Harpers Ferry, W. Va. - This October, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (NHP) and the Harpers Ferry Park Association will host Kathleen Ernst as an Artist-in-Residence. Ernst aims to research historic floods, Virginius Island as a thriving industrial village, Island Park and B&O Railroad tourism, and the impact of Jim Crow and segregation during her time in Harpers Ferry.
Ernst will use this research as the backdrop for two free virtual historical fiction writing workshops that are open to the public:
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Wednesday, Oct. 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. EST.
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Wednesday, Oct. 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. EST.
Workshop participants will create or further develop a piece of historical fiction set in Harpers Ferry or another location of choice. They will engage in guided writing activities, learn about the research process and explore the many ways to find inspiration within this genre.
Both beginning and experienced writers are welcome. To register, please fill out this form.
The Artist-in-Residence program continues to honor a long tradition of artists in national parks, which began in the 1870s when the Hudson River School painters captured majestic Western landscapes. The work of those early artists allowed the public to see these special places in America for the first time and inspired the preservation of these lands for future generations.
Ernst is a best-selling author of award-winning mysteries, historical fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Her residency will be a return to Harpers Ferry NHP - her first book signing took place in 1996 at the park bookshop.
For more information about the Artist-in-Residence program at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, please visit the program webpage or contact the park’s Volunteer Program Coordinator, Samantha Zurbuch, at 304-535-5017.
Tags: artist in residence writing workshop writing historical fiction arts in parks
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
