BCH Podcast (Ep18): Indigenous

Perspectives on Native Americans and Local History

On episode 18 of the Beaver County History Podcast, we talk with public historians David Holoweiko, Mark Grago, Michael Kishbucher, and Tony Lavorgne about the complicated cultures and histories of Native Americans in Beaver County, Pennsylvania.

According to the latest census data, .2% of Beaver Countians self identify as “American Indian” — a governmental label defined as persons having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America). Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the 17th century–and dating back to at least 10,000 years ago according to archaeologists, the population of the region was 100% indigenous. 

How did we get from there to here, then and now?

These four local public historians share their perspectives on the social, political, and economic histories of the rich and varied cultures of indigenous peoples of the region, which includes the Ohio River Valley, Western Pennsylvania, and what was once known as the Northwest Territories.

Guests

David Holoweiko

Dave is a long-time local historian, performing artist, and producer with The Social Voice Project. He sits on the board of directors of the Little Beaver Historical Society, located in Darlington, Beaver County. Dave is also the host of the Little Beaver Historical Society Podcast.

Mark Grago

Mark is from Aliquippa. He’s an author, poet, video blogger, and the creator of Beaver County Indians–a website dedicated to indigenous peoples of Beaver County and the Ohio Valley Region.

Michael Kishbucher

Mike is a Darlington native. His latest book, Legends & Lore of Little Beaver Creek, is an entertaining but factual investigation into the origins and history of a variety of local tales including the legends of Esther Hale, White Lady of Sprucevale, Gretchen’s Lock, The Pig Lady of Cannelton, and Indian Rock.

Tony Lavorgne

Tony specializes in obscure paranormal and anthropological topics. He is an accomplished researcher, author, and public speaker on the subject of local legends and lore throughout Western Pennsylvania, Northern West Virginia, and Eastern Ohio.  His latest book is Eastern Woodland Indians: Lives Legends and Lore. Tony is also the host of Tony Lavorgne’s Legends & Lore Podcast.

Contemporary Indigenous Voices

This episode was recorded September 2020. Host: Kevin Farkas. Guests: David Holoweiko, Mark Grago, Michael Kishbucher, Tony Lavorgne. Audiography: Kevin Farkas. Music (available on SoundCloud.com): Simeon-Jonasson (“Open Ager”), Prism Shard (“My Hip Does Not Hop”), Ken McGarity (“Heart Songs – 44 The Grasshopper Dance”), Zachary Dansie (“ambient slave”), Kevin McLeod (“Ambiment”), Pipe Choir Records (“Black Or White Oar”). Other sounds (available on YouTube): Native Opinion (“What does it mean to be a Native American today”), TEDx Talks (“Native Youth Are More Than Statistics Elyssa (Sierra) Concha TEDxYouthDinosaurPark”). TSVP (“What is History Sound Montage”). ©℗ Beaver County History Podcast/The Social Voice Project, Inc. All rights reserved.