Sunday, September 25, 2022, targeted on storytelling and music, two methods folks within the area honor Appalachian tradition and historical past. But in addition two artwork kinds that return hundreds of years, and are nonetheless thriving at the moment.
“I’ve heard it mentioned that historical past by no means appears like historical past if you’re residing by way of it. Folks don’t understand that every part that’s taking place to us in our day-to-day actually is making the tales of that place,” mentioned Park Ranger Jodi French-Burr. “So hopefully by way of Hidden Historical past Happenings, we get folks fascinated by their very own tales and hopefully preserving these personal tales.”
The music part of Hidden Historical past taught people in regards to the affect Appalachian tradition had on musical kinds like nation, bluegrass, and even Gospel.
The occasion showcased the Appalachian musical devices of at the moment, but in addition featured older devices just like the Mountain Dulcimer and the Hammered Dulcimer.
“Many Appalachian music kinds have been handed down from one era to the following. It may be something from banjo, fiddle, or guitar music, to utilizing no matter you’ll find available – an previous washboard, some spoons, or simply singing along with your voice,” mentioned French-Burr.
Just like the Appalachian music demonstration, the storytelling workshop targeted on the best way older generations cross their traditions on to youthful generations within the area. That passing down of concepts and tales helps maintain the wealthy tradition of the world alive, in addition to honor actual folks from the world.
“The legend of John Henry, that most individuals know all through the world, however they didn’t know that it actually was primarily based on an actual occasion that occurred right here within the New River Gorge alongside the Chesapeake and Ohio railroads within the 1870s. So it was about taking tales and songs like that to get folks fascinated by their very own tales,” mentioned French-Burr.
Each one among us continues writing our personal tales in Appalachian historical past every single day.
