AUGUST 2024 EVENTS NEWSLETTER
The Revolutionary Rumble
August 2
Richmond
Indigenous Perspectives Closing Celebration
The Library of Virginia presents an “Indigenous Perspectives” exhibition closing celebration featuring performances and displays from tribal representatives. A drumming circle, dancing and demonstrations of traditional crafts will celebrate Virginia’s 11 federally and state-recognized tribes. Stop by the Hungry Hungry Arrow food truck for Indigenous menu items featuring homemade fry bread.
August 3
Chesapeake
Lecture and Book Signing by Rob Orrison
Enjoy an evening at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum with author and historian Rob Orrison for an engaging lecture and book signing on his book “All That Can Be Expected: The Battle of Camden and the British High Tide in the South, August 16, 1780.”
Hanover County
John Paul Jones, first-person interpreter
Hear the story of how merchant John Paul Jones came to Virginia and, by befriending other Scottish Virginians, Jones became embroiled in the Revolutionary War. Learn how as a young officer, Jones quickly rose to the rank of Commodore while helping to forge what eventually became the United States Navy of today.
Fairfax County
Purple Heart Commemoration at George Washington
Pay tribute to the oldest military decoration in the U.S. at the home of its founder, George Washington. Join Mount Vernon and members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for the estate’s official National Purple Heart Day Commemoration Ceremony to recognize Purple Heart recipients. Visit the Purple Heart Memorial Trail Marker, which was dedicated by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association and the Military Order of the Purple Heart to commemorate the establishment of the Purple Hearts decoration.
Middlesex County
Founder’s Day in Urbanna
This day-long event will feature a June 1776 living history event: a strategy meeting between historical interpreters portraying Founding Fathers George Mason and Richard Henry Lee. Other activities include a fife and drum march through town, tours and storytelling at Urbanna’s one-of-a-kind Scottish Factor store, the only remaining Scottish Factor Store in the country, and home to the valuable Mitchell Map. History in the street and at the docks will include the recreated 17th and 18th century ships the Explorer and Luna, and an encampment and interpretation by “Anas Todkill,” who traveled with 17th century Chesapeake explorer John Smith. Urbanna’s historic home Lansdowne and the 18th century courthouse will be open for tours.
York County
1781 British Occupation of Yorktown
The British are coming! The British are…here! Join us for exhibits and living history stations to mark the 243rd anniversary of the arrival of the British forces in Yorktown.
August 3 – 4
Fairfax County
Military Appreciation: Purple Heart Commemoration
Join Mount Vernon in paying tribute to America’s active duty, former, and retired military personnel. Visit Washington’s tomb for a special wreath-laying ceremony, hear Martha Washington talk about the role of military spouses, write letters to veterans thanking them for their service, and hear Mount Vernon’s resident fifer lead 18th-century military drills.
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Fairfax County
Summer Saturdays at Gunston Hall
Explore history in different ways with this drop-in summer program. Each Saturday will have a host of different activities around a different theme. Savor history, dig in the dirt, and play games as we learn about the 18th century at Gunston Hall
August 4, 11, 18, 25
Richmond
Liberty or Death Church Tours
Visit St. John’s Church, the location of the Second Virginia Convention, and hear the fascinating story of Patrick Henry and his ‘Liberty or Death” speech in the heady days on the eve of the American Revolution. About 35 minutes with time for Q&A.
August 5 – 9
Montgomery County
Live Through the Revolution! Summer Camp at Smithfield
Experience life on the early Virginia frontier in a unique and historic environment: Historic Smithfield, one of the most important houses in American history. Campers will learn about daily life in rural Colonial America at this 18th century site by participating in interactive activities designed to allow hands-on experience. Campers will spend the week discovering hearth cooking, make a popular 18th century beverage, making corn cakes, serving in the militia, drafting their own Fincastle Resolutions, log house building, spinning with a drop spindle, weaving, profile making, tin punching, fire making, making a visit to an 18th century doctor, and much more.
August 6 & 13
Virtual & Fairfax County
Battle Brief – Tarleton’s Charlottesville Raid, 1781
In June 1781, British forces in central Virginia launched a daring strike to destroy Patriot supplies, disrupt the meeting of Virginia’s legislature, and capture Governor Thomas Jefferson. Join National Museum of the United States Army educator and historian John Maass as he tells the story of Tarleton’s Charlottesville Raid during the American Revolution. Using rare period maps and modern images, Dr. Maass walks the viewer through key sites associated with the raid’s events.
August 7
Fairfax County
Lunch at the Library: 100 Years of Mottahedeh Design
Have lunch at the George Washington’s Presidential Library, where you’ll hear from Mottahedeh President, Wendy Kvalheim, who will discuss her new book, Splendid Settings: 100 Years of Mottahedeh Design. This beautiful new publication is for china and porcelain collectors everywhere, and includes tips on entertaining and many beautiful illustrations. A boxed lunch will be provided.
Isle of Wight County
Born from Conflict – Virginia Quakers
The Society of Friends (Quakers) were early to the Virginia Colony. Prominent Virginians like former Governor Richard Bennett converted to the movement. St Luke’s Education Coordinator John Ericson will give an overview of the Quaker movement in the Virginia Colony, including a dramatic event at the “Old Brick Church.”
Yorktown
Virginia Militia Commanders at Yorktown
Speaker Sean Heuvel will recount the details of the leadership, troop movement and deployment of those Virginians that took part in the Siege of Yorktown in 1781.
August 8
Henrico County
1774, The Year of Resolves: Preparing for War
250 years ago, saw Henrico County and Virginia move quickly towards war with England. How did we go from peaceful protests to violence and threats? Within six months the Revolution was underway. Join us to learn how people in Virginia and Henrico County moved towards preparing for war.
Salem
For King and Country: The Life of the British Soldier
TV shows and movies have spread many myths and inaccuracies about the British soldiers who fought in the American Revolution. Jeff Briggs will present little known facts about the British Army in general and the British soldier in particular. He will explain the uniform and equipment worn and used by the British soldiers.
August 10
Henrico County
Absconded from the Subscriber: Fugitive Slave Advertisements
Enslaved people were a significant investment and often an enslaver’s most valuable asset. When the enslaved self-emancipated, enslavers frequently placed advertisements in not only their local newspaper but papers through the country, seeking to have their assets captured and returned to them. Join us as we take a look at these advertisements and discover a different perspective on the relationship between master and enslaved.
August 10 – 11
Fairfax County
Farm to Table in the 18th Century
Learn about the food the Washingtons ate and how meals were prepared in the 18th century. Explore George Washington’s gardens, salt house, smokehouse, slave quarters, greenhouses, and the Mansion’s kitchen and learn about how food was grown, prepared, and served at Mount Vernon. Hear about the work of enslaved cooks, what dishes were common on the Washingtons’ table, and how they were able to make ice cream during the summer months in the 18th century.
Fauquier County
250th Commemoration of Dunmore’s War
In late July and early August 1774, Royal Governor Dunmore stayed with Lord Fairfax at his Greenway Court estate in White Post to gather troops from Berkeley, Frederick, Hampshire and Dunmore Counties to join an expedition against the Shawnee to the west. The campaign culminated with the Battle of Point Pleasant (modern day Point Pleasant, WV) on October 14, 1774 resulting in the Treaty of Camp Charlotte, ceding to Virginia the Shawnee claims to all lands south of the Ohio River (today’s states of Kentucky and West Virginia). The political fallout from this expedition is often cited as fueling anti-Crown sentiment in Virginia, leading to the American Revolution.
August 11
Gloucester County
Sunday Speaker Series- General Lafayette
Internationally renowned actor-interpreter Mark Schneider, of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation presents General Lafayette! Be transported back in time to the American Revolution and meet General Lafayette, George Washington’s adopted son. Hear about Lafayette’s heroics in the Revolutionary War and discover his passion for freedom as he champions emancipation of the enslaved and women’s rights.
August 15
Fairfax County
Ford Evening Book Talk: Democracy in Darkness
Debates over secrecy and transparency in politics during the eighteenth century shaped modern democracy. University of Notre Dame professor Katlyn Carter, author of “Democracy in Darkness: Secrecy and Transparency in the Age of Revolutions,” reshapes our understanding of how government by and for the people emerged during the Age of Revolutions.
August 17
Bedford County
Face the Forest 5K Obstacle Course Run
Join Poplar Forest for the 12th annual Face the Forest Obstacle Course 5K! Challenge yourself to beat the clock as you take on a 3.1-mile obstacle race through the grounds of Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest plantation, encountering obstacles (and some mud) along the way! Entry fees will support children’s educational programming at Poplar Forest. The obstacle course race is open to families and teams of all ages.
Hanover County
Abigail Adams, First-Person Reenactment
The wife of the second president of the United States and the mother of the sixth, Abigail Smith Adams is famous for her admonition to her husband to “remember the Ladies”, and was a woman well ahead of her time. Essentially self-taught from her prestigious parents’ expansive library, Abigail was an early proponent for women’s education and rights as well as the abolition of slavery. This program will explore the fascinating, intelligent woman behind two U.S. presidents.
Winchester
George Washington Takes French Lessons and Wins It All – A Presentation by Dr. Carl Ekberg
Beginning in 1754 and until the end of his life, George Washington had intense relationships with Frenchmen—as adversaries, as allies, and as friends. Though often forgotten, this particular part of Washington’s life was significant in the development of his career and ultimately in producing the grand victory over the British at Yorktown in 1781. Dr. Carl Ekberg’s presentation will explore George Washington’s relationships with the Frenchmen who were most important in influencing his career, and therefore, the most important in the creation of the United States during the American Revolution.
August 17 – 18
Fairfax County
Foods in the 18th Century
Learn about the food the Washingtons ate and how meals were prepared in the 18th century. Explore George Washington’s gardens, salt house, smokehouse, slave quarters, greenhouses, and the Mansion’s kitchen, and learn about how food was grown, prepared, and served at Mount Vernon. Attend demonstrations of 18th century barrel making, food preservation, and the uses of preserved fruits during Washington’s time.
Suffolk
36th Annual Nansemond Indian Pow Wow
Two-day Native American cultural celebration, including music, dance, food, and crafts.
August 18
Mathews County
A Revolutionary Tea Party and Fashion Show at the Mathews Museum
The Mathews Museum will host Martha Washington and Abigail Adams as they “spill the tea.” There will be unlimited amounts of hot tea served with cream and sweeteners, accompanied by numerous types of savories and sweets. Guests will spend a lovely time with “Ladies Victorian” as they present “Our Founding Mothers and What They Wore.” Martha Washington and Abigail Adams, as interpreters of colonial times, will be attired in period clothing and will show how to wear the finishing touches of reticules, tussie mussies, paletots, and chatelains that are needed to complement their fine hostess gowns.
August 23
Virginia Beach
Thoroughgood In The Revolution Plaque Dedication
Daughters of the American Revolution will unveil a bronze plaque commemorating six Thoroughgood men who had pivotal roles in the Princess Anne County militia during the Revolution. Three men were raised in the historic house and three of their cousins were imprisoned by the British. The plaque also records that eight people enslaved by the Thoroughgood families sought their freedom under Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation of 1775. The Virginia Beach Mayor will read a proclamation and the DAR State Regent will also speak.
August 24
Fairfax County
Book Arts at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Explore book making during the 18th century and George Washington’s own writings. Listen to Tobias Lear, Washington’s personal secretary, read from Washington’s only published book. Learn about the trades associated with book making with special guests from Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Trades team. Visitors can also create their own journal about their visit inspired by Washington’s own travel journal.
Hampton
African Landing Day
Join the Fort Monroe Authority, National Park Service, Project 1619, and the City of Hampton for the 1619 Commemoration of the First Enslaved African Landing Ceremony at Fort Monroe. The keynote address will be given by Ric Murphy, educator, historian, lecturer, and award-winning author of the highly-acclaimed Arrival of the First Africans in Virginia. The event will include African drumming, a libation ceremony and special presentation by K. Johnson Elementary School “Crimson Thunder” drumline.
Hanover County
The Parsons’ Cause – Prelude to Revolution
One December 1, 1763, a country lawyer from Hanover stepped from obscurity into the forefront of legal and political circles in Virginia. His name was Patrick Henry. The event that shaped his destiny was the trial of The Parsons’ Cause. Henry challenged the two most important potent entities of colonial Virginia — the King and the clergy. The case proved to be one of the opening salvos of the colonies’ split with the Mother Country and started Henry on the path of becoming the “Voice of the Revolution.” See the theatrical recreation of this monumental event.
Virtual
Revolutionary War Genealogy Workshop
Take your Revolutionary War era research to the next level. Expanding on GRIVA’s May lecture of Virginia sources, learn how to research tricky ancestors from New Hampshire to Georgia, as local and regional contributions to the patriotic cause may exist in those areas. Minority groups, including French ancestors (both Acadian and French Army), Spanish ancestors, free Black and enslaved persons, the Jewish, and women, will also be discussed.
August 30
Albemarle County
Farm to Batteau Tour
Join James River Batteau Company for a collaboration with local Chef Sarah Rennie of Two Fire Table! Get ready for an open fire, family-style, farm-to-table dinner out on America’s Founding River. This experience showcases the agricultural and historical richness of the Scottsville area, against the backdrop of the golden hour on the James River. Float down river hearing stories of the by-gone days of the James River Batteau. Aboard the most local of boats, guests will learn about the role these watercraft played in the settling of Virginia’s Piedmont and about the brave men that navigated them.
August 31
Fairfax County
Animals of Mount Vernon
Learn about the animals that would have lived on the estate during Washington’s life and have the unique opportunity to meet some of the animals that live at Mount Vernon today. Bring your dog along for a walking tour that explores canine life at Mount Vernon during the 18th century. View demonstrations of spinning and weaving at the Spinning House.
Montgomery County
250th Anniversary of Dunmore’s War – Southern Division
This encampment will portray a volunteer company of Virginians making up part of the Southern Division of troops led by Colonel Andrew Lewis for Dunmore’s War in late summer 1774 on the spot where they originally encamped. Lewis’s division traveled north (downstream) on the Kanawha River through what is now West Virginia and clashed with Shawnee forces at Point Pleasant in a day-long battle on October 10.