From staff reports
Cook Forest State Park will journey through various historical eras of the U.S. — French and Indian War, Colonial, Civil War, World War I and World War II — during its Living History Weekend from May 26 to 28.
Living historian and master story-teller Paul Stillman, historical interpreter Dave Clark and award-winning singer-story teller Ray Owen will present the periods through first-character portrayals, hands-on demonstrations and songs.
The weekend kicks off with “Seneca Point by Candlelight” from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday. A 1750s French Marine will guide participants through the ancient rocks of Seneca Point in search of an old Seneca warrior on his trek south along the Catawba Trail. Participants should meet at the Fire Tower parking lot.
From 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, attendees can learn about what children in the 1700s did for fun, what clothing they wore, if they would go to school and more in “Colonial Life fore Children.” Participants should meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom.
From 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Stillman and Clark will perform “The North Meets South” as participants will see the Civil War through a New York regimental line solider and a rebel of the Army of Northern Virginia. Participants should bring camp chairs and meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom.
From 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Clark will perform as a “World War I Doughboy of the 27th Division” at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom.
From 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Stillman will present as a “Colonial Craftsman” in the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom. Participants will learn how things were made during the early part of the 18th century during a quill and bamboo pen fabrication workshop. Participants should bring camp chairs.
From 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday, the “Eldred WWII Museum Display and Talk” is scheduled. Curator Steve Applebee will talk about how they’ve been busy preserving the history of World War II with interactive displays and educational programs.
From 8 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, the weekend will close with Owen presenting “Hats Off to Pennsylvania History Through Music” at the Ridge Camp Park Amphitheater. Participants should bring chairs and blankets.