The four-part documentary, produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting, chronicles the people and events that shaped the western frontier during the Revolutionary War and highlights the region’s enduring role in the birth of the United States.
Marshall history faculty members Dr. Kevin Barksdale, Dr. Cicero Fain and Dr. Laura Michele Diener played key roles in the production. Barksdale and Fain serve as expert commentators throughout the series, while Diener portrays frontier heroine Anne Bailey in dramatic reenactments.
Several Marshall students also appear in reenactments filmed throughout West Virginia, including many scenes at Fort Randolph in Point Pleasant. Participating students include Noah Brendamour, Jack Moretti, Dillon Ewing, Josh King, Elijah Kaiser, Harrison Freimann, Eli Morris, Levi Kouns, Ian Gilfilin and Nathanial Wills.
According to PBS, “Always Free chronicles the events leading up to and through the Revolutionary War in the western counties of Colonial Virginia that would eventually form the state of West Virginia. Historical moments like the Battle of Point Pleasant and the Bee Line March to Boston unfold over four episodes that explore the people, myths and epic battles that forge the spirit of the Mountain State.”
For Marshall’s department of History, participation in the documentary represents an opportunity to share scholarly expertise while bringing history to life for audiences across the state and beyond during America’s 250th birthday celebration.
Diener, who is originally from the East Coast, said the experience gave her a fascinating glimpse into West Virginia’s history.
“It’s one thing to read about a battle, and another to hear gunshots while running down a mountain or riding a horse,” Diener said.” For my students and I, filming at Fort Randolph, handling period weapons and artifacts, improvising dialogue, and reenacting key moments allowed us to experience quite literally the history we have studied in classrooms.”
The documentary airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. The broadcast schedule includes:
Episode 1 — Premiered June 29
Episode 2 — Premiered July 6
Episode 3 — Premieres July 13
Episode 4 — Premieres July 20
Additional information about the series, including streaming options, is available at https://www.pbs.org/show/always-free-mountaineers-in-the-revolution/.