Dozens of visitors exit the ferry to visit Blennerhassett Island for Friday's America 250 celebration. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

PARKERSBURG — Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park marked America’s 250th anniversary Friday with a bell-ringing ceremony, historical reenactors and a program focused on the island’s role in sharing West Virginia history.

The ceremony was part of the national “Let Freedom Ring” tradition, which calls for bells to be rung in recognition of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Organizers said the bell was rung 13 times to honor the original 13 colonies.

Brett McMillion, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, welcomed visitors to the island and said the park’s history made it an appropriate place for the celebration.

“This park has a deep, deep, rich history, and this is just the ideal location for such an event,” McMillion said.

The program included members of the Captain James Neal Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Daughters of the American Revolution, period-attired volunteers and reenactors portraying figures connected to the island’s history.

Paula Oliverio, portraying Margaret Blennerhassett, reads the poem “Almost Heaven” during an America 250 celebration Friday on Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park Friday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Robin Stemple, president of the Blennerhassett Historical Foundation, said the foundation works to support the park and help improve the visitor experience in telling the “Blennerhassett story.

“It’s an important story, not just to this region, but it’s an important story to our country,” she said.

Stemple said the ceremony was meant to honor those who have served the country, as well as the families who have sacrificed alongside them.

“It’s my hope that they get out of it a little bit of understanding about where West Virginia fits into our country’s history,” she said. “With the history of this island, this is such a great place to do this.”

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey also attended the event and addressed the crowd during the program.

From left, Josephine Myers and Ben Kiger play with a stick and hoop as they dress up in Revolutionary era garb for the America 250 celebration Friday on Blennerhassett Island. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“This is West Virginia’s time,” Morrisey said. “When I think about America’s 250, we can’t help but think of what’s going to happen into the future for the next 250 years, but West Virginia gets to help pave the way through our grit and determination.”

The event also featured a reading of “Almost Heaven” by Candace Pasala Wilson, which was selected through an America 250 poetry contest. The poem highlighted West Virginia’s mountains, coal camps, farms, churches, volunteers and Appalachian traditions.

Paula Oliverio, who portrayed Margaret Blennerhassett, said she has participated in living history at the park for several years.

“I absolutely love that this is here in our backyard, and for the opportunity for people to come and check it out, see what we have,” Oliverio said.

Stemple said the foundation also has a broader vision for the island, including a welcome center, walking path, gardens, playground improvements and preservation work connected to historic structures.

From left, Parkersburg residents Anthony and Adam Ford look at the fans offered due to the sweltering heat during Blennerhassett Island's America 250 celebration Friday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“We have a vision for what this island could be,” Stemple said. “There’s so much more this island could have and do for our region, for our state, for our country, and that’s really what our foundation is about.”

Members of the Sons of the American Revolution perform a gun salute during the cermony celebrating America's 250th birthday on Friday at Blennerhassett Island. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey shares his appreciation for the history of Blennerhassett Island during the America 250 celebration held there Friday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Toni DeVore, a member of the Pipes & Drums of St. Andrews group, plays the bagpipes to welcome attendees to the America 250 Celebration on Blennerhassett Island Friday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Director Brett McMillion, right, rings the bell to celebrate America's birthday during the America 250 celebration at Blennerhassett Island Friday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)