By: Maria Bray
Serving with the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area in Heritage Tourism Development
When I found myself looking to make a change but not ready to retire, I decided to hit the pause button and do something different. Signing up with the AmeriCorps program to serve a year as a Heritage Tourism specialist was my way of giving back to the community while transitioning into the next phase of my life. In return, devoting time to learning about the history and culture in West Virginia and discovering historical places has become a rewarding adventure.
Blackwater Falls, Blackwater Falls State Park
Just over two months have passed and I am starting to settle into my role and beginning to see pathways to creating itineraries with stories to invite others to explore this beautiful state. Discovering breathtaking views as you pass over a mountain road and walking among historical ruins that are reminders of our past as just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to learning about an area. I have been to Blackwater Falls and my family would be surprised to learn that I even hiked along a trail just to capture some great images. I visited an archeological dig at Ashby’s Fort and road a vintage train to High Falls. I photographed every location, snatched up every brochure, and researched more than I ever did in college. Just when it is all beginning to sink in, I uncover something that is new to me and off I go on another search.
This fall, I had the unexpected chance to travel to the southern part of the state as part of a Heritage Conference. We got to “peek behind the curtain” to see dedicated preservationists at work. We visited sites that belong on everyone’s bucket list and shopped at Tamarack. Our group went to the top of the mountain and experienced the spectacular views of the New River Gorge – from the catwalk beneath the bridge! We visited state parks, explored towns built by Millionaires and towns in revival; tunnels built by legends and even travelled inside an exhibition mine. No adventure would be complete without some fantastic meals. We ate, and ate, and ate. I may have to take up hiking on a regular basis.
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, Beckley, WV.
Princeton, WV Art Mural in Downtown.
The best part of this position is the people I am meeting while working and training. Planting trees, digging weeds, brainstorming ideas, and organizing community projects, not only leave a positive legacy by improving the area but these activities build friendships that I expect will last long past the program year. Being able to laugh and share the load while working hard knits people together and creates great memories.
Eventually, all this exploring, researching, gathering, and meeting will come together in a shareable format so that others will want to visit these amazing sites and discover our shared history. My primary focus is to create story maps that will guide tourists on new adventures in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. I thought that my next career was going to be that of a travel writer. The AmeriCorps program is making it possible to test that goal and try new things along the way.
