FEBRUARY 2024 EVENTS NEWSLETTER
The Revolutionary Rumble
Part 2
Attention, fellow patriots and history buffs! Drumroll, please, for the mid-February edition of the Revolutionary Rumble! This update holds more exciting events to ignite your Revolutionary spirit and we’re thrilled to bring you all the details. Mark your calendars, polish your tricornes, and prepare to delve deeper into Virginia’s rich Revolutionary past as you prepare for America’s 250th birthday.
February 13
Virtual Battle Brief – Washington’s Forts: The Colonial Frontier
Fairfax County & Virtual
George Washington got his first taste of war as a young frontier officer in the French and Indian War. He served at and traveled to dozens of forts, blockhouses, and stockades across hundreds of miles to oversee the defenses of Virginia and her neighboring colonies. Take a photographic tour of these backcountry outposts with historian John Maass, using period maps and modern images to explore Col. Washington’s service from 1754 to 1758.
February 14
Red Hill Rediscovered: Patrick Henry in Love
Campbell County
On Valentine’s Day, join Patrick Henry’s 5th-great-grandson, Patrick Henry Jolly, for a live virtual discussion on the love life of Patrick Henry. Patrick will share about his ancestor’s relationships with both Sarah Shelton and Dorothea Dandridge, as well as other stories within the Henry family. We mostly hear about the serious side this American patriot; join us as we get personal about the man, and the lover, Patrick Henry.
February 15
Forgotten Patriots: Virginia’s Black Continental Army Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolution
Chesterfield County
Step back in time to 1781, when citizens of Chesterfield County witnessed the American Revolution come right through their community. Black Virginia men camped, marched, and fought side by side with their white neighbors in pursuit of liberty and independence from King George III and English rule. Their roles are still often overlooked but undoubtedly helped the ideas of the Revolution to take root, forging a nation built on ideals of liberty and equality for all.
Crossing of the Dan Commemoration
Halifax County
Join a captivating commemoration of the Crossing of the Dan, a daring feat that turned the tide of the American Revolution. The Halifax County South Boston Museum of Fine Arts and History will have a program on “Engineer of the Revolution” Colonel Tadeusz Kosciuzsko and his role in the Crossing; the meager rations Continental soldiers were expected to survive on, perform forced marches that would last for days, and then go into battle; and what women were doing on the home front. Come sample Revolutionary period treats.
The Moton Story and Civil Rights in Education
Harrisonburg
Part of the Virginia Quilt Museum’s project “Stitching Together History: 250 Quilts Commemorating the Commonwealth of Virginia,” this webinar will focus on the topic, Unfinished Revolutions. Before Selma, before Montgomery, there was Farmville, where young people made history. The Civil Rights movement came to Farmville, Virginia, thanks to the courage of students protesting inequality. Learn about the Moton story and how students became Civil Rights activists and helped change history.
February 16
Nathaneal Greene: Survival Becomes Victory
Halifax County
After the Crossing of the Dan, General Greene and his troops crossed through Halifax at the Bannister River to replenish supplies and manpower before heading to meet Cornwallis at the Battle of Guildford Courthouse. On hand will be reenactors and local citizens who will be available to tell the stories of some of the soldiers involved.
February 17
Change Gon’ Come: Songs and Stories of the Civil Rights Movement
Portsmouth
The Civil Rights Movement was a dangerous time for those trying to make a change. Change Gon’ Come presents the Civil Rights movement through narration, song, and the unique perspective of two married couples: one black and one white.
Historic Photography Seminar
Bedford County
Thomas Jefferson was fascinated with the latest advancements in technology such as the camera obscurer, which allows the photographer to project a reversed silhouette of an image onto a piece of paper. Join Poplar Forest and photographer Greg Farley to explore the history of the rudimentary form of photography that laid the foundation for generations of technological advancements in the field from its inception to today’s digital methods.
Enjoy an Afternoon with George Washington and His Mother, Mary
Northumberland County
This engaging historical re-enactment will be held in period attire by candlelight. As George’s mother, Mary, Heathsville resident Jan Beckett will humorously relate the story of Mary Washington’s life and her sometimes contentious relationship with her son. George Beckett, Jan Beckett’s husband, will portray George Washington. A light buffet of some of Washington’s favorite foods will be offered, as well as hot mulled port or apple cider.
Crossing of the Dan Commemoration
Halifax County
A Sons of the American Revolution National Event will be held commemorating the 1781 Crossing of the Dan, including a program entitled “January – March 1781: Race to the Dan and the Most Crucial Months in American History,” presented by Historian William Guerrant. Events are planned at Boyd’s Ferry after this opening program.
Commemorating the Lives: African and African American Life at Stratford Hall
Westmoreland County
Learn more about the history and cultures of the enslaved Africans and African Americans who lived and labored at Stratford Hall.
Black History Month Archaeology Open House
Charlottesville
In honor of Black History Month, the Monticello Department of Archaeology is hosting an open house featuring displays of recent excavations and artifacts, engaging activities for all ages, and walking tours. Join archaeologists for a 90-minute tour into the woodlands and visit the location of summer excavations, Site 30. In recent excavations, this site has already revealed important information about enslaved agricultural laborers at Monticello as well as the precolonial activities of Indigenous communities.
February 18
Presidents Day Weekend Liberty or Death Reenactment
Richmond
This Presidents Day, don’t just remember the past, feel it! Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the 2nd Virginia Convention, where the flames of American independence were first ignited. Witness history come alive as we reenact the legendary Liberty or Death Speech by the firebrand patriot Patrick Henry. Witness Henry’s raw passion and eloquence as he argues against British tyranny and inspires his fellow delegates to take up arms in the name of liberty.
“Working Hands Create A New America”: Black Contributions To American Culture & History
Hanover County
Featuring a discussion on black contributions to American culture and history by Alphine Jefferson, PhD., Professor Emeritus of Black Studies and History at Randolph Macon College and a musical presentation and artwork display by Local Recording Musician & Artist, Donald Coles.
February 19
George Washington Birthday Paradee
Alexandria
The City of Alexandria’s George Washington Birthday Parade, the largest and oldest of its kind in the country, celebrates the legacy of General Washington in his adopted hometown of Alexandria. The parade is expected to feature 1,500 participants, including drum corps, color guards, bands, city and community dignitaries, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups and, of course, General Washington and Martha Washington.
George Washington’s Birthday Celebration
Stafford County
Celebrate George Washington’s 292nd birthday at his boyhood home, with fun activities for the whole family! Meet and take a selfie with “George Washington,” participate in our annual stone throwing contest, play colonial games, and eat birthday cupcakes – while supplies last. Guests will enjoy several educational stations throughout the Ferry Farm property, take an abbreviated Washington House tour, engage with archaeologists, historians, and other experts to learn about Ferry Farm, the Washington family, and the enslaved people who lived here.
Celebrating George Washington’s Birthday
Fairfax County
Celebrate the first president of the United States at his beloved Mount Vernon home. Meet General Washington and hear 18th-century music during this annual celebration.
President’s Day Naturalization Ceremony
Richmond
Explore Virginia’s place in America’s grand experiment this President’s Day! Commemorate the legacy of the founding fathers of the United States of America and celebrate as we welcome new U.S. Citizens in a naturalization ceremony at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, followed by cake, live music by the Richmond Brass Consort, and other special activities throughout the day.
Washington’s Lieutenants: The Generals of the Continental Army
Orange County
Step into the boots of history and stand beside the unsung heroes who marched with Washington. This event delves into the captivating stories of the Continental Army’s lieutenants, the brilliant minds and bold hearts who helped secure our nation’s independence. Who were the most important? Who were the worst? Join us and decide for yourself!
Incident at Griffin’s Wharf: The Boston Tea Party and After
Loudoun County
Commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party with the Lovettsville Historical Society. Public historians Richard and Tracy Gillespie will share information on the actions by Great Britain’s Parliament that led to the destruction of 340 chests of East India Company teas on December 16, 1774, and similar incidents in other colonies. The program concludes with a tasting of three of the teas that were sacrificed in the name of liberty.
February 14
Red Hill Rediscovered: Patrick Henry in Love
Campbell County
On Valentine’s Day, join Patrick Henry’s 5th-great-grandson, Patrick Henry Jolly, for a live virtual discussion on the love life of Patrick Henry. Patrick will share about his ancestor’s relationships with both Sarah Shelton and Dorothea Dandridge, as well as other stories within the Henry family. We mostly hear about the serious side this American patriot; join us as we get personal about the man, and the lover, Patrick Henry.
February 15
Forgotten Patriots: Virginia’s Black Continental Army Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolution
Chesterfield County
Step back in time to 1781, when citizens of Chesterfield County witnessed the American Revolution come right through their community. Black Virginia men camped, marched, and fought side by side with their white neighbors in pursuit of liberty and independence from King George III and English rule. Their roles are still often overlooked but undoubtedly helped the ideas of the Revolution to take root, forging a nation built on ideals of liberty and equality for all.
Crossing of the Dan Commemoration
Halifax County
Join a captivating commemoration of the Crossing of the Dan, a daring feat that turned the tide of the American Revolution. The Halifax County South Boston Museum of Fine Arts and History will have a program on “Engineer of the Revolution” Colonel Tadeusz Kosciuzsko and his role in the Crossing; the meager rations Continental soldiers were expected to survive on, perform forced marches that would last for days, and then go into battle; and what women were doing on the home front. Come sample Revolutionary period treats.
The Moton Story and Civil Rights in Education
Harrisonburg
Part of the Virginia Quilt Museum’s project “Stitching Together History: 250 Quilts Commemorating the Commonwealth of Virginia,” this webinar will focus on the topic, Unfinished Revolutions. Before Selma, before Montgomery, there was Farmville, where young people made history. The Civil Rights movement came to Farmville, Virginia, thanks to the courage of students protesting inequality. Learn about the Moton story and how students became Civil Rights activists and helped change history.
February 17
Black History Month Archaeology Open House
Charlottesville
In honor of Black History Month, the Monticello Department of Archaeology is hosting an open house featuring displays of recent excavations and artifacts, engaging activities for all ages, and walking tours. Join archaeologists for a 90-minute tour into the woodlands and visit the location of summer excavations, Site 30. In recent excavations, this site has already revealed important information about enslaved agricultural laborers at Monticello as well as the precolonial activities of Indigenous communities.
February 18
Presidents Day Weekend Liberty or Death Reenactment
Richmond
This Presidents Day, don’t just remember the past, feel it! Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the 2nd Virginia Convention, where the flames of American independence were first ignited. Witness history come alive as we reenact the legendary Liberty or Death Speech by the firebrand patriot Patrick Henry. Witness Henry’s raw passion and eloquence as he argues against British tyranny and inspires his fellow delegates to take up arms in the name of liberty.
February 19
George Washington Birthday Parade
Richmond
The City of Alexandria’s George Washington Birthday Parade, the largest and oldest of its kind in the country, celebrates the legacy of General Washington in his adopted hometown of Alexandria. The parade is expected to feature 1,500 participants, including drum corps, color guards, bands, city and community dignitaries, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups and, of course, General Washington and Martha Washington.
Presidents’ Day Naturalization Ceremony
Richmond
Explore Virginia’s place in America’s grand experiment this President’s Day! Commemorate the legacy of the founding fathers of the United States of America and celebrate as we welcome new U.S. Citizens in a naturalization ceremony at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, followed by cake, live music by the Richmond Brass Consort, and other special activities throughout the day.
February 20
Happy Birthday George Washington
Henrico County
Ages 5+. This month George Washington would turn 292 years old! Join us for family-friendly crafts, activity stations, and even some birthday cake to learn more about our fellow Virginian, Revolutionary War leader, and first president.
February 22
Secrecy and Transparency in the Era of Revolutions
Charlottesville
In a context where gaining public trust seemed to demand transparency, was secrecy ever legitimate during the French and American Revolutions? Join us for a conversation with Katlyn Carter, assistant professor of history at the University of Notre Dame, on her new book which explores how the American and French revolutionaries who sought to fashion representative government confronted the dilemma of state secrecy. Carter shows how the fight shaped the nature of the world’s first representative democracies.
Free Admission to Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday
Fairfax County
Celebrate the first president of the United States at his beloved home. Meet General Washington and hear 18th-century music during this annual celebration.
The History of African American Music in America
Hanover County
Featuring Jessi Johnson Peterson with Samantha Willis and Flautist Glennroy Bailey with Bill Evans.
February 24
God With Us…Still
Portsmouth
From ashes to AME, the congregation of what is now Portsmouth’s Historic Emanuel has weathered many a storm during their 250+ year history. During the Revolutionary War, William “Billy” Flora achieved hero status fighting for our nation’s freedom, and this historically black congregation has been producing freedom fighters ever since! Meet these incredible individuals and hear their stories during this interpretive presentation.
Book Talk with Dr. Michael Dickinson
Richmond
Dr. Dickinson will discuss his recently published book Almost Dead: Slavery and Social Rebirth in the Black Urban Atlantic 1680-1807, winner of the 2023 Paul E. Lovejoy Book Prize. Almost Dead explores how enslaved individuals found the physical and psychological resources necessary to endure the seemingly unendurable in early America. This talk in particular will examine resistance and communal survival among enslaved populations in the eighteenth century.
February 27
Remembering Leedstown: A Dialogue
Virtual
Join Stratford Director of Research Dr. Gordon Blaine Steffey and Marquette University Professor Dr. J. Patrick Mullins as they discuss the backdrop, circumstances, and legacy of the 1766 Leedstown Resolves, a local and momentous act of colonial dissent against the 1765 Stamp Act. Come learn about and commemorate this significant event that stands at the headwaters of the American Revolution.
That’s all for now. Be sure to visit our online calendar regularly, as new events keep popping up throughout the month. And tag us in your social media photos 📸. See you out there!