NMLRA to host fall shoot in Friendship

The 2004 National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association Championship matches are set to take place September 11-19 in Friendship.

The beautiful Laughery Valley has played host for many years to the sights, sounds, and smells of the activities of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association. The general public is invited to visit the NMLRA grounds during the championship shoot and witness early American history in action. This year, the enhanced programming in the Primitive Area provides even more to see and do for both visitors and NMLRA members.

Demonstrations and perfor
mances open to the public include an old-time hand powered barrel rifling machine and a Lewis and Clark display by Jerry Wilson, a fifth grade teacher at South Ripley Elementary. These will be at the NMLRA museum in the Rand House (the large white house across from the range). There will also be a fine display of original powder horns dating back to the Revolutionary War.

The Primitive Area will host the Tippecanoe Ancient Fife and Drum Corps on September 11, and a French Marine doctor, and Bill Reese and his working oxen on September 11 and 12. Numerous other activities are
scheduled with the times and places posted on the grounds during the week. The participant's historic dress and a broad array of activities provide endless photo opportunities for camera buffs, and visitors of all ages will find plenty to do and see.

The NMLRA Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers have worked together to establish new education-oriented programming. This platform engages the imaginations of visitors and NMLRA members around high quality education and interpretation of our Colonial history. The effect is to elevate the NMLRA as a leader in innovative
educational approaches to the history that we are responsible for preserving, protecting, and relaying to younger generations.

There is ample parking on the NMLRA grounds located on State Route 62 in Friendship. A modest fee is charged for parking and entrance to the NMLRA grounds.

For more information call the NMLRA at 812-667-5131 or visit the website at www.nmlra.org. The schedule of Living History Demonstration events is listed under "News You Can Use."