Goochland Historical Society
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Announcements
2ND ANNUAL RUN TO THE REVOLUTION
Join the GVA 250th Commission and the Goochland County Historical Society at 9:00 am on October 4, 2025 at Elk Hill Farm, 1975 Elk Hill Road, Goochland, VA 23063 for the 2nd Annual Run to the Revolution. Sign up online for the race or just come out and cheer on the runners.
ST. MARY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND CEMETERY HISTORY WALK
The Society’s popular History Walk series resumes Saturday, October 18 at 3 PM at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 12291 River Rd, Richmond.
The white frame church in the east end of the county near the Henrico County line at Tuckahoe Creek, was built in 1877 as a mission church to local farmers and coal miners. For almost 75 years the congregation struggled to survive with lay readers and part-time clergy. Steady growth began in 1960s when they called their first full-time rector, the Reverend Holt Souder. A large new sanctuary was added in 1991 and this year they called their fifth rector, the Reverend Daniel Reeves who was officially installed on September 23.
A reception will be held following an informal talk by long-time member Robin Lind and a tour of the old and new buildings which embrace the cemetery and Churchyard.
BOOK TALK WITH FRANCIS GARY POWERS JR
We are thrilled to invite you to an extraordinary afternoon at the Charles Luck Stone Center, located at 343 River Road West, Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, 23103, on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 3:30 pm. Join us for an enlightening presentation by Francis Gary Powers, Jr., as he unveils his latest literary work, “Spy Pilot,” which delves into the fascinating and pivotal U2 Spy Plane Incident of 1960 involving his father, Francis Gary Powers. This event promises to be not only insightful but also a unique opportunity to engage with history through the eyes of someone who carries this legacy. Following the presentation, we invite you to enjoy a delightful reception where you can meet the author and have your copy signed, fostering a sense of community and connection among all attendees. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an inspiring afternoon that celebrates history, storytelling, and the power of personal narrative.
GOOCHLAND COUNTY HISTORIC MAP VIEWER NOW AVAILABLE
Goochland County is excited to announce the creation of the Historic Map Viewer. This interactive map allows users to view maps of the County dating as far back as 1820.
This initiative is the result of a public-private partnership between the Goochland County Geographic Information System (GIS) Department and the Goochland County Historical Society.
The Historic Map Viewer enables users to overlay the current online digital mapping system with historic maps from 1820, 1863, 1880, 1919, and 1932 when county roads were taken over by the Virginia Department of highways.
The Historic Map Viewer can be found on the County’s website at: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/7a02b5e7baed41529e9b4e5abd4e62e1/.
SPRING LECTURE WITH GREGG KIMBALL
Mark your calendars and prepare to be enthralled as the Goochland County Historical Society invites you to a captivating presentation by author Gregg D. Kimball on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Central High School Cultural and Educational Center. Dive into the fascinating world of Jimmie Lee Strother, whose life story intertwines music, murder, and memory, as Kimball unveils his latest work, Searching For Jimmie Strother.
Imagine the poignant sounds of the Piedmont region echoing through the halls, as Strother, blinded by a tragic accident, performed for the legendary folklorist John Lomax back in June 1936. This extraordinary artist not only captured the essence of old spirituals and country breakdowns but also the emerging rhythms of blues and ragtime, defying the boundaries of genre. Kimball’s biographical journey promises to revive Strother’s legacy, shedding light on the rich tapestry of creativity and history that shaped his life. And don’t miss the chance to snag a signed copy of the book while enjoying delightful refreshments.
This event is free and open to the public.
For further information, call or email the GCHS at 804-556-3966 or goochlandhistory@comcast.net.
