HISTORICALLY SPEAKING WEST VIRGINIA PATCH PROGRAM
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1. Locate West Virginia on a map of the USA. Identify the capital, state flag, bird, flower, and animal? What year did West Virginia become a state? Who declared it the 35th state and how?

2. West Virginia has 17 intact 19th century covered bridges, including the first suspension bridge in the world, as well as the world’s longest steel arch bridge. Find out more about one of these bridges. Where they are located and how were they constructed? Visit one of the bridges or create an art project or drawing involving one of the bridges you studied.

3. Learn about famous people from West Virginia. Why were they important and where did they live. Some examples are Booker T. Washington, John C. Norman, Pearl S. Buck, Belle Boyd or Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson.

4. More than 500 factories have manufactured glass in West Virginia. Some is hand blown, others are created by using molds. Find out more about how glass is made and shaped. You can visit a museum, factory, or website or studio. For extra credit: Create a stained glass object. www.callwva.com/glassfac/glassfac.cfm

5. The first free school for African Americans in the South opened in Parkersburg in 1862. Research more about African American heritage in West Virginia, such as the first woman who became a member of the House of Delegates.

6. In 1824, at Harper’s Ferry, John S. Gallaher published the "Ladies Garland," one of the first papers in the nation devoted to the interests of women. Pretend you are in the 1800‘s. Write an article about something that happened in that time. Be creative and use your imagination. Don’t forget they had zimple games and no electricity. Have a news party and take turns reading your articles.

7. The Golden Delicious apple originated in Clay County. Experience some of West Virginia’s traditional recipes, such as apple turnovers, apple butter, homemade biscuits with gravy, greens, ramps, wilted lettuce, grits, custard, and peach cobbler.

8. Take time to savor the rich cultural mix that makes the Mountain State the special place it is. Take pride in your own state’s heritage and learn about the different cultures. Attend a festival, county fair, West Virginia State Fair, or any similar traditional event in your area.

9. West Virginia’s Native Americans consisted of twelve main tribes. Discover the name of one the tribes. What type of clothing did they wear? Where did they live? What did they eat? Share your knowledge with others by completing one of the following. An art project; such as paper dolls, necklace etc; a skit; Pow Wow; play a native game; tell an interactive folklore story; taste Native American food OR design a dance.

10. “Almost Heaven, West Virginia.” Its land consists of a lot of “Wild” and “Wonderful” adventures to enjoy; from the Appalachian Mountains to the clean, clear lakes. Make sure you have the proper training and equipment before you begin. Some adventures include: Skiing, tubing, hiking, fishing, boating, camping, white water rafting, caving, horseback riding, or chose one of your own.

11. Learn more about the colonial era in West Virginia. What foods sid they eat, how were they prepared, what kind of clothing and shoes did they wear, what chores did children have to complete and what was their transportation? Make paper dolls dressed in colonial clothing, or conduct a skit or play about the colonial era, or make or play a colonial game or draw a colonial picture.

12. Locate a historical site or park in West Virginia. Explore the area and learn at least 3 things. Some examples are: West Virginia Independence Hall, Jenkins Plantation, Harper’s Ferry or the George Washington Heritage Trail.

13. Anna M. Jarvis, founder of Mother's Day, was in born Grafton, West Virginia. What was the first custom to symbolize this holiday? What was the date it received national recognition? What day do we celebrate it now? Make a wonderful card for your mother or a special woman in your life.

14. West Virginians uphold a long tradition of making beautiful things with their hands. Research one of the following crafts : Pottery, painting, weaving, woodworking, candle making, quilting, sewing or embroidery. Create an item from what you learned.

This patch program will help its participants learn more about the history and sites in this state. If you have the privilege of visiting this state, you can complete some of these requirements there. It would be helpful to learn more about the state prior to your visit. Use the library and the internet to research more.