Posted by Sarah Barnes on
January 11, 2010
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.
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Posted by Amanda Penix on
May 5, 2009
Blacksmith Demonstrations
Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. is pleased to announce that blacksmith Roger Greaser will be demonstrating at the Arthurdale Forge the second Saturday of each month from May through October during regular museum hours (noon-4 p.m.). All are welcome to visit the New Deal Homestead Museum to see this three-generation blacksmith work, ask him questions, and learn about the blacksmith cottage industry present in Arthurdale in the 1930s.
This project is being presented by Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. with financial assistance from the West Virginia Humanities Council, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in the lecture series do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on
May 4, 2009
State Journal/WBOY: Busy Weekend in Arthurdale
Arthurdale received some coverage yesterday in the State Journal and WBOY about the community yard sale and auction.
Busy Weekend in Arthurdale
The Arthurdale Heritage holds annual events.
Story by Macall Allen
ARTHURDALE — An auction was held at the Arthurdale Center Hall Sunday in Preston County as part of the annual community yard sale.
The auction was part of the 8th annual event which benefits schools in Arthurdale and the historic preservation operations of the New Deal community project.
The Arthurdale Heritage Craft Shop also reopened this weekend.
The Shop was closed for the winter and also to make some repairs to the shop windows.
The craft shop features the work of local artisans. Read the rest of this entry »
