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History Comes Alive: Cook Forest’s Epic Living History Event

COOKSBURG, Pa. (EYT) – Cook Forest State Park will host a living history weekend from Friday, May 23, through Sunday, May 25, featuring portrayals and demonstrations spanning the French & Indian War, Colonial Period, Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War II, and Pennsylvania’s lumber heritage.

Living historian Paul Stillman, historical interpreter Dave Clark, and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter-storyteller Ray Owen will participate.

Events include:

Friday, May 23:

  • 8:oo p.m. to 10:00 p.m.: “Seneca Point by Candlelight.” A guided walk from the Fire Tower parking lot to Seneca Point with a portrayal of a 1750s French Marine and a Seneca warrior.

Saturday, May 24:

  • 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.: Stillman presenting “Paul Stillman,” discussing how to create a living history program. Meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom; bring camp chairs.
  • 1:0o p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Stillman and Clark presenting “The North Meets South,” a Civil War perspective. Meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom; bring camp chairs.
  • 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: Stillman portraying Thomas Stillwell, a Revolutionary War soldier, at the Ridge Camp Park Amphitheater; bring chairs and blankets.

Sunday, May 25:

  • 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Clark portraying a World War II GI of the 28th Infantry Division. Meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom; bring camp chairs.
  • 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Stillman as a Colonial Craftsman, leading a quill and bamboo pen workshop. Meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom; bring camp chairs.
  • 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: “Driving ‘battlefield’ Tour to Lumber History Sites on the Clarion River: Cooksburg-Belltown.” A driving tour starting at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom. Attendees are encouraged to bring dinner.
  • 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Ray Owen presenting “Hats Off to America,” a musical journey through American history, at the Ridge Camp Park Amphitheater; bring chairs and blankets.

Individual program locations are at Cook Forest State Park, 100 RT 36, Cooksburg, PA 16217.

Please contact the Park Office at 814-744-8407 or go to the event web page for more details.