National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior

PO Box 65
Harpers Ferry WV 25425

304 535-6748 phone
304 535-6244 fax

Harpers Ferry NHP News Release

Release Date: Immediately
Contact: Marsha B. Wassel
Phone: 304 535-6748

Harpers Ferry Park Announces John Brown Raid Anniversary Program

On Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16, 2005, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will host a two-day program of music, drama, and scholarship highlighting the 146th anniversary of John Brown’s Raid. The abolitionist, John Brown, struck a blow for freedom in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, on October 16, 1859, polarizing our nation over the issue of slavery, in an event that many historians see as the catalyst for the American Civil War.

On Saturday, October 15, at 1:00 p.m., the musical duo, “Magpie” will perform a concert entitled “Sword of the Spirit.” This collection of songs relates the story of John Brown’s Raid through correspondence between the abolitionist and his wife, Mary, prior to his execution. At 3:00 p.m. that same day, actor Fred Morsell will portray Frederick Douglass and James Getty appears as Abraham Lincoln in a dramatic presentation discussing and debating John Brown, the man, and his actions.

On Sunday, October 16, at 1:00 p.m., the Harpers Ferry Historical Association will host a panel discussion by the authors of Terrible Swift Sword: The Legacy of John Brown. Brown scholars include Pennsylvania State University professor and author, Peggy Russo; author and producer, Jean Libby; and University of Nebraska professor in criminal justice, James N. Gilbert. This thought provoking discussion ends with a question and answer period along with a book signing. A 3:00 p.m. encore presentation by Fred Morsell and James Getty rounds out the event.

-NPS-

Updated: Wednesday, 12-Oct-2005 14:08:57 Eastern Daylight Time
www.nps.gov /archive/hafe/new/nr-jbraid-program.htm
Author: Marsha B. Wassel

Back to Previous Page