Renowned Storyteller to Present Pig War Fun at English Camp

Karen Haas – Contributed photo

Join renowned Washington State storyteller Karen Haas for an hour of first-person history and fun about the Pig War scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Friday July 24 in the historic Royal Marines Barracks at English Camp.

Tensions were running so high in 1859 that the shooting of a pig nearly hurled the United States and Great Britain into war for the third time in less than 100 years. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed and, instead of pitched battles, there was a peaceful joint military occupation where a spirit of mutual cooperation reigned supreme.

Haas has delved into the rich treasure trove of folk lore from the nationalities involved in this “war that wasn’t”. She’s created a program designed to make you laugh, enjoy a ghostly chill or two, and celebrate the peace that still exists today between our nations.

Benches will be arranged around the barracks fireplace, the lanterns lit and rows of re-enactors tents will be visible through the windows. Encampment 2015 will kick off the following morning at 9 a.m., with the Candlelight Ball following at 7:30 p.m.

An experienced teacher, museum curator of education, storyteller and historian, Haas was the recipient of the Association of King County Historical Organization’s 2005 Heritage Education Award. She is active in re-enactments at Pacific Northwest historic sites such as Fort Nisqually, and San Juan Island National Historic Park. Her living history presentations have been featured at Fort Clatsop and Whitman Mission National Historic Site. She feels especially rewarded telling the tales of those whose voices are usually silent in history – the women.

This Encampment weekend program is free. Call the park at 360-378-2240, ext. 2227, or ext. 2226 for special access information.

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