This week, before emancipation, Appalachia provided pathways to freedom for enslaved people trying to escape bondage. A new project identifies more than two dozen previously unknown underground railroad sites. Also, the Fly Around Music & Arts Festival in North Carolina was inspired by the hard work that followed Hurricane Helene. And, a ballad about floods recorded a generation ago still provides solace for people today.
West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson, who began serving as WVU’s 27th president on July 15, plans on visiting all 55 counties in the coming months. Chris Schulz/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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Michael T. Benson, 27th WVU president
West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson will visit 18 counties during his inaugural “Welcome Home Tour” from Monday, July 28 through Aug. 1.
Benson, who previously served as the president of Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina, officially began serving as WVU’s 27th president on July 15.
He will visit two dozen tour stops including historical sites, business locations and local communities across Barbour, Braxton, Brooke, Clay, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Kanawha, Lewis, Marshall, Ohio, Pleasants, Randolph, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Wetzel and Wood counties.
At least one public event is planned for each day of the tour:
Monday, July 28 WVU Alumni Association, Mountaineer Parents Club and University student reception Oglebay Resort, 465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling 6-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 29 West Virginia Independence Hall tour 1528 Market St., Wheeling 9-10 a.m.
WVU Alumni Association, Mountaineer Parents Club and University student reception The Blennerhassett Hotel 320 Market St., Parkersburg 5:30-7 p.m.
Wednesday, July 30 Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park tour 137 Juliana St., Parkersburg 10-11 a.m.
Thursday, July 31 WVU Jackson’s Mill tour 160 Jackson Mill Road, Weston 2:30-3:45 p.m.
WVU Alumni Association, Mountaineer Parents Club and University student reception Pete Dye Golf Club 801 Aaron Smith Drive, Bridgeport 6-8 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 1 Historic Philippi Covered Bridge visit 200 North Main St., Philippi 3:45-4:30 p.m.
Mother’s Day Shrine tour 11 East Main St., Grafton 5-5:45 p.m.
In a press release, university officials say Benson plans to visit all of West Virginia’s 55 counties in the coming months.
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