<p>Happy Fourth of July! As I write this, I wonder how many of our modern citizens really understand the impact of the events that would result from the writing and signing of our Declaration of Independence long, long ago. Five of our founding fathers worked to arrive at a document that expressed their desires and [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Hello to all: With summer in full swing in most of the country, now is the time to get out and participate in historical activities. Here in Virginia, the city of Charlottesville just celebrated part of its 250th year festival with an 18th century encampment and  re-enactment of Tarleton’s raid in 1781.  While walking around [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Hello to All: With the coming of the summer months, we are all now deeply involved with our various gatherings and events. Fort Frederick has just ended, and although I was not able to attend this year, I have heard that it was a grand event. The Tennessee / Kentucky Longrifle show was held several [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Greetings to all: We are shocked and very saddened to learn about the  sudden passing of our good friend, and guild secretary, Phil Cravener. I know that Phil touched many of our lives with his constant smile, his un-ending warmth and humor, and his immense talent as an artisan. Our sympathies extend to all of [&hellip;]</p>

<p>PHILIP W. CRAVENER, Secretary May 8, 1937 &#8211; March 24, 2012 Philip W. Cravener, 74, of Latrobe, died Saturday, March 24, 2012, in Excela Health Latrobe Hospital. He was born May 8, 1937, in Indiana, Pa., the son of the late Merle E. and Phyllis (Moorhead) Cravener. Philip was retired from Carborundum, and was a [&hellip;]</p>