Meeting Notes: July 17, 2024

The July 17, 2024, meeting was held in the Westhampton Room, Heilman Dining Center, at the University of Richmond.

The evening’s program speaker was Meika Downey, MA, who serves as the statewide Education Manager for Preservation Virginia’s five early American historic sites across the Commonwealth. Ms. Downey spoke about the overarching missions of Preservation Virginia (https://preservationvirginia.org/), and the six properties and museums which it owns and operates. These properties include Bacon’s Castle, Smith’s Fort, John Marshall House, Cape Henry Lighthouse, Patrick Henry's Scotchtown, and Historic Jamestowne. The focus of her presentation was John Marshall, who was a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia. He briefly served as Secretary of State (1800-01), and who was appointed the fourth Chief Justice of the United States by John Adams. During which time judicial review was further defined as the final arbiter of executive, legislative, or administrative actions strengthening the system of checks and balances in the United States. Ms. Downey spoke about the residence Marshall had constructed in Richmond, its history, and the actions taken by Preservation Virginia at the John Marshall House to engage the public about the life and legacies of the Great Chief Justice, his Richmond home, and the enslaved people who labored there.

Fred Sorrell

Secretary