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National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior New River Gorge National River P. O. Box 246 104 Main Street Glen Jean, WV 25846 304-465-0508 phone 304-465-0591 fax

For Immediate Release

CONTACT: National Park Service Reed Flinn 304-574-2115

Hidden History Photo Contest Announced Celebrate southern West Virginias cultural heritage by entering this historic photo contest! Glen Jean, West Virginia, August 15, 2013 It has been said that you have to know the past to understand the present. The cultural heritage of southern West Virginia is abundant and varied, ranging from the tradition of the pre-colonial American Indians to the industrial legacy left behind by coal, timber, and railroads. Fortunately you can discover these stories and more at New River Gorge National River and the National Coal Heritage Area, a 13 county region of southern West Virginia. You can also share this rich cultural heritage by using your creative eye to capture stories of the past through photographs in the Hidden History Photo Contest! In conjunction with the areas annual Hidden History Weekend (September 27-29, 2013), this contest will showcase the talents of local amateur photographers, while emphasizing the historical treasures to be found in the National Coal Heritage Area. Winning entries will be displayed online and at several public locations throughout the Coal Heritage Area in October, highlighting the cultural significance of this unique region for visitors and locals alike. This contest is open to two groups: West Virginia amateur photographers from across the state; and youths grades 6-12 from Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, or Summers Counties only. Youth participation is part of the Youth Arts in the Parks program. Subject categories are: Historic Objects, Historic Structures, Historic Landscape, Historic Landmark, and Creative Interpretation. Color and black & white photos will be accepted in each subject category. All entries must be taken within the Coal Heritage Area and submitted with the entry form to one of the six receiving stations by Tuesday, September 10, 2013. Complete rules and entry forms are found at the New River Gorge National River and National Coal Heritage Area websites, http://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hidden-history-photo-contest.htm and http://www.coalheritage.org.

PHOTO CAPTION: The bridge piers at Nuttallburg overlook the turbulent waters of the New River. National Park Service photo. About the National Park Service EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For more information about the National Park Service, visit http://www.nps.gov.

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERIC A

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

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For more information about New River Gorge National River, visit http://www.nps.gov/neri, check out the park Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgenps, follow us on Twitter at https://Twitter.com/NewRiverNPS, or stop by any park visitor center. About the National Coal Heritage Area The National Coal Heritage Area encompasses 13 counties and is situated in the heart of the formidable Appalachian Mountains. As you journey through the coalfields of Southern West Virginia you will pass through deep valleys, follow rushing streams and rivers, and find yourself surrounded by breathtaking scenery. For more information about the National Coal Heritage Area, visit http://www.coalheritage.org. About Tamarack, The Best of West Virginia Tamarack serves as an economic development project and art center for the state. Established in 1996 by the West Virginia Parkway Authority, Tamarack showcases the work of approximately 1200 juried West Virginia artisans, writers, specialty food producers, performers and visual artists. artgallery@tamarackwv.com ###

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERIC A

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.