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Groups seek to interpret historic Bay trail
Meeting of local history and tourism players gave region a chance to weigh in on John Smith trail
Date published: 3/4/2008 By Rob Hedelt THIS SUMMER The anniversary led to legislation creating the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail in December of 2006. The trail was the reason for a gathering last week of some two dozen local tourism, historic attraction, state government and park officials. They held an idea-sharing session on the trail at George Washington's Ferry Farm in Stafford County. The group's mission was to share thoughts on what the trail should become. Along this roughly 3,000-mile trail retracing Smith's voyages, what stories and interpretations should the National Park Service share? Discussion among the groups ranged from the importance of place-based Smith history, to the use of educational buoys on the waterways, to the filming of a historic piece on Smith. But the group generally agreed that four basic themes make sense for this first-of-its-kind trail. John Hennessy, chief historian of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, helped lay out those four themes. He noted that they could be: Smith's actual journey, the way it moved the American frontier, the experiences of native Americans and the differences along the trail between then and now. Cheryl Branagan, who conducted the meeting, said similar ideas had come up at other interpretive planning meetings around the region. The legislation creating the trail lays out, in broad strokes, purposes like commemorating the voyage, recognizing American Indian towns and culture, recognizing natural resources along the trail and, in doing so, play a part in their protection. The public eventually will have the chance to comment on a plan to manage the trail. Ideas at last week's meeting were as different as the groups at the session. Chuck Backus, executive director of The Reedville Fishermen's Museum, noted that his institution has taken Smith's history by taking its historic Smith exploratory "barge" to gatherings and schools. One consensus the local group reached: keeping Smith's exploration and story central in the interpretation of the trail. The alternative, letting the trail discuss an overly broad list of topics, could make it cease to have a real identity, and lose its meaning. My thought on the trail is a simple one. Smith is one of a dozen or so American icons whose name people recognize in a heartbeat. That recognition, made more relevant by the 400th anniversary, can be used to connect with those interested in the history. Once visitors are drawn to spots along it, you can take them to as many other stories as they care to explore. But Smith is what will get them there--if history is any guide. nps.gov/cajo friendsofthejohnsmithtrail.orgRob Hedelt: 540/374-5415
Date published: 3/4/2008
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