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In the Shadow of John Brown-

The Harper’s Ferry Incident and its participants

11 OCT 2025

A day long (10am-5pm) program utilizing NPS Staff and volunteers presenting programs and vignettes focusing on the participants of events of 16-18 OCT 1859, including the so called “Raiders”, citizens of Harper’s Ferry, the US Marine, and militia killed or mortally wounded.  

Based on the number of participants, utilize various locations throughout the lower town and Virginius Island as ad hoc exhibit areas engaging visitors at approximate locations of the final moments of the historic figures.  Each site would tell the individual stories and encourage visitors to explore the town and discover the history of the raid and its individual consequences.  Sites that cannot be physically staffed could have a temporary wayside/poster placed with a name and short description.  A map can be offered at the visitor’s centers and/or at a temporary kiosk at the lower town bus stop.  

A formal program midday (1:00 pm) at Arsenal Square or at John Brown’s Fort bringing all participants together and briefly discussing each of the casualties in a chronological series following the raid timeline.

Less formal programs at 11:00 and 3:00 focusing on specific stories. Starting at John Brown’s Fort and moving to the site specific location.

It is my opinion that the interpretation has been focused on Brown and the local and National reaction not the events and motivations of the raiders that more fully explain the tragedy of the incident at Harper’s Ferry. I hope to present a program that puts the raid into the context of long and continued resistance to the slave power in the United States

If you are interested in participating in this event YOU MUST BE REGISTERED as an individual.

We are seeking folks that are solid historical interpreters and engaging the public in personal informal discussions is vital for the success of this event. While I encourage participation, this event works with one or one hundred participants. We presented a successful well received program last year and am looking to repeat that success. I am looking for seasoned folks dedicated to engaging the public with skills, solid historical data, and the tact to deal with the subject matter respectfully. I feel the American mythology has cast a terrible light on this event and a truer interpretation is needed.

NO GUESTS ALLOWED YOU MUST BE REGISTERED HERE (Check the Participant’s Page)