Teatime with the Monroes

BY CRAIG SCHULIN

The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library in Fredericksburg will be hosting its second annual tea this Saturday.

The event is being held in honor of first lady Elizabeth Monroe whose birthday is later this month.

“She was a definite partner to James Monroe, and a very  interesting personality,” said Scott Harris, the museum’s director.

While James Monroe served as minister to France during that country’s revolution and Reign of Terror, Elizabeth was instrumental in securing the release of Madame Lafayette, whose husband had done so much to help the United States during its revolution.

“The celebration is a way to raise the profile of the museum, to raise awareness,” said Harris.

The tea will also include storytelling by Lynn Ruehlmann who will be performing her “It Happened in the White House: True Stories of the Eight Virginia Presidents and Their Wives.”

“I use the eight different personalities to tell stories about the eight presidents from Virginia and their wives,” said Ruehlmann.

She began telling stories in 1990, combining her English and theater background with a keen interest in history.

“The people I portray when telling the stories are sometimes made up, but the information in the stories is historically accurate,” she said.

The tea and storytelling will take place in the museum’s garden.

WANT TO GO?

What: Afternoon Tea and Storytelling Performance in honor of Elizabeth Monroe

Where: James Monroe  Museum and Memorial  Library, 908 Charles St., Fredericksburg

When: Saturday, June 9,  2–5 p.m.

Cost: $25/adults, $20/Friends of James Monroe Museum and for UMW students, faculty and staff. Reservations are required.

Info: 540/654-1043; jamesmonroemuseum.umw.edu

Craig Schulin: 540/374-5403

cschulin@freelancestar.com

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