INHABITANTS AND FORTS IN PLAINS DISTRICT
At the Time of the War for American Independence
PART 2 ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION OF CURRENT EXHIBIT
On display at Plains district Museum through July 2026
On Sunday April 12, a crowd of about forty heard a discussion centered around life in Plains District in the 1700s prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Using pictures, maps and graphs, Helen Smith, exhibit coordinator, presented an overview of the district’s topography and the challenges faced by the settlers who began to move into the Valley about 1700-1730 and the original inhabitants, the Native Americans (Indian Tribes) who had been here for thousands of years.
As part of the discussion on the life of the tribes of Indigenous people (Native Americans) who lived in here, Joe Adolph, a museum volunteer, talked about his experience in building the replica of a domed wigwam (roundhouse) which is part of the current exhibit, comparing his methods to those used by the Indians.
These wigwams have been identified as the type of houses that made up the tribal villages in Plains District.
Mike Wean, Museum Board Chair, is a collector of local Indian artifacts. He spoke on his collection, which is also part of the current exhibit, Mike explained where he found many of the items in his collection including weapons, and tools. He explained how they can be identified by the rocks used, their shapes, how they were carved, and their uses by the tribal communities. Other local
collections on display include the Museum’s permanent Charles Rife Collection and those of Michael Driver of Broadway and Ben May also of Broadway.
The discussion concluded with the story of a Cherokee family who lived in southwest VA in the mid-1800s as told by the great-great granddaughter . LaDonna Shiflet, another museum volunteer who serves on the Board of Directors. LaDonna spoke of her heritage with the permission of her relatives.
According to a 2023 census report, there were only 214 Native Americans registered in Rockingham County; however, as LaDonna pointed out, there are likely more of Indian descent who do not register as Native Americans. She is one.
The afternoon concluded with refreshments provided by the Modern Woodmen of American who co-sponsored the event. A special thank you to the Woodmen.
The previously announced SCHEDULED PROGRAMS AT THE MUSEUM FOR MAY AND JUNE HAVE BEEN POSTPONED.
Be sure to check our website and announcements for the next scheduled events.
