Summer 2010 - Northern Neck of Virginia Historical Society

The Northern Neck of Virginia
Your tax-deductible gift
can be made payable to:
NNVHS, P.O. Box 716,
Montross VA 22520
Historical Society
15482 Kings Highway
P.O. Box 716
Volume 4, No. 3
804-493-1862
Montross, VA 22520
Summer 2010
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.NNVHS.org
Kathryn Shepherd, Editor
Financial Statement available upon written request from Office of Consumer Affairs, Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218
President’s Letter
(Left) NNVHS
President Stevenson
Walker presents
Kasey Harper with
her award at the
NNVHS Spring
Luncheon.
The organizational meeting of our Society
was held on June 26, 1950. All reached an
agreement on one tenet: Each member must
be a worker!
Three dozen were in attendance, and it was
the era of the manual typewriter and carbon
paper. Each knew the others from civic and
church circles, and indeed each could be a
worker.
Today we have members from 20 states and
I realize that everyone can not be available.
But we do need involvement from more
Society members. Here is a list of our needs:
•
Renew your 2010 membership today.
•
Recruit a new member.
•
Volunteer to staff our Library, even if
it’s only one day a quarter.
•
Sell or buy an ad in our Magazine.
Example: one member buys ads for
two museums and his/her church,
thus helping those institutions and us.
•
We need a new Membership Chair
who will also serve on our Board.
Won’t you consider assuming this
important role?
•
Attend
our
Barbecue/Dance
at
Morattico Museum on Saturday,
September 11; bring family & friends!
(Right) NNVHS
Executive Director
Kat Shepherd with
recipient Jacob Little
Pony Fortune Deuber
Photo by Bill Elliott
NNVHS 2010 Scholarship Awards
Society Invests in the Future
The Society's annual Scholarship Awards recognize local college students who have
demonstrated excellence in history and a deep interest in the culture and history of
the Northern Neck. This year, the Society honored Rappahannock Community
College student Kasey Harper, and Bacone College student Jacob Little Pony
Fortune Deuber (a member of the Rappahannock Indian Tribe). Best of luck to these
deserving students!
Swing Out at Morattico!
Fall Membership Meeting & Barbecue/Dance!
September 11, 2010 ~ 11am-3pm
Featuring the Swing Professors (a Northern Neck
jazz band!) for your dancing enjoyment!
If you can help, please call me personally at
804-472-3291. Thank you, and I look forward
to hearing from you and seeing you soon.
Steve Walker
PS: A hearty thank-you to the Catherine
Chilton Endowment for their generous grant
this year in support of our Society!
President
Steve Walker
First Vice President
Page Henley
Secretary – Craig Kilby
Website: www.NNVHS.org
Photo by Lewis Shepherd
Chicken BBQ with all the fixin’s,
prepared for you by the Women of
Morattico – so you know it’s good!
Cash Bar / Free tours of the Morattico Museum!
Tickets $20 NNVHS members / $25 non-members
…See back page 4 for Reservation Form
Executive Director &
Treasurer
Kathryn Shepherd
Immediate Past President
Virginia Brown
County Vice Presidents
Frances Simmons – Lancaster
Betty Horner – Westmoreland
Bill Elliott – Stafford
Patricia Pugh – Richmond
Anita Churchill – King George
Mary Kier – Northumberland
Committee Chairs
Russell Brown – Publications
Bill King – Finance
Lynn McFadden – Publicity
Susan Christopher – Scholarship
Ammon Dunton – Easements
Open Position – Membership
Northern Neck of Virginia Historical Society Newsletter ~ Summer 2010 page 1
Discovering the Real George Washington – in Pittsburgh?
As an historical society, NNVHS periodically publishes short pieces by academicians and professional historians. The following article was
contributed by Matthew G. Hyland, Ph.D., who received his doctorate in American studies at William & Mary and is now Visiting Professor at
Duquesne University. The exhibit reviewed below is in Pittsburgh in July and August and then travels nationally, before returning to Mount
Vernon in Virginia.
New Views from Mount Vernon, a traveling exhibit from George Washington’s famous home now on display at the Senator John
Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, goes to great lengths to bring Washington back to the forefront of our minds.
This exhibition features the latest effort of forensic researchers and digital scanning capabilities to rescue him from the mists of
time. Accompanying the high-tech sculptures are George and Martha’s personal items, portraits, rare books from his library, and
accoutrements from his revolutionary war campaign, among other items.
This exhibit, which relies on the collection at Mount Vernon, strives to revive him through stunning visualizations: three wax
models of his face mounted on full-size bodies, his horse Blue Skin, a tableaux of his inauguration at Federal Hall in New York
City, and (of course) his dentures. Scale models of Fort Necessity, his mill on Dogue Run, and Mount Vernon offer the bird’s-eye
view of his world when we are not looking directly at him, eye to eye as it were, elsewhere in the exhibit. The videos, the text
panels, and the imagery galvanize our memory of Washington.
Not since Dolley Madison supervised the emergency evacuation of the President’s House after the Battle of Bladensburg in August
1814 has so much energy been devoted to saving George Washington’s image. We are determined to remember how he looked,
and this exhibit fills the order in triplicate. An introductory video shows the many hands, intimate research, and technical
processes that created the wax faces and vivid life-size figures of Washington in progressive life stages. The resulting exactitude is
impressive. On display is a 19-year-old Washington as he might have appeared surveying Lord Fairfax’s proprietary grant, a 45year-old Washington astride Blue Skin at Valley Forge, and a 57-year-old Washington at his first presidential inauguration.
Washington was a dauntless warrior, and this exhibit tells how much ground he covered in his lifetime. From the Mount Vernon
Ladies Association collection, Charles Peale Polk’s portrait shows Washington at Princeton circa 1793. Pewter plates, a silver camp
cup, and revolutionary-period arms evoke his life as a soldier. Perhaps only James Monroe, another prominent son of the Northern
Neck, traveled more than Washington as a soldier in the Continental Army, delegate, senator, ambassador, cabinet member, and
President.
Consideration of slavery at Mount Vernon receives insightful
treatment in a video and display of artifacts from the slave
quarters excavated by historical archaeologists. Situated among
models of Washington’s merchant mill on Dogue Run and the
farm’s outbuildings (the treading barn), tangible reminders of the
slaves’ community at Mount Vernon prompt us to ponder “a
troubled slaveholder,” who freed slaves at his death but took no
political role to advance emancipation. Testimonials from
descendants of Mount Vernon slaves bring their story to the
present day.
In sum, the exhibit rejuvenates our collective recollection of
Washington. The interactive panels are engaging, and the
executive swearing-in ceremony exhibit provides visitors with a
rich, participatory moment. The further we get away from
Washington in years, the more we seek to revitalize and
authenticate our memory of him through replicas and relics. The
exhibit, in turn, satisfies that desire. Yet, the crispness of his face in
this exhibition can be traced beyond a computer’s scanning ability
to the skilled hand of the French sculptor Jean Antoine Houdon.
Without Houdon’s life-mask of Washington and his statute in the
capitol rotunda at Richmond, this exhibit’s brilliance would be
muted. The exhibit owes a significant debt to Houdon.
Washington standing among African-American fieldworkers
harvesting grain; Mt. Vernon in background. From the painting “Life
of George Washington--The farmer,” by Junius Brutus Stearns.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress
One last note on why making the trip to Pittsburgh is worthwhile, to see an exhibit that will return to Mount Vernon after visiting
the North Carolina Museum of History, the Minnesota History Center, the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the Fort
Worth Museum of Science and Industry, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, the
Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland, and the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada. The
showpieces, three full-scale figures of Washington, are not the only models of Washington on display. A fourth life-size model of
Washington lurks in a corner of the “Clash of Empires” permanent exhibit at the Heinz History Center. Here, a frustrated
Washington, about to sign humiliating surrender papers after the battle at Great Meadows, sits with head in hand. Close by are
other people significant in his early life. For instance, Tanaghrison, “The Half King,” stands in an oratory pose nearby, as does a
life-size figure of Queen Aliquippa, a devoted ally of the English and friend of Washington, in another exhibit.
Lest it be forgotten, beyond the museum walls, a fifth life-size figure of Washington watches over travelers at the airside concourse
of the Pittsburgh airport. Outside of the Old Dominion, Pittsburgh may be the best place to see the well-remembered national hero
Washington.
Be part of the story: Renew your NNVHS Membership now!
Northern Neck of Virginia Historical Society Newsletter ~ Summer 2010 page 2
Website: www.NNVHS.org
News from the Society Library
The bulk of the NNVHS collection formerly housed at the
Westmoreland County Museum in Montross has been moved to our
Headquarters and Research Library, 15482 Kings Highway in
Montross. The Library is handicapped accessible and a very
comfortable environment in which to work.
There are some items remaining to be inventoried and moved, most
notably the vertical files for various families of the Northern Neck.
This will involve purging some of the material in those files, then
copying them, so that there will be duplicate copies at both
repositories.
We have re-organized the books, which will need to be re-catalogued,
and are using the web-based service librarything.com. For only $25, we
have a life-time membership and may enter up to 5,000 books. It is
very easy for the public to use, as well as for our volunteers. Feel free
to sign up to contribute to the NNVHS catalog site on the Internet at
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/NNVHS.
Besides moving, we are expanding our collection. Craig Kilby is
spearheading the identification and purchase of desired books, and
confirming accounts with various vendors.
There is quite a way to go on this project, and volunteers are needed
to help staff the headquarters, greet and assist patrons, and assist with
data entry for our catalog. It’s also a great place to do some reading
while you’re volunteering! Hope to see you at the Library….
Gifts to the Library
Book Gifts Russell Brown: The Story of Northern Neck State
Bank. Charles Sydnor: Eubank’s Authentic Guide Book (1934),
and Abe Lincoln’s Stories (1885). John Sydnor: The
Schoolmasters Assistant (1938); and Westmoreland County Tax
Book (1794-95). Jane Carver:
Washington Birthplace (1932,
1947, 1956). Betty Horner: Westmoreland County Cemeteries.
Steve Walker: Virginia Horse Racing; Robert Carter III – The
First Emancipator; John Adams; and James Monroe – His Life &
His Presidency.
Other Gifts Ed White: Handmade side tables & conference
tables, photographs of twelve landmarks. Paul Ventura:
Living room chairs, rug, fireplace fender. Kat & Lewis
Shepherd: Four ladderback chairs. Bill & Donna Elliott:
Framed enlargement of Society’s brochure. John & Nancy
Feuerstein: Flatware, computer & printer, television. Steve
Walker: Framed prints, photos, and documents;
lawnmower and ladder. Arthur Carver III: Computer and
printer. John Sydnor: Framed Confederate notes. Craig
Kilby: Autographed pencil & ink scenes
Library Volunteers
Jane Carver, Betty Horner, Susan Christopher, Craig Kilby,
Shelby Fillingane, Steve Walker, Hugh Fillingane, Starr
Morrow, Beverly Chinnis, and Jan McCarty.
NNVHS Fall Luncheon includes a BBQ/Dance at Morattico!
September 11, 2010, see page 1 for details. Business Meeting begins at 11:00am;
dance and barbecue from 12-3pm. Tickets $20/members, $25/other. Please use
reservation form on page 4 of this newsletter. Hope to see you there!
King George Historical Society observes "Sinking of the Wawaset"
On August 8, 2010, 1pm-5pm, KGHS will hold a picnic on the Potomac, to
commemorate the horrific sinking of the glamorous steamboat "Wawaset" which
caught fire and sank August 8, 1873, claiming 70 lives while onlookers watched
helplessly from the shore. For more information, call Ed Veazey at 540-775-2651.
Best-Selling Author James Swanson Book-Launch Event
NNVHS and Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Bill Howell invite you to a very
special book-launch party for “Bloody Crimes,” the new book by best-selling author
of “Manhunt” James Swanson. Swanson, who spoke at the Society’s standing-roomonly 2009 Spring Luncheon, writes in his new book of the end of the War Between
the States through the eyes of Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln. Reserve the
date: October 14, 2010, 5pm - 7pm at the Fredericksburg Courtyard Marriott.
NNVHS Commemorative Brick Offering Ends December 2010
You can still purchase a $150 commemorative brick to be located in the Legacy
Walkway at NNVHS headquarters. See page 4 order form, or email [email protected]
Northern Neck Land Conservancy “Boots, Bids & BBQ”
Join the NN Land Conservancy on September 19, 2010, from 3pm-6 pm, at
Roanoke Farm, Route 360 in Heathsville, VA. Info at www.nnconserve.org.
Website: www.NNVHS.org
Northern Neck of Virginia Historical Society Newsletter ~ Summer 2010 page 3
The Northern Neck of
Virginia
Historical Society
P.O. Box 716
Montross, Virginia 22520
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
NON-PROFIT
WARSAW, VA
PERMIT NO. 21
Be Part of the Story – Renew Your Membership!
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL (If you have already renewed, thank you very much!)
Your Name______________________Telephone____________E-Mail___________________
Mailing Address: _______________________________________________________________
Single membership: $35 ______
Supporting membership: $75 ______
Joint membership: $45 ______
Life membership: $500 ______
Membership renewal form also available online, at www.nnvhs.org.
RESERVATION FORM FOR SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Fall Meeting and “Swing Out at Morattico” Barbecue/Dance, Sept 11, 11 am – 3 pm
Enclosed is check payable to NNVHS for $_____; each ticket $20 (members); $25 nonmembers. Name(s) of Guest(s) _______________________________________________________
Commemorative Brick for NNVHS Legacy Walk (see page 3)
Enclosed is check payable to NNVHS for $_______ for ____brick(s) @ $150 each
Honoree Name(s) to be inscribed:__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
NNVHS Historic Preservation Tax-Credits Seminar: Now Available on DVD
Mailing Address _________________________________________________________________
Enclosed is check payable to NNVHS for $_______ for ____DVD(s) @ $25.00 each
Clip and return by mail to NNVHS, P. O. Box 716, Montross, VA 22520
Northern Neck of Virginia Historical Society Newsletter ~ Summer 2010 page 4
Website: www.NNVHS.org