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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 Robin Snyder 304-640-0724

Hidden History Photo Contest Explore the history of the local area through the lens of a camera!

Glen Jean, West Virginia, September 24, 2013 Celebrate local heritage through the art of photography as part of the annual Hidden History Weekend. Sponsored by a partnership between the New River Gorge National River and The Coal Heritage Area, the photography contest provided an opportunity for local amateur photographers and students to capture elements of southern West Virginias hidden and not so hidden history. Contestants submitted seventy-two photographs that provided a window to the rich stories of the past in categories that included historic objects, historic structures, historic landscapes, historic landmarks, and creative interpretation.

To kick off Hidden History Weekend, the photographs will be on display at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing; the Sandstone Visitor Center in Sandstone; the Thurmond Visitor Center in Thurmond; and the Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center at the Bramwell Train Depot in Bramwell. The photographs will be exhibited September 27th October 30th. Please note that the photos displayed at Thurmond Depot during Hidden History Weekend will be moved to the New River Gorge National Park Headquarters in Glen Jean for October. The 1st place photographs in each category will be displayed at Tamarack in the vestibule directly across from the David L. Dickirson Fine Art Gallery beginning September 30 th and through the month of October. Visit any of these locations to view images of coal and railroad history, state park landmarks, churches, towns and more.

For a full Hidden History Weekend event schedule for visit any of these websites: http://www.nps.gov/neri, www.coalheritage.org, www.wvstateparks.com, and www.tamarackwv.com. All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes for all guided hikes. Water, snacks, camera and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Check out the National Park Service 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 Park Service
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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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. PHOTO CAPTION: 2013 Hidden History Photo Contest Best in Show: Thurmond by Leah Perkowski-Sisk. #### National Bank of

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERIC A

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