CARLISLE, PA (September 2, 2010) - It was well known that during the 18th century the Carlisle area had a strong military presence. While the military post flourished as well as the town around it, there was an even older culture living in the area that is not quite as obvious. A century before, Carlisle had a strong Native American living in Penn's Woods before the settlement of Carlisle. As European culture expanded west, Native cultures were pushed west resulting in frontier conflict.  These local Natives had their own unique traditions and customs. Hunting, weaving, and cooking are just some of the daily activities characteristic of Native American culture. 

Turn the clock forward 250 years.  Today there are artisans and craftsman recreating many of those traditional crafts that supported Native American culture before and during European contact. Some of these craftsmen will be demonstrating their talents at the Market at Washingtonburg event at the US Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, Sept. 10-12, 2010.

Coming from Virginia, Tom Conde uses traditional techniques to demonstrate to visitors the painstaking process of Native American finger weaving. Having always loved history, particularly the Colonial period, Conde started re-creating the 18th century and eventually began practicing Native American period art forms. Besides being a living history interpreter, Conde takes immense pride in the materials he produces firsthand and in demonstrating to others the methods of a past culture.   

Originally from Western Pennsylvania, Benjamin R. Delaney passionately re-creates the 18th century in a variety of ways. Foremost, Delaney interprets Native American culture and lifestyle as a living historian. Furthermore, Delaney reproduces early American accruements such as war clubs and tomahawks which he constructs using period techniques.

Tom Conde and Benjamin R. Delaney are two of the many living history interpreters on hand during USAHEC's Market at Washingtonburg event to answer questions and perform live demonstrations. The 18th century focused event is free, open to the public, and will run September 10 -12th, 2010 (Friday-Sunday) from 9:00am - 5:00pm each day. A variety of food and beverage vendors will be available on site. There is ample parking, as well as handicapped parking if needed. For additional information visit our website at www.usahec.org or call us at 717-245-3641.