Goochland Historical Society
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Announcements
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.
HOLIDAY HOURS
The Goochland County Historical Society will be closed next week, Wednesday, December 25 through Friday, December 27, 2024. We will also be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. We will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025 for our regular hours. We are sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause.
2025 CALENDAR IS HERE!
In 2006, the Goochland County Historical Society started offering its Vintage Goochland calendars, featuring old photographs of people, places, and events in and around the county. Since then, the calendar has served as an annual fund raiser for the Society. The 2025 calendar features photographs showing places around Goochland then and now. It is now on sale for $15.00 each for up to 7 copies, 8-19 copies are $12 each, 20+ copies are $8 each. They usually sell out, so support the Society and reserve your copy now by calling (804-556-3966), ordering online (www.goochlandhistory.org) or emailing the Society(goochlandhistory@comcast.net).
LAFAYETTE’S RETURN
This year marks the 200th anniversary of General Lafayette’s return visit to the United States, at the invitation of President James Monroe. As the last surviving Major General of the Continental Army in the American Revolution, Lafayette was esteemed by the American people. As he traveled across America, localities rolled out the red carpet. On November 2, 1824, the Henrico Militia escorted General Lafayette to Powell’s Tavern in Goochland, beginning his trip through the county. Join the Goochland 250 Commission and the Goochland County Historical Society (GCHS) to experience that visit. The General will be on hand to address attendees who will enjoy a brunch featuring some of his favorite foods, view the grounds of Historic Tuckahoe, and raise a glass to toast the famous man. The event will be very much like that which took place at nearby Powell’s Tavern 200 years ago, so mark your calendar for November 2, 2024 and plan to step back in history.
If you are interested in history, join us on November 2, 2024, 10:00 am to noon at Historic Tuckahoe, 12601 River Road, Richmond, VA 23238. The event is $40.00 per person. To sign up for the event click here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/general-lafayettes-return-tickets-1041017660847
FALL MEETING
Please join us on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Goochland Baptist Church for our fall meeting. Our speaker will be Christian Di Spigna, a well-known writer based in New York and Virginia. A volunteer at Colonial Williamsburg, Di Spigna is recognized as an expert on the history of the American Revolutionary era, a dedicated researcher of early American history, and a detailed storyteller, capable of bringing his topics to life in a memorable way. His presentation will introduce us to Revolutionary War patriot Dr. Joseph Warren. His book Founding Martyr: The Life and Death of Dr. Joseph Warren, the American Revolution’s Lost Hero is an illuminating biography of the patriot physician and Major General who fomented rebellion and died heroically at the battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. Until Di Spigna’s book, little was known about this influential Boston architect of the rebellion. With the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Christian Di Spigna is much in demand. The GCHS is pleased to have him present at our fall meeting.
The program begins at 3:00 pm, with refreshments following. The church is located at 2454 Manakin Road, Manakin-Sabot, 23103.
