SRU to stage Aug. 13-14 French and Indian War reenactment

Aug. 9, 2016

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Slippery Rock University's Old Stone House will become a French and Indian War encampment and battle reenactment site when SRU stages "Conflict on the Venango" Aug. 13-14.

This event will be offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 13, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 14. The suggested donation is $3 per person, $8 per family.

The program will include military demonstrations, soldier impersonations and displays from craftsmen showcasing colonial-era living.

"The Venango Trail was a well-known Indian path that stretched from the forks of the Ohio River northward toward Lake Erie, running past the current site of the Old Stone House," said Aaron Cowan, SRU associate professor of history. "The trail was used extensively by military troops during the French and Indian War."

The French and Indian War took place between 1754-1763 and pitted the North American colonies of England against those of France. The outnumbered French especially relied on Indian soldiers.

"On this particular weekend in August, British, French and Native American forces will once again 'march' along this famous trail," Cowan said.

The Old Stone House, one of Butler County's most recognized landmarks, is at the intersection of routes 8, 528 and 173, three miles south of SRU. SRU owns and operates the former inn and tavern. For further information, visit http://www.oldstonehousepa.org, or call Cowan at 724.738.2409.

MEDIA CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine | 724.738.4854 | gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu