Pebble Hill Plantation will host Native American program on flint-knapping

Pebble Hill Plantation is hosting a special Native American program Saturday, Oct. 29, with Ben Kirkland, who is often called this region’s preeminent expert on Native American culture.

The program will feature flint-knapping, fire-making, and other skills. It is structured for both adults and children who are interested in learning more about the indigenous peoples who inhabited this region before the arrival of white European settlers.

Program participants are to meet at Pebble Hill Plantation’s Learning Center and will feature hands-on outdoor activities as well as demonstrations by Kirkland on a variety of survival skills.

Kirkland was with Chehaw Park in Albany, Georgia, for 34 years and served as their Nature Resources Manager. He also served as organizer of the Native American Festival, Frontier Festival, and Traditional Skills Gathering at Chehaw Park.

He was the 2019 recipient of the Jim Fowler Environmental Award for his exceptional service and commitment to preserving the natural world. He travels frequently to attend festivals, pow-wows, and other events that promote and educate communities on Native American culture.

The Pebble Hill program will begin at 10 a.m. and end at Noon. A limited number of tickets are available as an addition to the program, which will feature a tour of the “Indian Room” in the Main House.

This room holds the extensive collection of Native American artifacts that belonged to Elisabeth Ireland Poe, last mistress of Pebble Hill. Many of the artifacts in the collection were found on the property at Pebble Hill in the early 20th century.  Also featured in the room is the magnificent J. Clinton Shepherd mural which is the artist’s interpretation of how the land would have appeared at the time it was inhabited by Native Americans.

For more information and to register, visit pebblehill.com. Participants may also register upon arrival the morning of the program.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Pebble Hill hosting Native American program with Ben Kirkland