On Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, Friends of Blackwater will present a free, family-friendly, public history program at the South Branch Inn in Moorefield, West Virginia.
The program’s title is “The African American Experience of Struggle and Achievement in West Virginia’s Allegheny Highlands.”
The program will feature two distinguished West Virginia scholars: Dr. Cicero M. Fain III, author of “Black Huntington: An Appalachian Story,” and Dr. Tamara Denmark Bailey, Assistant Professor of History at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
The program will include a virtual tour of Black history sites in the Highlands, and selections from oral history interviews. A public reception with refreshments will follow.
“This is a great chance for people of all ages to learn from experts about West Virginia history!” said Tom Rodd, speaking for Friends of Blackwater.
Travel assistance scholarships are available for students, teachers, and community members. The program is a project of Friends of Blackwater and Aurora Research Associates, supported by the National Park Service.
For more information, and to RSVP, go to https://actionnetwork.org/events/black-history-in-the-highlands/ . Or, call Courtney Zimmerman at 304-685-7410; or email [email protected].