The Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance (NHPA) will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Three Cultures Center and host an Autumn Open House at Handsell (4837 Indiantown Road, Vienna, MD) on November 8th. The ceremony begins at 11:00 am, and the open house runs from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The event is free and everyone is welcome!
The new building’s name, the Three Cultures Center, references the Native, African, and European cultures that are closely connected to the Handsell Historic Site. Local representatives from each cultural group will be on-hand for the ceremony, which will also include regional dignitaries and NHPA supporters and board members. The barn-like structure will provide NHPA with much-needed meeting and office space, as well as storage and bathroom facilities, and offer new possibilities for public programming.
The Autumn Open House will be an excellent opportunity to experience and learn about the history of three cultures in a beautiful, family-friendly, rural environment. Visitors can expect to see woodworking and spinning demonstrations, Native flint knapping, and pine needle basketweaving. There will be docent-led tours of the Colonial-era house, and detailed information pertaining to local African-American history. David Cole will be playing banjo and guitar and sharing his expertise on the development of African-American music. In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the Open House will also feature Chicone Village talks and demonstrations throughout the day.
NHPA especially welcomes students, faculty, and alumni from Salisbury University for this special event. The Hooked on Seafood food truck will be on hand providing delicious lunches at affordable prices. Visitors are also welcome to bring a lunch and picnic on the scenic grounds.
For more information about Handsell’s history and NHPA, visit www.restorehandsell.org. To contact NHPA, email [email protected].
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