Fred Threlfall

	FRED THRELFALL Born in Homestead, Pennsylvania, Fred Threlfall became exposed to important local historical events at an early age. Sitting on a rock ledge overlooking the Monongahela, he listened intently as his favorite uncle described in vivid detail the famous battle that took place there many years before, the historic encounter now known as Braddock's Defeat. And from his mother's side of the family came riveting stories of the great Homestead Steel Strike of 1982. Growing up in the heart of the steel industry, Fred became the fourth generation of his family to work at the Homestead Plant.
Fred majored in history at Slippery Rock College and served for a number of years as a seasonal park ranger at Fort Necessity giving battlefield tours. It is in the winter months that Fred creates his artwork. He also enjoys visiting local schools and transporting students back in time to the life of a fur trader on the North American frontier. Fred usually works in charcoal or oil. In addition to his images of frontier life and Woodland Indian culture during the French and Indian War era, Fred is also a very skilled mapmaker. One of his most exquisite maps is the one pictured below:

	Click on the image on the left to see the exquisite details of Threlfall's "A Map of Braddock's Road, 1755"

Other Prints by Fred Threlfall

"Three Sisters Wampum Belt" by Fred Threlfall	"Tomahawk Pl No. 11" by Fred Threlfall

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
An experienced speaker, Fred has developed a fascinating presentation called "The Fur Trade: Its Origins and Importance." Dressed as an early trader with an intriguing supply of furs and 18th century artifacts, Fred's hands-on visual aids really make history come alive. Fred's presentations illustrate the enormous impact of the fur trade - how two very different cultures became so dependent on each other. Europeans introduced the Natives of North America to a new technology (iron, knives, cloth, brass kettles, etc.) that made their struggle for existence easier. Just as we became dependent on electricity, the Indians became dependent on European manufactured goods, which in turn provided a source of economic power to both France and England, putting thousands of people to work to meet the demands of the Indians in North America. The sparks of curiosity Fred ignites in the classroom almost always culminate in lively question and answer sessions. He also speaks to historical societies and community organizations throughout Western Pennsylvania.
Contact Information: Fred Threlfall 1326 Woodland Dr. Monroeville, PA 15146 412-374-8191

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