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Fort Pitt Museum to
host living history programs
PITTSBURGH -- The Fort Pitt Museum, part of the Smithsonian-affiliated Senator John Heinz History Center museum system, will present living history programs on select dates this summer.
Visitors to Point State Park can see history in action as costumed interpreters demonstrate 18th century life at Fort Pitt, perform marches and military drills and fire the museum's replica British 6-pounder cannon. All outdoor living history programs are free and open to the public.
The Fort Pitt Museum will host the following living history programs this summer:
¯ Artillery and Artificers -- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 4-5.
Visitors can witness how artillerists at historic Fort Pitt prepared for cannon firings to defend the Point and learn how artisans like tinners and blacksmiths helped produce 18th century artillery. The Fort Pitt Museum Cannon Crew will fire the museum's replica cannon throughout the weekend, weather permitting.
¯ Fourth at the Fort -- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Holiday revelers of all ages can commemorate the Fourth of July by helping to raise a 36-foot garrison flag in historic Point State Park at 11 a.m., with help from colonial interpreters and local Scouts. Learn about Fort Pitt and Western Pennsylvania's role in the American Revolution and see costumed interpreters perform 18th century military music ahead of the evening's fireworks display.
¯ Fort Pitt Garrison Drill -- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. July 14, Aug. 18.
The Fort Pitt Garrison will demonstrate 18th century military drills and fire the museum's replica British 6-pounder cannon, weather permitting.
¯ From Maps to Mermaids, and more.
Visitors to the Fort Pitt Museum can explore Western Pennsylvania's critical role during the French & Indian War, the American Revolution, and the birth of Pittsburgh through two floors of interactive displays and award-winning exhibitions.
The museum's featured exhibit is From Maps to Mermaids: Carved Powder Horns in Early America, which showcases delicately carved powder horns - used by soldiers, settlers and American Indians to store gunpowder on the colonial frontier - and the stories behind them.
One of the most affordable family-friendly cultural experiences in the region, the Fort Pitt Museum attracted more than 55,000 visitors last year.
Admission to the museum is $8 for adults, $7 for senior citizens, $2 off admission for retired and active military and $4.50 for students with a valid ID and children ages 6-17. Children under 5 and History Center members get in free.
For information on the Fort Pitt Museum's exhibits and public programs, visit www.heinzhistorycenter.org/fort-pitt.
Arts festival following
Fourth of July parade
WEIRTON -- Striplight Community Theatre's fourth-annual arts festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Weirton Events Center, as part of downtown Weirton's Fourth of July weekend festivities.
The festival will open immediately following the Fourth of July parade and end just before Beatlemania Magic takes the stage. The theme of this year's festival is Peace, Love, and Art.
SCT has fun-filled day planned with entertainment, kids' activities, food, a talent competition, community arts projects and more than 25 unique vendors and crafters. Admission is free, with donations to support the arts accepted.
"We started the arts festival four years ago to introduce Striplight to people who may not have come to a show -- or, at the time, knew we event existed -- and to offer a fun, free day full of entertainment to the community," said Amy Balog, SCT board chair and chair of the arts festival. "We try to improve and grow every year, while keeping costs minimal, so that all members of the community can participate. It is so important to keep the arts alive, because they provide so much to every member of our community -- an outlet to some, an escape for others, a learning experience and a chance to bond."
This year's festival includes entertainment by SCT's own Speakeasy Singers, Fehrion Studios, Not Quite Pious acoustic duo, Famous Duets with Kendra and Gretchen, vocalist Carrie Oliver Schultz and more.
There will be a talent competition mid-day, open to singers, dancers and talent (excluding bands), with prizes to be awarded to the top three performers. The talent competition has a $5 entry fee.
SCT will be doing a community art projects, including a "Community Tree" that will be decorated with hand print "leaves" of anyone that would like to participate.
The kids' zone will offer inflatables and free family games. There also will be a face painter, and photos with Captain America will be available, with proceeds from the photos benefiting St. Jude's Hospital and Striplight Community Theatre.
Entry to the festival is free and open to the public. For information, contact amy@sctwv.org or call (304) 670-4247.
Artisans Against Domestic
Violence art show slated
ROGERS -- The third-annual Artisans Against Domestic Violence Art Exhibit will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Alchemy Acres Whispering Pines Castle, 6295 Adams Road.
The exhibit this year has grown from previous years to include at least 25 artists and more than 30 pieces of artwork. There will be a living art exhibit as well as drawings, rock painting and light refreshments.
There is no charge to attend and is open to the public.
For information, e-mail artisansagainstdv@yahoo.com or call (330) 426-2147.