In 1859, news of abolitionist John Brown’s raid on the arsenal at Harpers Ferry reverberated across a divided nation.
In 2009, a coalition of four states is working to commemorate the 150th anniversary of this historic event. West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania are marking the John Brown Raid Sesquicentennial with re-enactments, dramatic productions, art exhibits, academic lectures and walking tours from April through December.
From Oct.16-18, 2009, there will be three days of public education events at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in Jefferson County, W.Va. For a complete calendar of events, visit www.johnbrownsraid.org, www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm or call (304) 535-6029.