The story of Mary Draper Ingles is well-known in Southwest Virginia, but few know it was part of a complex period in which the British, French and American Indians fought for control over vast stretches of territory in North America. The events formed part of the French and Indian War. This conflict saw Great Britain

become the largest empire on earth in 1763 only for it to face a rebellion by 13 colonies that led to the formation of the United States. 

This is a recording of our July 2025 Panel Discussion in which we brought together five voices from the region to help illustrate this fascinating historical period. Panelists inlcuded Dr. Stirling Barfield, Associate Professor of Psychology; Dr. Anthony Guidone, Assistant Professor of History; and Dr. Matt Oyos, Professor of History–all from Radford University. The discussion also included Dr. Dan Thorp, Associate Professor of History at Virginia Tech and Dr. Melinda Wagner, Professor Emerita of Anthropology from Radford University.

The panel discussion and its recording were made possible in part through a grant from the Virginia 250 Commission in partnership with Virginia Humanities.

Blue Phoenix is an electric-acoustic band that promises to deliver some of your favorite tunes, with a mix of blues, classic rock, Americana, jazz, standards, folk, and country. The magic of this small ensemble is not only in the combination of talented musicians, but their shared joy in creating emotionally moving music. And this group’s quality friendship shines through, adding warm, soulful, and fun-loving energy to their music.

Tours of the Tavern and Music

Access by Shuttle Service from Mountain View Methodist Church
Saturday, July 25, 3 - 8 PM

We are excited to welcome  Ricky Cox & Willard Gayheart, Carrie Hinkley of Virginia Hollow, Indian Run Duo, Tim Thornton, and Sam Leary & Friends.  Line up times are subject to change, so check Facebook or our website for the schedule just prior to the event.

Tours of Ingles Tavern will be offered during the Jeffries Jam.

All participant parking for event will be at Mountain View Methodist Church, 6648 Wilderness Road, Dublin.  A shuttle van will run in 15 minute loops to and from Ingles Tavern throughout the event.  There is a maximum number that can be accommodated, so please be mindful of that and plan ahead.  

Note that there will be no access to the historical site prior to the event. The shuttle from Mountain View Church is the only access point due to safety concerns. Please do not attempt to drive directly to the Ingles Tavern, as gates will be locked and you may endanger others. 

We are requesting a $15 donation to enjoy the Jeffries Jam. All proceeds from this donation will be given in Bud Jeffries’ name to Fidos Pantry and the local Pulaski County Animal Shelter.  Donations may be made HERE or below through the museum’s paypal account or in cash when you catch the shuttle.  

Lizard Licks Snow Cones will be on site, as well as a local Mexican Food Truck.

Event tee shirts available at $15 while supplies last

Geoff, the fiddler, plays traditional Celtic tunes, from lively jigs and reels to slow haunting airs and waltzes. He is accompanied by Georgianne on the Bodhran.

Sharon Roger-Hepburn provides insight into the story of Black Union soldier, John Lovejoy Murray, in a recent book edited by the Radford University professor. Murray’s letters are significant because they are ordinary in some respects yet extraordinary in others. Some of the activities and sentiments portrayed in the letters are hardly distinguishable from those described in letters written by White soldiers. In other ways, the letters represent a perspective distinctly from a Black soldier in the Union army. Although many of his experiences may have been typical, Murray himself, a literate, freeborn, northern Black man, was atypical among Union Black soldiers.

For this multi-artist, juried show, art work was chosen that reflects the importance of home, Mary Draper Ingles’ homecoming journey, native agriculture or geological locations along her route, and also the universal importance of home. The 16 artists participating are: Mary Barksdale, Jake Conner, Virginia Dale, Cheng Fen, Matt Gentry, Rebecca Harris, Angela Martin, Mary Moore, Marietta Nester, Martha Olson, Melissa Pilkington, Roberta Sallee, Logan Singo, Sharon Taylor, and Susan Trulove. This year’s collection of works features a diverse array of painting, paper, fabric, and photographic mediums that are both realistic and abstract in styles, highlighting the creativity of both emerging and established local artists.

The announcement of the winners of best in show will take place at 2:30 PM.

The Radford University Art Museum hosts an array of exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing professional and emerging artists, students, and works from the museum’s permanent collection. A highlight in our calendar is the annual Radford Art Show, attracting talented artists from across the region and shining a spotlight on the dynamic artistic community thriving in the New River Valley. The Juror for this year’s exhibition is Marcy Criner, who is an award-winning equestrian portrait and abstract artist based in Virginia. The show features cash prizes and awards including a $500 prize for Best in Show. We are pleased that the exhibition will coincide with the series of events connected by the Mary Draper Ingles Festival, creating a unique opportunity to celebrate local art amidst the festivities throughout Radford that bring together the rich tapestry of our local art scene, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the abundance of talent waiting to be discovered

Geoffrey Pollick, chair of the Philosophy and Religious Studies department at Radford University, will discuss “Captivity Narratives and Religious Logics of Settlement Along the Appalachian Eastern Divide, 1740-1770.” Among his areas of academic study is a focus on religion, race and culture in the Appalachian region. Pollick also directs a newly formed Radford University Community History Research Collective, which is building partnerships with local institutions to document and interpret the New River Valley’s past.

The life and experiences of Mary Draper Ingles and her family, well known to the Radford community, provide an example of larger patterns that influenced the era of colonization preceding the U.S. national founding. Geoffrey Pollick explores this and similar accounts of captivity and escape as part of a wider set of narrative practices employed by colonizing settlers to explain experiences of risk, fear, and encounter with Native People. The presentation considers how captivity was interpreted by Euro-American settlers seeking to make sense of violence and loss. It also examines how Native nations understood capture as a strategy to inhibit encroachment and protect access to contested land. Drawing on both implicit and explicit religious concepts, captivity narratives sought to justify settlers’ presence in the borderlands of the eighteenth-century Appalachians and to articulate the complex, often coercive, cultural exchange that emerged from contact and conflict between Euro-American settlers and Native People.

Learn the story of Andrew Lewis, a well-known leader in southwest Virginia. Hear about how he established his estate, which once stretched all the way to Kentucky; what role he played in the French and Indian War; and how his actions during the Revolutionary War helped secure the colonies’ independence. Garrett Channell, executive director of the Salem, Va., museum, will share his insights into this patriot’s role in winning freedom for Virginia and America and even which Founding Father Lewis was surprisingly close to. Channell, a Roanoke College graduate, studied history and literature at Oxford University and has a master’s in museum studies from Harvard.

Return to the 18th century when colonists gathered for dancing, networking, and even seeking marriage partners. Enjoy a captivating performance showcasing dances typical of the period with the Floyd, Va., Historical Dancers followed by a fun dance lesson for everyone. This event honors our founding by embracing the culture and traditions of America’s early days.

Sharon Edwards is a songwriter and singer/musician whose performance covers a variety of styles including pop/rock and country. Through her music, Edwards says she strives to encourage, uplift and inspire others.

This year's festival is dedicated to the memory of Col. Lewis "Bud" Ingles Jeffries. Bud Jeffries was an integral part of the Radford community who helped to found the Radford Heritage Foundation and who worked to keep the legacy of the Ingles Family alive.

Special Remarks by Dr. Richard Harshberger

The Life of Mary Draper Ingles presented by Kathleen Harshberger

Honor Salute by Radford VFW Post 776

Bagpipe Music by Dr. Geoffrey Pollick

Ryan Patterson grew up in Radford and shares his love of music with audiences, all over, with his acoustic guitar. He also is the host of Picks & Pints, open mic night at Long Way Brewing.

The story of Mary Draper Ingles is well-known in Southwest Virginia, but few know it was part of a complex period in which the British, French and American Indians fought for control over vast stretches of territory in North America. The events formed part of the French and Indian War. This conflict saw Great Britain

become the largest empire on earth in 1763 only for it to face a rebellion by 13 colonies that led to the formation of the United States.

This is a recording of our July 2025 Panel Discussion in which we brought together five voices from the region to help illustrate this fascinating historical period. Panelists inlcuded Dr. Stirling Barfield, Associate Professor of

Psychology; Dr. Anthony Guidone, Assistant Professor of History; and Dr. Matt Oyos, Professor of History–all from Radford University. The discussion also included Dr. Dan Thorp, Associate Professor of History at Virginia Tech and Dr. Melinda Wagner, Professor Emerita of Anthropology from Radford University.

The panel discussion and its recording were made possible in part through a grant from the Virginia 250 Commission in partnership with Virginia Humanities.

Ingles Tavern tours, Must meet at Wilderness Road Regional Museum to catch Shuttle Bus,

leaves on the hour 11AM-3PM, $10 per adult, kids under 6 free, Fincastle Company Living History Group set up at Wilderness Road Regional Museum. Ricky Cox and Willard Gayheart will perform “Traveling Songs” at 2:30pm.

For reservations and more information, call (540) 674-4835

Ingles Castle will be open for Self-Guided Tours 10am-4pm

Music Performance at the Event Tent: Kinnfolk

KINNFOLK – the husband and wife duo of Josh and Julie Kinn – weave octave mandolin, bodhrán (Irish drum), and smooth vocal harmonies into their Celtic folk music from the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From sea shanties and working songs, to trad tunes and Old Time favorites, Kinnfolk’s fresh take on classics blends seamlessly with their original compositions. They share stories as enduring as tartan, spinning yarns steeped in Appalachian charm and enjoying playful banter with the audience. Their shows feel like a kitchen party, where everyone is family, and there’s always room for a dancer.