News Release

Heritage Demo Day 2023 at Canyon Rim on Saturday, October 1

Heritage Demo Day ’23 event poster

News Release Date: September 26, 2023

Contact: Jodi French-Burr, 304-575-6496

Glen Jean, WV — Explore traditional Appalachian skills through hands-on demonstrations on Saturday, October 1,1:30 – 4:00 pm. Spend the afternoon at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve’s Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing and be part of this celebration of heritage skills including quilting, blacksmithing, foraging, native species gardening, and more. This free program is a come-and-go as you please event with history booths scattered around the grounds of the visitor center site. Some demonstrations may include opportunities for visitors to try their hand at some of these traditional skills. Enjoy a walk to the park’s scenic overlooks nearby, plus walk through the heritage museum in the visitor center.  

This special heritage skills demonstration is part of 2023 Hidden History Happenings event September 9 – October 15 throughout Southern West Virginia. See program descriptions, dates, times, and meeting locations at https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hidden-history-weekend.htm. Most programs are free. Some programs do require advanced reservations. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water for all guided hikes. Check the website for schedule updates, as more programs will likely be added to the schedule.    

Learn more about these heritage sites at www.nps.gov/neri, www.coalheritage.org, www.wvstateparks.com, www.exploresummgerscounty.com, and www.activeswv.org.   Find event updates on the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgenps.