African American History Hike at Harper’s Ferry National Park
Sponsored by The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), in partnership with the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (HFNHP)
Saturday, June 2nd, 2012 – 10:30 am to 2:00 pm
The event will showcase some of the rich history that occurred along the Harpers Ferry section of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)
A moderate 1-mile guided hike will begin at ATC’s Visitor Center and end by following the Appalachian Trail downhill past numerous scenic spots and historic structures. At each historic site, a Harpers Ferry Park ranger will give an interpretive presentation about its significance. Participants will learn about African American history and will be given the rare opportunity to view the inside the Curtis Freewill Baptist Church and other rarely open sites to the public.
At the end of the hike, participants will be have the opportunity to hear a presentation from Marcia Fairweather about her 15-year section-hike of the A.T. Ms. Fairweather is also a board member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the first African-American to serve in this role.
This hike is not recommended for children under 8 years old. Parental supervision required.
Please RSVP by June 1st
Hike Difficulty: Moderate; the hike is 1 mile long and short sections cover uneven terrain and rocks, as well as steep steps.
EVENT OVERVIEW:
When: Saturday, June 2, 2012 – 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Appalachian Trail Conservancy
799 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
10:30 a.m. – Orientation
11:00 a.m. – African American History Hike:
Begin at ATC’s Visitor Center –End in historic Lower Town Harpers Ferry.
1:00 p.m. – Lunch: Lunch will be provided for hike participants
1:30 p.m. – “Marcia’s Appalachian Trail Journey”: After lunch, Marcia Fairweather, who completed a section hike of the entire A.T. in 2008, will show a short video about her experience. Both lunch and the presentation will be held in the Allies for Freedom room on the second floor of the HFNHP’s John Brown Museum in historic Lower Town Harpers Ferry.
Click to download the flyer!