GRIVA's Annual Conference: October 20, 2012

The Genealogical Research of Virginia (GRIVA) is hosting its annual conference on Saturday, October 20, in Midlothian. Their guest speaker is Maureen Taylor, aka "The Photo Detective." Maureen is the author of the wonderful book The Last Muster: Images of the Revolutionary War Generation. Their web site is http://grivagenealogy.wordpress.com/.

The regular cost of attendance for non-members is $55.  However, thanks to our member and GRIVA president Brent Morgan, they have arranged a special rate for ARRT-Richmond members who might wish to hear Maureen Taylor speak about her research.  The cost for ARRT members is $20 for the lecture only.  Of course, you’re most welcome to pay for and attend the entire day at the regular rate.  They would be happy to have you join them.

If you’re interested in this unique opportunity, please send your check for $20, payable to GRIVA, to:

Brent Morgan

9091 Pantego Lane

Mechanicsville, VA 23116.

They would appreciate your early preregistration for planning purposes.  You should plan to arrive between 9:00 and 9:30, with the program starting at 9:30.  Maureen will speak on “The Last Muster: Photographs and Stories from the American Revolution” at 9:45.  Any questions can be directed to Brent at brentster1@comcast.net.

Philadelphia Tour Blog

Karen Chase recently toured Philadelphia with Bill Ochester, president of the local ARRT chapter. Here's a link to her blog and pictures:

http://www.karenachase.com/2012/09/philadelphia-freedom/

And I can personally vouch for both the food and atmosphere at City Tavern. No visit to Philly is complete without at least one visit.

2013 Meeting Dates and Speakers Announced

For your advanced planning, the list of our 2013 meeting dates, speakers, and topics has been posted. Please click on the link at the top of the page.

Next Meeting: November 14, 2012

"John Barry: An American Naval Hero of the Revolutionary War," Tim McGrath

The meeting will be held in the Westhampton Room, Heilman Center (dining hall--building 34 on the campus map), University of Richmond, at 6:30 p.m. with dinner available for purchase in the dining hall beginning at 5:30 p.m.

University of Richmond campus map:
http://www.richmond.edu/about/directions/campusmap.pdf

Meeting Notes: September 19, 2012

"From Cuckoo to Charlottesville: Jack Jouett's Ride," Rick Britton

Upstate (SC) Revolutionary War Weekend: October 5-7, 2012

To celebrate South Carolina’s vital role in the independence of our country, Kings Mountain National Military Park, Cowpens National Battlefield, the Overmountain Victory Trail, and Walnut Grove Plantation are teaming up to present An Upstate Revolutionary War Weekend from Friday, October 5 to Sunday, October 7, 2012.

An Upstate Revolutionary War Weekend begins with the 20th Annual FestiFall at Walnut Grove Plantation in Roebuck, SC.  Relive America’s struggle for independence and be transported back to colonial days at this living history festival that features 200 reenactors and artisans who camp for the weekend and present military reenactments and dozens of demonstrations of colonial era crafts and trades.  FestiFall begins at 6:00pm on Friday, October 5, with a family-friendly lantern tour to the plantation’s cemetery past vignettes telling different stories of the Revolutionary period.  Lantern tours cost $5 per person.  The family fun continues from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday, October 6, with the re-enactment of a Revolutionary War skirmish taking place at Noon and a general 18th century battle demonstration taking place at 2:00pm.  Admission to FestiFall on Saturday is $9 for adults, $5 for ages 6-17, and free for ages 5 and under.

At 6:00pm on Saturday, October 6, the action moves to Cowpens National Battlefield near Chesnee, SC for “The Night before Kings Mountain.”  The Overmountain Victory Trail Association, which annually retraces the 330-mile march that patriot militia took from East Tennessee to join the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780, will present a special program about the events that took place in the days leading up to the battle.  Learn about the exploits of backcountry heroes such as John Sevier, Isaac Shelby, and Benjamin Cleveland.  “The Night before Kings Mountain” is a free program.

Then, to wrap up An Upstate Revolutionary War Weekend, Kings Mountain National Military Park in Blacksburg, SC, will present a day of activities and commemorative events on Sunday, October 7, to mark the 232nd anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain.  Considered by many to be the turning point of the Revolutionary War in the South, a commemorative wreath laying ceremony will be held at 11:00am.  Overmountain Victory Trail Marchers will arrive at 3:00pm followed by a keynote address.  A variety of activities will be held throughout the day, including musket and rifle demonstrations along with children's militia drills.  All activities at Kings Mountain are free.

For more information about any of the activities during An Upstate Revolutionary War Weekend, visit http://www.nps.gov/cowp/specialevents.htm or contact Zac Cunningham at 864-576-6546 or walnutgrove@spartanburghistory.org.

"Women Who Risked Their Necks: Backcountry Women in the American Revolution," September 27, 2012

Jonathan Riner, Cowpens National Battlefield, is formally inviting our members to be their honored guests September 27, 2012 from 7-8pm at Cowpens National Battlefield. Dr. Melissa Walker, a very talented local professional and scholar, is leading a one-hour program titled, "Women Who Risked their Necks: Backcountry Women in the American Revolution."

Their intent is to develop and provide free scholar-led programs in a comfortable environment for communities like ours, and to promote good will and reward for exceptional service and civic organizations. There is no charge for this event. 

Feel free to contact Jonathan Riner directly.

jonathan_riner@nps.gov and 864-461-2828