Sept. 7, 2005

Contact: Gordon Ovenshine: 724-738-4854

‘POW-WOW’ FESTIVAL SET FOR SEPT. 17-18 AT SRU’S OLD STONE HOUSE

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Native-American crafts, art, song, dance and history will be showcased during the Old Stone House Pow-Wow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17-18. Slippery Rock University owns and operates the Butler County landmark at the intersection of routes 8, 173 and 528 in Brady Township.

Thirty craft vendors will sell jewelry, pottery, paintings, moccasins and traditional Native-America crafts, much of it from the American southwest. Free tours of the Old Stone House will be offered both days, with dancing and singing provided by the Muddy Creek Singers.

“We need to recognize that Native-Americans continue to practice their culture in America today,” says SRU’s Dr. David Dixon, professor of history and Old Stone House curator.  “Because of their contributions to our nation’s history, it’s important that we recognize their culture.”

The Old Stone House, 12 miles north of Butler, operated as a tavern and stagecoach stop from 1822 until the mid 1880s. SRU has administered the site since 1983 and gained full ownership in 2000, restoring it as a means for interpreting pioneer history.

The house is on part of the Native-American path known as the Venango Trail.

#PN