voc ep 99: Daniel Firehawk Abbott

“Daniel Fire Hawk Abbott is one of these many individuals, born in Dorchester County who count themselves as having native heritage, as traditions and oral history were passed down in their families. Fire Hawk became interested in the activity of the Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance (NHPA) and as a board member, he designed and guided the construction of the Chicone Village at Handsell (near Vienna, MD), completed in 2014. Today the village contains a replica native single family longhouse, garden and open work shelter along with two wayside interpretive signs. These structures are built of all native material using ancient methods, using no screws or nails. They are the only authentically built replica structures of their kind in Maryland. Daniel Abbott joined the staff of Colonial Williamsburg, Inc. in 2016 as Coordinator of Native American Interpretation and moved to Virginia. As such, the majority of his time is spent doing demonstrations in Williamsburg and Historic Jamestown. However, his dedication to Handsell has not wavered… His well-herald presentation is a day-long immersion in the ancient culture and life skills of the Nanticoke People and includes discussion and demonstrations of shelter, gardening, tool making, clothing and hunting.” Dorchester Banner, 4/26/17

Daniel Fire Hawk Abbott passing on the Nanticoke traditions. (https://www.facebook.com/historicjamestowne/photos)