The Conococheague Institute received an incredible Easter surprise — a monumental donation from the Tuscarora Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation! Their gift includes a fully outfitted custom CI trailer packed with 18th-century camp equipment, tents, stoves, tables, a tomahawk range, and countless other historic items that will enrich CI’s programs for years to come.
This generous contribution started when Dan Akers of the Tuscarora Longbeards noticed CI staff tirelessly loading materials into personal vehicles at local outreach events like school fairs, Fort Loudoun, and the Fort Frederick Market Fair. After visiting our site during a field trip of 200 students and seeing firsthand how CI inspires local youth with hands-on history, Dan rallied his group to make a lasting impact through this donation.
It took many caring hands to bring this vision to life — heartfelt thanks to Mark Helman, Dan Akers, Brechbill & Helman Construction Company, Inc., Pat Parsons and the Franklin County Vo-Tech Auto Body and Graphics Art departments, Brechbill Trailers, and every member of the Tuscarora Longbeards Chapter who contributed decades’ worth of reenacting gear and time to support CI’s mission.
A special thank-you also goes to the Franklin County Career and Technology Center students who restored the trailer and created the stunning new CI logo.
With this new addition, our outreach events and historic demonstrations will be more immersive than ever. You can see it in action at our upcoming 1776: Hearth, Home and Springtime event on May 9th — the first in CI’s growing 1776 series!
We’re deeply grateful for the community spirit that helps preserve and share local history. Together, we’re keeping the past alive for future generations.
