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Debra Laney, descendant of the Mohawk Indians, is a skilled 18th century craftswoman, teacher, and living historian who has been active in re-enactments and period shows since 1999. She and her husband, Chuck, (also a re-enactor) live in a charming 18th century log cabin in Blacklick, Pennsylvania where Debbie often cooks on the massive walk-in fireplace in the great room. Visitors, upon entering, feel as if they have stepped right back into early American history. It is full of antiques and artifacts, Native herbs and gourds, and a most impressive library, complete with some of the best primary sources available on Native history, frontier life, and the French and Indian War. Both Debbie and her husband are very knowledgeable and well-read students of 18th century North America and run a small sutler’s business at re-enactments and period shows, selling both original 18th century items as well as authentic reproductions, many of which Debbie makes herself e.g. baskets, quivers, feather fans, and Native clothing. |
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For the last five years, Debbie has been serving as
teacher/living historian at Camp Allegheny near Jennerstown. Run by the Fox
Chapel School District for the last 30+ years, Camp Allegheny is known as
one of the best educational programs in Western Pennsylvania. Artist and
living historian Fred Threlfall, who has been with Camp Allegheny since its
inception, considers Debbie one of the best teachers he has ever worked
with, and, in fact recruited her for Camp Allegheny. She knows what she is
talking about and she is very effective with kids, often incorporating
meaningful hands-on activities e.g. making hemp bracelets and natural dyes.
Debbie also teaches students how colonial paper and schoolbooks were
constructed and, during a walk through the woods, shows them the specific
plants and herbs used as medicine by their Woodland Indian ancestors. Debbie
can speak on a variety of topics including the following: |
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~ The Role of the Native Woman in Eastern Woodland
Culture ~ Native American Clothing and Jewelry ~ A Hands-On Presentation on How to Make Wampum Belts ~ A Hands-on Presentation on How to Make Indian Baskets ~ A Walk into the Pennsylvania Frontier (A museum-quality display of 18th century native and white material culture accompanied with a visual tour (via CD) of an authentic log cabin, Debbie’s home). |
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Contact Information Phone: 724-248-9303 E-Mail: prairiestar@adelphia.net |
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