On the road

with John Brown

You have not seen anything from me since the Jaimoe/ Valley Forge story because I’ve been on the road and VERY busy documenting things and doing research. I was not expecting to write about the John Brown Wax museum in Harpers Ferry when I left on this last adventure…but here goes.

Part of my journey was to do more research on John Brown for our in the works musical “The Return of John Brown”. More on that later.

I went through Harpers Ferry WV on my way to Winchester VA where I was documenting a “Road to Roots” gig. ( more on that later)

I had read that the John Brown Wax Museum in HF was closing and the wax figures were for sale. I was hoping to go through the museum before it was gone forever. The last time I had been in there was at least 35 years ago while shooting a tourism video.

Alas they were already closed and a truck was there loading up wax figures and other bits of museum displays to go to storage a local merchant told me.

I saw a post on FB from a group called Harpers Ferry Pictures and I responded to it and shared it on my FB site with a shout out to Tourism, elected officials and preservationists that I know in the area to see if the figures and sets can be acquired until a new owner/venue can be established. That was just yesterday…

https://www.facebook.com/groups/244104049682008

I saw another FB post on a different site about an old cemetery that was overgrown and in need of help. There was a lot of handwringing and finger pointing…and “someone should” but not much helpful action. Historian Jared Frederick (here seen on TCM)

stepped in and mentioned that it’s easy to type at keyboards, but takes more to get a result. I agreed with him and mentioned this John Brown “affair” as an example. In one day, I’ve reached out to folks in “power” or have the right interests and connections to make them aware. That’s what we all must do about the things we are passionate about. Don’’t just type at others, don’t just vent…use that and get some action. It feels good.

That’s why I’m writing this SS page. I’m hoping that some of you will pass this along and be helpful. Some people said the wax figures should go to Gettysburg and the NPS. I understand that thought…but I replied that John Brown is out of context there and the NPS has budget restrictions…they are behind on maintenance and hiring at our historic Parks. It takes 3 years to get a Visitors Center built and open, even after the funds are approved. Both parties are guilty of this state of affairs in our National Parks. Congress constantly gives lip service to knowing and understanding who we are…but just keeps making it harder for our historic parks to function effectively. (45 Million a month from Elon Musk would go a LONG way)

The NPS is not the solution and in fact in this case is a part of the problem. They eliminated a parking lot in the lower town of HF and turned it into a bus stop and pass through years ago. There’s only one small lot at the train station and no on street parking in the lower town…( which is appropriate and necessary.) They want all of the Visitors to park at their Visitors Center that’s a mile out of town and take their shuttle bus into town. I’ve done that once. I know that the goal is to preserve the lower town and control visitation…but I believe in my humble opinion that they have over done it. I’m sure that some of my NPS friends will disagree. There are some other related issues that I’ll…yea…get into later…related to events at Antietam

For now, if this JB issue gets you inspired please reach out to Tourism in Jefferson County, their County Commissioners, the Museum in Charles Town, Bolivar Heights officials, Halltown and others you feel may be appropriate. I’ll let you do your own research on that…it’s easy. There’s a lot of Tourism infrastructure and dollars close by including a casino and racetrack.

Maybe we need a Kickstater…I don’t know how much the owner wants for this stuff…yet…but will find out…I’m sure there’s an existing location that could be renovated with decent parking. John Brown is by far the most famous and important person to ever walk the streets of HF…or Charles Town…and be hung…becoming a martyr.

In October of 1859 RE Lee was the hero of the day capturing the treasonous Brown. 6 years later Lee was the one guilty of treason and Brown was the hero. The man who would become known as “Stonewall” Jackson in 2 years, was there with his VMI cadets to provide security.

In 2001 actor Stephen Lang would portray the famed general in “Gods & Generals” seen here at a Gettysburg Foundation fundraiser in front of the RE Lee VA Monument at the Pickett’s Charge site (Another CSA General portrayed by Lang). Who by the way is NOT a Trump fan. We documented this event and Slang made his position clear in one brief remark.

Things do change with time. Peace