Trail and Native American Heritage Events

Upcoming Events

Throughout 2008
Join a John Smith Trail Expedition
Sultana Projects' John Smith Trail Expeditions is the first educational program designed specifically for the National Park Service's new Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Utilizing a fleet of canoes and kayaks, the goal of the John Smith Trail Expeditions program is to encourage students to explore and learn about areas of the Chesapeake that are reminiscent of the Bay John Smith experienced 400 years ago. The program has a dual focus on history and environmental science and can accommodate groups of up to 20 people. Programs range from three hours to one week in length. Find out more on the Expedition website.

July 17 & 19, 2008
400th John Smith Anniversary
Stingray Point, Deltaville
Re-enactment of the 1608 landing of Capt. John Smith at Stingray Point. The re-enactment will be repeated on July 19th with the launch of fourth trail buoy.
website

July 23, 2008
The Lore & Legends of Capt. John Smith & the Jamestown Experiment
Delmarva Discovery Center, Pocomoke, MD
7:00 p.m.
Hear Dr. Melanie Perreault unfold not only some of the more popular myths about Smith, but also Smith's well documented exploits in the Chesapeake and beyond.
website: http://delmarvadiscoverycenter.org/

July 27, 2008
Occoquan River Festival
10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
A day long celebration of the Occoquan River Communities and John Smith’s 400th anniversary of journeying up the Occoquan River. A replica of John Smith’s schooner will be on display. The event will include a Taste of Occoquan, music, entertainment, historical tours, family activities and much more. The evening highlight will be a hot air balloon launch. Contact: call 703-690-2121 or email Occoquan@nvrpa.org
website: http://www.occoquanrivercommunities.org

July 30, 2008
Archaeological Excavation Techniques & Interpretation
Delmarva Discovery Center, Pocomoke, MD
7:00 p.m.
Learn about archaeological excavation techniques that focus on Native American and early colonial subsistence patterns as well as interpreting the past through field work site assessments.
website: http://delmarvadiscoverycenter.org/

August 8-10
Shrewsbury Institute: The Gift of John Smith's Legacy 1608-1692
Kennedyville, MD
This fun and informative weekend starts with the dedication of an original stained glass window depicting Smith's landing on the Sassafras River, installed in historic Shrewsbury Parish Church, and finishes up with the dedication of the John Smith Memorial Chapel.
Download pdfs:  Event Program | Event Registration

Native American Heritage

The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. has special events throughout the year.

The following information has been drawn from the Broken Claw, 500 Nations, and Gathering of Nations websites

Eastern Woodland Indian Village Days
Jefferson Patterson Park, St. Leonard, MD
May-October
A glimpse of everyday life as it was around the Chesapeake Bay over 500 years ago, with demonstrations and hands-on opportunities. Various weekends throughout the year. Check their calendar.

National Museum of the American Indian National Pow Wow
Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
August 8-10
An expression of Native culture with hundreds of singers, dancers, artisans, and exhibitors from throughout the U.S. and Canada.

34th Annual Baltimore Pow Wow
Patterson Park, Baltimore, MD
August 22-24
Annual intertribal gathering of Native American dancers, drummers, artists, and craftspersons, sponsored by the Baltimore American Indian Center and the Native American Indian Student Association.

Eastern Woodland Indian Village Day
St. Mary's City, MD
September 6, 2008
Explore the lifeways of Maryland's first people. Try new skills, learn about native foods, and discover Woodland Indian culture.

31st Annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow
Millsboro, DE
September 6-7
Traditional intertribal pow wow with representatives from more then forty tribes expected. Plenty of vendors, demonstrations, and children’s activities. Sunday morning worship service.

Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians 16th Annual Native American Festival
Vienna Ballpark, Vienna, MD
September 13-14
Traditional dancers, singers, and drumming, with crafts and artist demonstrations, vendors, and food.

First time attending a Pow Wow? Read up on Pow Wow etiquette or check outThe Pow Wow Trail: Understanding and Enjoying the Native American Pow Wow

Please send information about upcoming John Smith Water Trail and Chesapeake Bay-area native American events to kethridge_at_cbf_dot_org

On the Web

Capt. John Smith 400 Project—Shallop Reenactment Voyage
In the summer of 2007 a crew of 12 modern-day explorers, historians, naturalists and educators retraced Captain John Smith's incredible 1608 expedition. Traveling in a 28-foot reproduction of Smith's shallop, and living much as Smith and his men did 400 years ago, the shallop and her crew spent 121-days voyaging to the headwaters of almost every tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. Although the voyage is over, you can still view photos and video, read crew logs, and download educational resources from the Capt. John Smith 400 Project website.