Making Plans for 2010

I just spent the day at a long meeting discussing the Arthurdale Heritage fundraising plans for this year and possibly years to come.  We have some fantastic initiatives that we will be announcing over the next few weeks. Most notably we are planning on launching “Arthurdale Weddings” wedding rental packages, challenge grants, new tours, new exhibits, and more events for children and families.

One of these family-oriented events is our annual Beat the Heat BBQ coming up next Saturday.  Tom and Dyanna Bonnette, Susie and Richie Davis and a slew of our dedicated volunteers will be grilling and serving up char-grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for this winter fundraiser.  And, yes, Tom and Richie will be outside in the freezing cold grilling. They do this every year and we are so very thankful for their dedication.

This event will also feature a SUPERVISED play area for the kids (so mom and dad can relax and have fun) and the Craft Shop will be open. The Craft Shop is not normally open until April when we start offering weekend tours again, so this is your chance to stop by and pick up unique gifts. (Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, fellas…hint hint!) We really hope to see you there!

Other fundraising events we are planning are the annual Elimination Dinner (April), Mother/Daughter Tea (May), the annual New Deal Festival (July 9-10), and an Ice Cream Social/Kids Day in August.  Also, October 11 is Eleanor Roosevelt’s Birthday and we’re thinking about throwing her a party!

That said, all of these events and initiatives take time, effort, and lots of planning. However, we always pull it off because we have such wonderful volunteers.  If there is anything that you would like to be a part of or help out with, we would love to hear from you.  If you are not on our volunteer email list, please let us know so we can add you.

One of the great things about technology is being able to easily get feedback from anyone and everyone.  We’re making lots of plans for 2010, but also for years to come.  We’d love to hear what Arthurdale Heritage means to you and what you would like to see us doing, so take a moment to add your comments below!

- Sarah Barnes
President, Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. Board of Directors

Taylor County Students Learn West Virginia’s Great Depression Story

Students at Grafton High School received an in-depth look at West Virginia’s struggles during the Great Depression. Arthurdale Heritage’s Jonas Knotts presented West Virginia’s unique depression history to Richard Zukowski’s American history class. The lecture to a class of over 20 students covered everything from the suffering of families in Scotts Run and other communities to infrastructure and conservation efforts of the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps. The lecture also focused on the unique place of Arthurdale in the New Deal and West Virginia history.

Zukowski said that while students are introduced to the national history of the Great Depression in textbooks, it’s important for students to connect national history to local events, “focusing on West Virginia’s history helps students connect better to the surroundings in their local area.” It affects them personally because many times, they are not aware of just how many roads, buildings, and parks in their community were built during the depression through the New Deal”, said Zukowski.

“Guest lectures and presentations like this help to develop interest about the New Deal and Arthurdale among students”, said Knotts. The lecture can also help students draw connections between the 1930s and today. “By learning about New Deal programs in West Virginia, students can draw parallels between those programs and the current recession stimulus programs like the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, Cash for Clunkers, and the Troubled Asset Relief Program”, said Zukowski.

AHI provides numerous educational opportunities including tailored age and topic appropriate tours of Arthurdale’s New Deal Homestead Museum, guest lecturers, and speakers. AHI is happy to provide these to schools and community organizations. For more information about AHI education opportunities, email ahi@arthurdaleheritage.org.

Related stories:

• Grafton Students learn Great Depression

February Museum and Office Hours By Appointment Only

Arthurdale Heritage tours and office hours will be by appointment only during the month of February 2010.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we encourage you to please contact us if you are interested in setting up an appointment or have questions.

We will be checking phone and email messages regularly. Please call 304-864-3959 to leave a message or email ahi@arthurdaleheritage.org and one of our volunteers will promptly respond.