Past is Prologue
Clint Schemmer writes about history, heritage preservation and the American Civil War. On Facebook: Past is Prologue On Twitter: @prologuepast Contact: Email Clint or call 540/374-5424.
Stratford Hall announces 2013 events, lectures, symposiums
MORE: Read more news from Fredericksburg
Coaching Day at the Great House at Stratford Hall plantation in Westmoreland County is always a perennial favorite. (THE FREE LANCE-STAR)
Just in, courtesy of Jon Bachman, public events manager at Stratford Hall, the Lee family’s ancestral home on Virginia’s Northern Neck:
Stratford Hall 2013 Events
January 12, 2013 Winter Birding at Stratford Hall: Mixed species flocking
The habits, behaviors, and adaptation of birds found at Stratford during the winter months are examined through presentation, discussion and direct and field experience.
January 19, 2013 Lee’s Birthday Celebration
The annual celebration is free to the public and includes house tours, refreshments and live music.
January 24, 2013 Reading Lee with Gary Gallagher
Dr. Gallagher will present a program exploring the elements and results of his research into the military life of General Robert E. Lee. Held at the Wallace Library, headquarters of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, in Fredericksburg.
February 23, 2013 Reflections on Black History: The Rosenwald School at Kremlin, Virginia
The program will emanate from the restored Rosenwald School at Kremlin, Virginia and feature discussion and presentations by Stephanie Deutsch, noted Rosenwald scholar, alumni and family of former students and a panel discussion led by Darryl Fisher Pastor of the Jerusalem Baptist Church.
March 16, 2013 The Lee Women at Stratford: Choices at Hand
A presentation by in character and in costume living history persons using primary source references will highlight personal choices the Lee women had to navigate in the 17th to 19th centuries.
April 6, 2013 Annual Easter egg Hunt on the Oval
The popular annual event sponsored by the local Fraternal Order of Police.
April 13, 2013 Birding at Stratford: Mate Choice and Sexual Selection
Dr. Andrew Dolby offers another in a series of seasonal birding programs highlighted by both discussion and field experience.
April 20-21, 2013 Antiques at Stratford Hall
Epping Forest Antiques of Lively, Virginia, and Stratford Hall will partner to offer an antique showing for the general public. Event is planned to be located in the Preservation Gallery and the historic grounds area.
May 3-5, 2013 The Lee Symposium: Gettysburg
Stratford Hall will present the 4th Lee Symposium, which will explore the battle that marked the high tide of the Confederacy. Nationally known historians will coordinate both tours and lectures.
May 25, 2013 Blacksmithing at Stratford Hall: Ore to Ax
Stratford Hall will host daylong demonstrations of iron smelting, forging and the work of the farrier.
June 1, 2013 Lees and Independence Family Fun Festival
The focus will be on a blend of fun and history and offered free to the general public.
June 8, 2013 Second Saturdays at Stratford: Colonial Milling
Visitors will have a chance to interact and discuss Colonial milling at the Stratford Mill with our miller in this all-day opportunity.
Portrait Drawing: Beginner and Intermediate with Kathy Waltermire
Kathy Waltermire, a noted local artist, will offer an all-day workshop on the basics of portrait drawing, and Kay Hawkins will provide a one-hour chair yoga instruction.
July 13, 2013 Second Saturday’s at Stratford: Discovering Archaeology at Stratford with Doug Sanford
Dr. Douglas Sanford, archaeologist with the University of Mary Washington, will be on hand for this daylong opportunity to discuss the ongoing archaeological research here at Stratford Hall.
Edible Plants of Virginia with Hal Wiggins
Mr. Wiggins, a nationally known author and naturalist, will offer both a discussion and field experience in identifying edible plants found at Stratford Hall. (Ages 8 and up, children must be accompanied by adult.)
July 25-27, 2013 3rd Annual Institute for Teachers
This popular teacher seminar will focus on the relationship of history, geography and economics of Colonial tidewater Virginia.
August 10, 2013 Second Saturday’s at Stratford: Fossils and Fun
Join a Stratford Hall staff member for daylong fossil collecting and identification.
September 7, 2013 Stratford Under Our Feet: The Geology and Paleontology of Stratford Hall
Dr. Robert Weems, a noted international paleontologist, will present a lecture and field experience opportunities.
September 21-22, 2013 7th annual Stratford Hall Wine Festival
This signature event at Stratford Hall brings together wineries, artisans and vendors for two days of fun music food and wine.
October 27, 2013 Historical Haunts
Stratford Hall’s annual Halloween event will use the “ghostly stories of Stratford” as a backdrop for tours of the Great House and grounds. Trick or Treat on the Grounds of Stratford Hall, and enjoy refreshments and crafts opportunities.
November 9, 2013 Surviving in the Woods for Kids
Noted local naturalist Linda Bailey will offer a unique workshop on basic orienteering and survival skills for kids ages 8-13 (accompanied with an adult), fun, safe and important tips on how to handle getting lost in the woods!
December 11, 2013 Holiday Decoration Workshop with Mary Young Tracy
Seasonal decoration tips and projects presented by noted florists.
December 14, 2013 1774: A Stratford Hall Christmastide
This annual Stratford Hall event will offer lights and sounds of 1774. Throughout the house and grounds, the season will come alive with dancing, crafts, and music.
To register for any program, please either email rsvp@stratfordhall.org, fax 804-493-0333, call Jon Bachman at 804-493-1972, or leave a voicemail message at 804-493-8038, ext. 7787.
For more information about the historic site and its beautiful natural areas, email info@stratfordhall.org or call 804.493.8038.
