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“Thunder on the Three Notch” opens today at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama and will continue on Saturday. Hours both days hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The re-enactment of the Battle of Hobdy’s Bridge is the highlight of the historical event. The battle will be waged at 2 p.m. each day.  A short history of the battle will be presented prior to each re-enactment.

Barbara Tatom, museum director, said other than the battle re-enactment, are there many things to learn and know, including living history encampments, a circuit riding preacher, blacksmithing, rope making, wire weaving and woodstove cooking. There are things to see and learn from and about,

Tatom said something new and exciting will be the opportunity for young visitors to make a medicine wheel.

“Medicine Wheels have been made for generations by Native Americans from different tribes,” Tatom said. “Medicine Wheels depict a cross inside a circle. Each color has a different significant meaning, depending on the tribe, but generally indicates one of the Four Directions, the seasons, and the elements.”

On Medicine Wheel, white signifies north, the winter, and air; yellow signifies east, the spring, and fire.  Red on a medicine wheel signifies south, the summer, and water; and black signifies west, the fall, and earth.

Muscogee Creeks commonly painted medicine wheels on rock faces with red, orange, and black ochre, which is a paint made from iron oxide. An example of rock faces can be seen at Painted Bluff in Marshall County.

Youngsters who take part in “Thunder on the Three Notch” will have an opportunity to create their own Medicine Wheel to take home.”

Admission to “Thunder on the River, is $10 adults; $9 senior adults and military, $8 students, children under age five are admitted free as are museum members. Ask about memberships at the front desk.