HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History (WVDACH) and the West Virginia America 250 Commission is hosting a conference, Oct. 9 – 11 in Huntington, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Point Pleasant and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The events and activities will focus on remembering our state’s history and recognizing the key events that contributed to our nation’s independence.
The conference agenda is as follows:
Wednesday, Oct. 9
5:30 p.m. Welcome Reception, Drinko Library, 3rd Floor Atrium, Marshall University One John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV
6 p.m. Reception Agenda
· Welcome on behalf of the State of West Virginia
Randall Reid-Smith, Secretary, West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History
· Welcome on behalf of Marshall University
Brad D. Smith, President, Marshall University
· Remarks and Introduction of Speaker
Dr. Robert Bookwalter, Dean of College of Liberal Arts, Marshall University
· Lecture: How West Virginia contributed to the American Revolution
Dr. Max Flomen, Assistant Professor of History, West Virginia University
· Introduction of Student Awards Ceremony
Randall Reid-Smith, Secretary, WVDACH
· Why Student Involvement Matters to Our History
Michelle Blatt, Superintendent, West Virginia Department of Education
· Student Awards Presentations
Thursday, Oct. 10
8 a.m. Travel to Point Pleasant for Battle Days
Return: Memorial Student Center, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV
1 p.m. Lunch, Shawkey Room, Memorial Student Center, Marshall University
2:15 p.m. Students in Action, A Revolutionary Debate and Concert, Smith Recital Hall, Smith Music Building, Third Ave., Marshall University
· Welcome and Overview of Event
Dr. Maria P. Gindhart, Dean of College of Arts and Media, Marshall University
· A Creative Writing Exercise and a Student Debate: Should the Battle of Point Pleasant be considered the first battle of the American Revolution?
Randall Reid-Smith, Secretary, WVDACH
· Concert
Host: Dr. Martin Saunders, Director of the School Music and Professor of Trumpet Marshall University Students Performing Selections
Wayne Elementary School Students Performing Selections
4:15 p.m. Reception, Smith Music Building Atrium, Third Ave., Marshall University
Friday, Oct. 11
9 a.m. Examining Appalachia and its Influence on the American Revolution, focusing on industry, agriculture, transportation, and people
· Opening Remarks
Randall Reid-Smith, Secretary, West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History
· Panel Discussion
Moderator: Dr. Kevin Barksdale, Professor of History, Marshall University
o Dr. Benjamin Bankhurst, Ray & Madeline Johnston Chair in American History, Shepherd University
o Christopher Chaney, Instructor in Native American Studies, West Virginia University
o Charles Keeney, Associate Professor of History, Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College