Tom Klingensmith worries that the importance of historical education is underestimated.
"The wisdom of our forefathers and our founding fathers is all there for anyone who seeks it," says Klingensmith, who lives in New Kensington. "Their writings are as relevant today as they were then."
Klingensmith is a re-enactor who will take part in this weekend's 250th anniversary celebration of Washington's Encampment, during which frontier life from 1758 will be discussed and re-created at Boyce Park, Plum. There will be military camps of French, British, Provincials and American Indians, hundreds of re-enactors, Conestoga and Virginia wagons, an 18th century circus, English and Scottish country dancers and presentations by scholars.
Visitors will be able to meet George Washington and Ben Franklin re-enactors, says Klingensmith, who is coordinating the event with John Debelak of Plum.
"It is an excellent educational opportunity for students of the 18th century, both young and old," Klingensmith says. "When a person is introduced to our past, perhaps by an event such as Washington's Encampment, they see what they have missed and sometimes develop a passion for history."
Debiak says it is and opportunity to learn about the birth of Pittsburgh, which is celebrating its 250th birthday.
"In order for people to get a full grasp of our rich history, they have to realize the importance of the area and what it meant to further expansion west," he says. "The founding of Pittsburgh came about through a sequence of events that changed world history, and it all happened in Western Pennsylvania," Klingensmith says.
When George Washington and his men carved the Forbes Trail from Carlisle to Pittsburgh 250 years ago, they crossed through what would become Boyce Park.
Klingensmith and Debiak believe that even those with a casual interest in history will enjoy the weekend.
"Pennsylvania's October landscape is impressive, regardless of people's interests," Klingensmith says.
Activities will take place along a 1-mile trail through the woods.
"There will be food vendors and entertainment at the beginning, interesting characters and craftsmen in the middle and children's activities at the end at our Historical Society's 1820 Log House. At the very least, it is a fall stroll through our Western Pennsylvania woods," Klingensmith says.
Both days are free.
"Anything you miss on Saturday can generally be seen on Sunday," Klingensmith says. "Come early, get a schedule of events, and plan ahead," he says. "This event is a window to the past and perhaps a catalyst to inspire a future craftsperson, an educator, an author or a leader."
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