VCC Spring 2021

V irginia C apitol C onnections , S pring 2021 25 hundreds of miles to the west. The timeline runs southeast toward the York River and forward in time through the major events that shaped the region and the people who lived here. Around 1,500 A.D., the timeline passes beneath the open-air interpretive structure modeled after an Algonquian longhouse. All of the details are carefully considered: from the corrugated metal shingles overlapping just so, to the Black Locust support beams which were used by the Algonquian Indians to erect these structures 600 years ago. Even the opening in the roof was informed by the vents present in traditional longhouses to allow light in and smoke out. At a distance, the structure is at once old and new. The content therein, developed in close cooperation with tribal leaders and College of William and Mary professor Dr. Martin Gallivan, is conveyed over six thematic panels, each represented by their own icon. The educational panel authority and ceremony bears an antler insignia—that icon is present throughout the park’s interpretive displays where relevant. It’s a discreet way to connect the dots for visitors unfamiliar with the rich history and traditions of the Virginia Indians. On a stone relief map of the Tsenacomacoh region, you’ll see the same iconography across sites of significance. The locations of the 32 tribes that paid tribute to Chief Powhatan, territorial river systems, and places of cultural persistence like schools and museums are marked by their corresponding brass tokens. Subtle landscape interventions, too, bear these symbols. These literal portals to the next space call out Algonquian words and their English translations. One leading into the interpretive area reads “peyeugh” or “returning” and bears the symbol from the educational panel persistence. The symbol depicts rocks stacked on top of each other—a head nod to the Algonquian practice of stacking stones at the perimeter of one’s village upon returning from a great journey to show how far one has traveled. “Peyeugh.” Each element of the park calls for pause and reflection. “We’re honored to share such a cultural resource with the public and will stand fast to its mission of sharing the stories, past, present and future, of the Virginian Indians both in the park and in the community through the outreach of our rangers” said Director of Virginia State Parks Dr. Melissa Baker. “Between the powerful use of language, the repeated thematic threads and the contemplative nature of the installations, Machicomoco sets itself apart as a park of deep personal reflection. It’s my hope that when visiting, our guest will look as deeply inward as they do outward.” Back at the timeline, the most recent entry marked is 2020, noting the final development phase of the park, but it does not end there. There are accomplishments of the Algonquian people yet to come, and Machicomoco will be there to witness, celebrate and record them. Andrew Sporrer is a public relations and marketing specialist for the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. V