The 12th annual Chicone Village Day will take place Saturday, April 26th at the Handsell Historic Site (4837 Indiantown Road) in Vienna, MD. Sponsored by the Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance (NHPA), the day-long celebration features demonstrations, workshops, talks, and displays at Handsell’s Chicone Village, which includes a Native dwelling house, work shelter, and garden. It’s a must-see, family-friendly event that brings history to life.
Chicone Village Day honors the culture of the Eastern Woodland Native People who inhabited the eastern part of what is now the United States and includes the Delmarva peninsula. Numerous tribes lived on the Eastern Shore prior to the arrival of Europeans. John Smith, during his Chesapeake Bay voyage in the early 1600s, noted that one of the largest villages was located in the area of Chicone Creek, just north of Vienna. Documentation suggests that the “Chicacoan” (Chicone) site was the capital village of the Eastern Shore tribes and home of the paramount chief.
This year’s participants will provide a multi-faceted look at Native culture. They include Daniel Firehawk Abbott, a living history interpreter and designer of the Chicone Village dwelling and garden; Drew Shuptar-Rayvis, interpreter of late 17th century Native life; and a drum group led by Jeff Kirwan of the Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians. Buddy Howard will speak of the history of the Pocomoke Indian Tribe, Philip Goldsborough and Sam Dougherty will demonstrate flint knapping, Herman Jackson and members of his tribe will represent the Nanticoke of Millsboro, Cheryl Howard Dougherty will share Native stories through puppetry, Dawn Manyfeathers of the Lenape will discuss herbs and medicinal plants, and Roy Saunders will tell the story of fry bread. Terry Crannell and others will exhibit artifacts. The day’s demonstrations will also include chipping of implements, gardening, and weaving, as well as some new activities and a few surprises. Vendors will be selling Native crafts, clothing, and jewelry.
Chicone Village Day runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is $5 to defray costs and help maintain the Village structures; children under 12 are admitted free. Two food trucks will feature tasty fare, including fry bread and a selection of seafood.
Handsell House will be open for docent-led tours throughout the day. Visitors can also learn about the site’s African-American history and view a memorial dedicated to the enslaved people who lived at Handsell prior to emancipation.
For more information about Chicone Village Day, Handsell’s history, and NHPA, visit www.restorehandsell.org.
To contact NHPA, email info@restorehandsell.org.
