WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (WVDN) — Mary Draper Ingles (1732-1815), frontier settler and survivor, will be portrayed by veteran actress and historical reenactor Karen Vuranch of Fayetteville at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026, at White Sulphur Springs Public Library.
Mary Draper Ingles was one of the pioneers who settled the western frontier of Virginia. In 1755, she was captured by members of the Shawnee tribe, who brought her, along with her children, to a Shawnee village near what is now Cincinnati. She escaped and walked more than 500 miles to get home, traveling through the New River Gorge in November and December. Vuranch’s portrayal of Mary Draper Ingles presents a unique perspective on frontier culture and tells how it was to be a white settler on the outer fringes of the “civilized” world.
Storyteller, actress and writer Karen Vuranch weaves together a love of history, a passion for stories and a sense of community. Vuranch is known nationally for her work and has toured extensively through West Virginia and the United States. She brings history to life through her unique performance style, which combines storytelling and drama to create an engaging presentation.
Light refreshments will follow the performance. For questions, call the library at 304-536-1171. The library is located at 344 W. Main St. in White Sulphur Springs. The event is presented by the Seneca Trail Charitable Foundation.
