LEARNING ABOUT THE PAST — Historic Fort Steuben is preparing to bring its annual Ohio Valley Frontier Days back to the community June 7-8. Attendees can learn about history by doing hands-on activities. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Historic Fort Steuben will present its annual Ohio Valley Frontier Days festival from June 7-8. From tossing a tomahawk to making rag dolls, various activities will be featured during the two-day event where attendees can learn about history hands-on.

“For nearly 40 years, Historic Fort Steuben has welcomed people to experience history,” commented Paul Zuros, director. “The festival is a chance to learn new things, while enjoying the music, crafts and food that are offered. We are grateful for all the vendors, volunteers, demonstrators and staff that have put so much work into making this event a success.”

Historic Fort Steuben is a reconstructed fort situated on its original site that overlooks the Ohio River. The historic environment invites visitors to meet the blacksmith, the candlemaker, the flintknapper and the reenactors. Guests can tour the officer’s quarters, the enlisted mens’ quarters, the commissary, the quartermaster’s store and the hospital. They can take in a panoramic view from the upper level of the guard house. Artisans will offer their crafts for sale, including wood crafts and jewelry.

Danielle McMahon will have her Irish cottage gifts, Zuros said, adding for its second year, High Flight Herbs and Lavender Farm will sell lavender products and wood-turned items.

“Since the fort was originally built to protect the surveyors of the Northwest Territory in 1786, members of the Professional Land Surveyors of Ohio have been involved with Historic Fort Steuben since its reconstruction,” Zuros stated.

Working with students and staff of the University of Akron’s surveying and mapping program, PLSO members have developed a museum in the Fort that traces the history of surveying — from the ropes and measuring sticks used by the Egyptians, to the drones and GPS units which are now common in modern surveying, Zuros said. “At the festival, PLSO members will welcome the public to the museum and teach the history and use of the chain and compass — the 18th-century method of surveying,” Zuros added.

“Frontier Dan will guide participants in the tomahawk toss,” Zuros continued. “Members of the Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment will portray the life of an 18th century soldier and Baron von Steuben will teach drill to young recruits. Visitors can meet the archaeologists from Franciscan University of Steubenville and explore the ongoing dig on the site.”

The Mousetrap Puppet Theater will return to entertain visitors with their unique “Punch and Judy” puppet show. Three shows will be offered each day of the event. Scheduled times will be 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. June 7; and 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. June 8.

Owen Hoopes will explore the sounds of early settlers, from old time to bluegrass, and the ways they influenced the music of today. Hoopes will perform from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 7. Guests can view the exhibit hall for a sweet treat, see hands-on demonstrations and listen to live grass roots music. Or, perhaps attendees will want to catch Hoopes strolling the event grounds with a fiddle in his hand and taking tune requests, Zuros noted.

Consider bringing an instrument to share a story, jam with Hoopes or celebrate the musical heritage together, Zuros exclaimed.

Bill Schilling will be in the exhibit hall playing and singing period and contemporary folk, traditional and folk-style tunes using guitars, mountain dulcimers, hammered dulcimers, recorders, autoharps, ukuleles, jugs and other instruments, to entertain guests on June 8. Representatives of the Sons of the American Revolution will be stationed both days in the exhibit hall.

Food vendors will include the Cheesy Pack, featuring hot dogs, french fries, cheesesticks, pulled pork and grilled cheese. Lynn McLeish will be on site selling baked goods, jams and crafts.

A drawing will take place to win a handmade quilt by local artisan Helen Sweeney. “The drawing will be held on Monday after the festival,” Zuros commented. “There will be a scavenger hunt for the kids, too, with a chance to win a prize.”

Zuros explained food vendors, crafters and other retail booths will be set up in the Fort, as well as in Fort Steuben Park. Hours for the event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 7 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 8.

Admission will be $7 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12 and those under 6 will be free of charge. Special family rates are available. For information, call (740) 283-1787.