Fort Decker delves into the history of medicinal plants

NARROWSBURG, NY — Fort Delaware will devote a weekend to the history of medicinal plants. From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 18 and from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 19, visitors will be able to attend presentations by local experts on topics ranging from native medicines and American ginseng to the role of plants in shamanism and witchcraft.

In addition to the herbal lectures on Saturday, Peggy (Burbank) McIntire will hold a book signing/dedication of her father’s (James Burbank) newly published book, “Tom Quick Trail: A Chronicle of the Delaware Valley.” The book signing/dedication will take place in the gift shop, where copies of the book are for sales. A portion of the proceeds go to the Tusten Historical Society.

The entrance fee is $4.50, which includes access to the ongoing displays at the Fort as well as the special lectures.

Saturday

10:30 a.m. Native Medicines: The history of the Native American’s use of medicinal herbs, with Nathaniel Whitmore.

12:30 p.m. Naturalized Medicinal Herbs: The historical and current uses of medicinal herbs that have gone wild, with Danielle Aubert.

2:00 p.m. American Ginseng: The history of one of the world’s most famous medicinal herbs, with Nathaniel Whitmore.

3:30 p.m. Early American Herbs: The history of the herbs and herbal practices of the early American settlers, with Linda Dexter.

Sunday

12:00 p.m. The History Of Homeopathy: A look at the history of this specific form of herbal medicine, with Jamie Stunkard, ND.

2:00 p.m. Conjuring Plants: The history of herbs used in shamanism and witchcraft, with Nathaniel Whitmore.

3:30 p.m. Specific Medicine: Eclectic uses of herbs in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with Richard Mandelbaum.

For more information call 845/252-6660 or 570/224-0264.