History in brief

Lynchburg Museum System
After several years of focusing on the Civil War Sesquicentennial and Lynchburg’s role in the war, the Lynchburg Museum staff began to look at what the next major exhibition should cover. As we examined the forces and events that had the most significant impact on the city over time, the James River overshadowed all other contenders, for without the river, there would be no Lynchburg. While the topic had great potential, the immediate question became what artifacts and images could be displayed that would do justice to this majestic and historic waterway.
Thankfully, the Museum owned boat models, historic photographs, a captain’s desk and clock from the packet boat Marshall, and similar items as a starting point. Virginia museums have a long history of helping fellow institutions and a number of contacts and loan requests were initiated. There were also potential partners to collaborate with on educational programs such as the Virginia Canals and Navigations Society, Amazement Square, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation, Lynchburg Water Resources, and the James River Association. We are pleased to report each has become a partner.
Experience The James: Lynchburg’s Pathway to the World, will explore the history, imagery, art, and natural resources of the James River through time. Opening on Friday, June 6, 2014, the exhibition will run through December 31, 2015. The exhibit will explore the James from its source near Eagle Rock to Old Point Comfort and the Chesapeake Bay. Early explorers, the birth and end of slavery in America, pirates, westward expansion, war, how the river has been misused, and the work underway to bring it back to health are included.
The exhibit will occupy the Gifford Gallery and the changing gallery in the lower level and tie in with existing exhibits, many of which already have river-related themes. Objects will include prehistoric tools, ceramics, tobacco-related items, historic and modern art, early artifacts from digs at Jamestown and Jordan Point, and items recovered from vessels that plied the river and canals. Two media programs are being created: one with historic and modern photographs from along the James and another with interviews of people who have diverse connections to the waterway.
The Museum is borrowing images and artifacts from the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Historic Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, regional artists, Library of Virginia, Lynchburg College, E. C. Glass Art Collection, Maier Museum of Art, Archaeological Society of Virginia, Mariner’s Museum, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Virginia Canals and Navigations Society, Virginia Historical Society, Valentine Richmond History Center, and others.
Whether you are an artist, boater, bird watcher, hiker, environmentalist, history buff, fisherman, or just love all things Virginian, Experience the James: Lynchburg’s Pathway to the World should not be missed. Every one of us in Central Virginia is personally linked to the James River—as a water source, the recipient of our waste and stormwater, as a recreational venue, or simply as the beautiful natural asset that flows through our lives.
Lynchburg Museum | First Fridays. The Lynchburg Museum at the Old Court House is open every First Friday of the month from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A different history topic is highlighted each month. Admission is free, and the Museum is on the free trolley circuit!

The Lynchburg Museum, 901 Court Street, and Point of Honor, 112 Cabell Street, are open Monday through Saturday,10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m. Call (434) 455-6226 for more information. For group tours and special programs, contact the museum educator: (434) 455-4424 or whitney.roberts@lynchburgva.gov. Visit us at lynchburgmuseum.org and pointofhonor.org, or find us on Facebook.

April 29—Garden Day
Tea and refreshments will be served at Point of Honor. Lynchburg Water Resources will do a rain barrel demonstration. The Gift Shop will have a sale on special items.
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. • Free.

June 23–27—Discover Lynchburg Kids Summer Camp
Kids can enjoy a week long camp, exploring the history of Lynchburg and the James River.
Ages 9-12. $50 per child. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Reserve early!

July 14–18—Teacher Recertification Camp
Educators explore Lynchburg-area history and earn recertification credits at the Lynchburg Museum and Point of Honor.
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. $50 per teacher. Reserve early!

October 4—Day at the Point    
Point of Honor will host the 17th Annual Day at the Point. This fall festival brings together living history, food, kids’ games and crafts, period music, a full-size batteau, Gift Shop sale, and more.
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. • Free.



Old City Cemetery
The Old City Cemetery presents informative and fun programs throughout the year. All events take place on the Cemetery grounds. Guided tours are available, advance reservations are required. The Cemetery Center is open Monday through Saturday, except for April, May, and October when the Center is open 7 days. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., however the grounds are open daily sunrise to sunset. Programs are free unless otherwise noted ($). For more information call (434) 847-1465 or email karen@gravegarden.org.
The Cemetery is located at 401 Taylor Street, Lynchburg, VA 24501.

April 29 — Garden Day & Archaeology Open House
Last spring local archaeologists Randy Lichtenberger and Keith Adams completed an exploratory excavation in the Confederate Section of Old City Cemetery. They found over 30 previously unmarked graves. We believe they confirmed the location of “Yankee Square,” which contained both Union prisoners of war and Confederate disease victims. They will expand their excavation of this area this spring, with the ultimate goal of finding the outer boundaries of Yankee Square.
Join them at the Cemetery on Garden Day. 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

May 10–19 — Annual Antique Rose Festival
Enjoy the Cemetery’s acclaimed antique rose collection near its peak of bloom. The heirloom rose sale begins on Garden Day, Tuesday, April 29.
Our special Mother’s Day Rose Walk takes place on Sunday, May 11, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

May 25Confederate Memorial Day Service
Annual Lynchburg tradition since 1866, sponsored this year by Garland-Rodes Camp No. 409, Sons of Confederate Veterans.
3:00 p.m.

May 26 — Annual Memorial Day Bird Walk & Count
Join members of the Lynchburg Bird Club for their annual species tally.
Bring binoculars. Rain or shine. 8:30 a.m.

June, July, and August — Summer Saturdays in the Cemetery
Casual guided walking tours highlight history and horticulture on the grounds every Saturday morning.
June 6 — National Donut Day
Drop by for a free donut and tour of the Station House Museum as we honor the women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I.
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

June 21 — Civil War Day
Join us as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Lynchburg. Visit the graves of soldiers who died in the battle, talk to archaeologists as they excavate “Yankee Square,” and see our new Civil War history brochure.
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

June 27 & 28 (rain date June 29) July 5, 6, 10, 11 & 12 (rain date July 13) — Our Town
Endstation Theatre Company will present a unique production of Thornton Wilder’s timeless play Our Town on the grounds of Old City Cemetery—a perfect location for a play that teaches us the importance of embracing the beauty of life as we live it.
To purchase tickets, go to endstationtheatre.org.
7:00 p.m. ($)

July 13–August 10 Second Sunday Concerts
Free and informal music performance in the Bicentennial Chapel.
3:00 p.m.

September 21 — Bawdy Ladies of 19th-Century Lynchburg
Historian Nancy Weiland leads a tour to the graves of some of Lynchburg’s colorful “sporting ladies” of Buzzard Roost and Fourth Street.
This tour is only held every other year at Old City Cemetery. 3:00 p.m.

Jones Memorial Library
Upcoming Lectures. The John D. Owen Lecture Series offers interesting and informative presentations. Lectures take place in the reading room of Jones Memorial Library, 2311 Memorial Avenue. 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. • No Charge.

May 21 — ”Brookie Abbot:
Lynchburg Artist” by James Calloway Langhorne
This lecture coincides with the release of the Langhorne book Scaisbrooke Langhorne Abbot: Lynchburg Painter. Brookie Abbot was one of the more talented twentieth-century Virginia painters, well known in Lynchburg and elsewhere for his portraits and flower pictures. The lecture will describe Abbot’s background and explain how his preference for the Dutch Old Masters affected his work.

New London Museum
The Friends of New London (FNL) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the history of the colonial village of New London and its vicinity. Volunteers currently are working to preserve the 1763 Mead’s Tavern, to restore the tavern portion to its colonial appearance, and to establish a museum and library within the structure.
Additional FNL projects and events include:

•     Field Archaeology—work performed last year by volunteers from Lynchburg College, Randolph College, and the University of Tennessee will continue in 2014.
•     Battle of Lynchburg—village experiences during the campaign will be highlighted as part of Virginia’s Civil War Sesquicentennial.
•     Fall Festival—held each October, this celebration features Brunswick stew, musicians, and other attractions. 

For more information about Friends of New London–sponsored events, visit newlondonmuseum.org, find FNL on Facebook, or contact Reve Carwile (434) 907–5396.

May 24 — Confederate Memorial Day Service
Speakers will recognize the veterans of all wars buried at the former Academy Presbyterian Church. 1:00 p.m.
June 7 — New London Day
This year’s New London Day will feature a Civil War Sesquicentennial event, village tours, period re-enactors, archaeology exhibits, musicians, and food. Visitors will  learn of the June 15, 1864, cavalry skirmish at New London as Averell’s cavalry raided toward Lynchburg; the arrival of Union Lt. Gen. David Hunter’s army on June 17; the Read family’s invitation to brunch, punch, and music in “Liberty Hall,” a delay which provided Lt. Gen. Jubal Early’s Confederate reinforcements time to reach the city of Lynchburg; and the June 19 passage of Hunter’s retreating army through the village. Event parking will be located at 594 and 672 Alum Springs Road. For further information please visit www.newlondonmuseum.org or contact Reve Carwile (434) 907-5396. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Legacy Museum of African American History
Last Chance! The Museum’s current exhibit, “Trouble Don’t Las’ Always:” African American Life in Central Virginia During and after the Civil War, 1860-1890, will be on display until June 2014. For information about the exhibit or other events, visit legacymusem.org or call (434) 845-3455.
The Legacy Museum is located at 403 Monroe Street, Lynchburg, Virginia. Open Wednesday–Saturday from noon to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Other times by appointment.

Poplar Forest
Visitors come to Poplar Forest to see the latest discoveries and restored features, as well as to sense Jefferson’s presence in the house and feel an emotional connection to the man, his ideas, his boundless energy, and his ingenuity. Poplar Forest is open seven days a week, March 15 through December 30 (closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last tour leaving at 4:05. Poplar Forest is now also open on winter weekends from January 18 to March 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the last tour leaving at 3:05 p.m. Call (434) 525-1806 or visit poplarforest.org.
Our address is 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest, Virginia 24551. Please check our website for updates to our calendar of events.

April 26 — Stargazing at Poplar Forest
Experience the night sky Jefferson-style at his secluded retreat.Talk and stargaze with Dr. Neal Sumerlin, former Director of Lynchburg College’s Belk Astronomical Observatory at Claytor Nature Study Center. Admission is $5. Ages 12 and under are free. 8:00 p.m. Reservations required.
April 29 — Garden Day in Lynchburg
Learn about historic garden archaeology and restoration at Jefferson’s retreat, an official project of the Garden Club of Virginia. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free with regular admission or a Lynchburg Garden Day ticket.
May 3 — Conversations with Thomas Jefferson and James Madison
Step back in time as Mr. Jefferson hosts James Madison at his personal retreat.
May 11 — Mother’s Day
Give mom a special treat this Mother’s Day with a tour of Poplar Forest! Admission is free for mothers, all day.
May 17 — Architectural Restoration Talk & Tour
Rediscover Jefferson’s true architectural masterpiece with a guided tour and slide lecture with the latest updates from Travis McDonald, Poplar Forest’s director of architectural restoration. Free with regular admission. Reservations required.
June 6 — Two Gentlemen of Virginia Performance
Endstation Theatre Company presents “Two Gentlemen of Virginia,” an original adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic at 7:00 p.m. on the lawn at Poplar Forest. House tours will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets available starting April 1.
  June 15 — Father’s Day
Give dad something he’s not expecting this Father’s Day—a tour of Poplar Forest! Admission is free for fathers, all day.
July 4 — Independence Day Celebration
What better way to celebrate Independence Day than at Thomas Jefferson’s second home. Enjoy music, dancing, historical entertainment, games, storytelling, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence. The event is from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults. Ages 15 and under are free. House tours are also available for a reduced rate.
September 20 — Smithsonian Museum Day Live!
Poplar Forest admission is free when you present your Smithsonian Day ticket. Go to http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/ to find and print your ticket.
October 4 — Archaeology Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Join our archaeologists as they share their latest discoveries and take visitors inside the archaeology lab. Tours at 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., and 2:15 p.m. Free with regular admission.

Pharsalia
1814–2014 Plantation in Nelson County
Celebrating 200 Years of History
Pharsalia is a flurry of activity as it prepares to celebrate 200 years since it was gifted to William Massie on his wedding day. Foxie Morgan, Massie’s great-great-granddaughter, is opening the private Nelson County estate for a series of events throughout the year to mark the occasion.

May 17-18: Folk Life Festival
Interpreters in costume performing 200-year-old daily tasks, vendors selling period products, live music, food and drink. Enjoy historic experiences in this perfect setting. Educational for the entire family. Previous Folk Life Festivals were attended by thousands of visitors!
August: Farm to Table Dinner
Dine on local food prepared by world-class chefs at picturesque Pharsalia!
September: Antique Car Show
Enjoy viewing antique cars and tasting local food in the spectacular setting of historic Pharsalia.
October 11: Apple Day
A day of hands-on fun for the entire family! Watch apple butter being made, cider pressing and apple pies baked on a hearth. Sample these delicious treats, tour the historic house and tap your toe to live music.

Other gatherings are planned for 2014, including cooking, flower arranging, photography, craft and Christmas workshops, and other fun activities.
For a full listing go to www.PharsaliaEvents.com.
Pharsalia
2Tyro, Virginia 22976
info@pharsaliaevents.com
434.277.5237


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