Our first history-based documentary is entitled “Hidden in Plain Sight – Revealing the Concealed Harpers Ferry Cemeteries.” Two cemeteries are featured. One cemetery was set aside by the United States Armory at Harpers Ferry in 1852 at the request of the citizenry, where Union soldiers were later buried. Another holds the remains of African American residents, including an African American Union soldier. Both are investigated using public records, interviews with local residents, and other clues to explain why these cemeteries were ignored in a town so rich in history.
In the film, a wandering line is drawn through and between cholera epidemics and devastating floods, clergy and judiciary, Jefferson County and Liberia, Niagara Falls and the Shenandoah River – finding ordinary people living otherwise ordinary lives thrust into chaotic, threatening and unfamiliar circumstances. That is the history of the United States. This documentary received recognition at several film festivals from 2020 through 2022.
Trailer – Hidden in Plain Sight – Revealing the Concealed Harpers Ferry Cemeteries
In 2021, Rabbit Hole History productions released a documentary short called “The Lore of Hill Top House – Murder Madness and Baked Beans” which was nominated for that year’s Indie Short Fest.
Video: The Lore of Hill Top House – Murder, Madness and Baked Beans
For the past few years, Rabbit Hole History Productions along with Bot Studios has been working on a new documentary featured called “Virago – A Story of Barbara Pope – Educator, Author and Activist.” This story has roots in Harpers Ferry. In 1906, the Niagara Movement held its second annual meeting in Harpers Ferry. It is where Barbara Pope, recently arrested for violating Virginia’s Jim Crow laws, brought her case before Niagara Movement members and attendees. The documentary highlights Barbara’s trail from educator to activist. Barbara’s appeal for support, presented by the Niagara Movement’s Legal Department lead, Frederick McGhee, was successful.
In July 2024, we screened the Hidden in Plain Sight trailer, had a presentation about Barbara Pope, and screened a teaser trailer for her documentary prepared especially for Fishermen’s Hall in Charles Town, where scenes for the documentary were filmed. The teaser trailer contained an excerpt of a speech given by Reverend Reverdy Ransom, considered by many a masterpiece.
Video: Excerpt – Reverend Reverdy Ransom – Speech
So long as pivotal events are described as aberrations on an otherwise flat shiny surface, people won’t see their collective reflection in a country’s drama. It is our intention to reveal that we have, like those before us, important roles to play.