The Town Crier May-June - Historic Dumfries Virginia, Inc.

The Town Crier May-June
The Newsletter of Historic Dumfries, Virginia, Inc
May-June 2014
Charter Day 2014
Charter Day: an 18th Century Celebration was held at
Merchant Park on May 10th. This FREE Family Event
celebrates Dumfries as the oldest continuously chartered town in Virginia. Chartered on May 11, 1749 this
marks 265 years!!! We had a truly amazing community
event with the world renown US Army “Old Guard Fife
and Drum Corps.” We had lots of historical demonstrators, the Dumfries Elementary School Choir and free activities for the whole family to try! This wonderful
event was sponsored by the Dumfries Business Association (DBA), the Town of Dumfries, Historic Dumfries
and The Weems-Botts Museum.
Special points of
interest:
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Faces of Charter Day 2014!
Inside this
issue:
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
The Town Crier May-June 2014
Page 2
Merchant Park
Wonderful for Weddings, Birthday’s, Graduations and Family Reunions!
Our Merchant Park Rental calendar is filling up fast! What a great site for weddings, picnics,
reunions and social events. You can rent the entire park for the whole day which will include the
Pavilion, bandstand, two grills and restroom facilities; and for a very small extra fee, a full service
kitchen. Hurry, spaces are filling up FAST!
Both the memorial bandstand / gazebo and 15 table pavilion (which seats 120 comfortably) is
equipped with electricity. There is a concrete apron in front of the bandstand for use as a stage.
Arrangements for use may be made by calling or e-mailing Joann at the Weems-Botts Museum.
Experience Dumfries rich history, while you create memories of your most important moments.
Please consider hosting your next event here at Merchant Park.
The bandstand in Merchant Park was erected by the Prince
William County Historical Commission in memory of William
Grayson, one of Virginia’s first senators and illustrious citizens
of Dumfries, as a feature of the observance of the American
Independence Bicentennial. The memorial was dedicated on
July 10, 1976, at the Dumfries Liberty Day celebration.
Senator William Scott of Virginia.
A Historical Colonial Camp
For Children
What was it like to be a kid in 18th century Colonial Virginia? To have heard Patrick
Henry’s famous “Give Me Liberty” speech? Come spend five days with us and find
out!
Historic Dumfries and the
Weems-Botts Museum will help you learn about the Virginian Indians, the African-American Experience, Colonists, Spies and Pirates. See how a child would have dressed, used manners, played and lived in Colonial Virginia! Learn to make colonial foods and churn butter, do candle dipping, quill pen and ink writing, make clay
beads, and learn how to play and dance like you’re living in 18th century Virginia! Join George Washington and
Patrick Henry and explore the meaning of “Liberty.” Take a scavenger hunt in the oldest chartered town in
Virginia, do a “dig” for artifacts, learn about the Revolution and participate as one of the members of the
“Dumfries Resolves.”
Five day interactive camp. Snacks and supplies included in fees. Please bring a bagged lunch.
Participants will meet at Merchant Park. Session: July 7-11, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. This is designed
for children between the ages of 7 and 10. Fee: $100.00 (Full Scholarships are
available) Advanced Registration is required and size is limited to 20 participants. Please call Joann
Barron at (703) 221-2218.
PLEASE HELP SEND A CHILD TO CAMP! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE A TAX
DEDUCTABLE GIFT TO SEND A CHILD TO CAMP, PLEASE CALL JOANN! OVER 70% OF OUR
CHILDREN NEED A SCHOLARSHIP, PLEASE HELP US TO SAY “YES” TO EVERY CHILD DESIRING TO COME TO COLONIAL CAMP!!!!
The Town Crier May-June 2014
Page 3
Please renew your tax deductable membership prior to the membership meeting on June 12!
The Town Crier, May/June 2014
Page 4
Discover Prince William & Manassas Recognizes
Industry Partners at National Travel and
Tourism Week Event
Prince William, VA- Discover Prince William & Manassas held its annual National Travel and Tourism Week
Luncheon Event on May 9, at the Old Manassas Courthouse. New this year the tourism marketing agency held
an industry award ceremony that honored individuals and organizations which contributed to the
promotion and development of Prince William & Manassas as a tourism and group destination. The four
Industry Awards were sponsored by the Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association. The award winners were
chosen by a local evaluation committee of industry professionals.
The 2014 Industry Award Winners are:
Partner of the Year - The National Museum of the Marine
Corps, represented by Gwenn Adams, Public Affairs Chief
Tourism Champion - City of Manassas Mayor Harry “Hal”
Parrish II
Tourism Leader Award - Joann Barron, Weems-Botts Museum
Stellar Service Award - Peggy Lanham, Hampton Inn Manassas
“The introduction of our national tourism week awards at this
year’s event further identifies the individuals, leaders and
businesses who stand out as making a positive difference to
tourism over the past year.” said Ann Marie Maher, President/
CEO of Discover Prince William & Manassas. “Great tourist destinations don’t just happen…it takes
the dedication and collaboration of our elected officials, business leaders and community members to
make Prince William & Manassas a unique place to visit, live, work and play.”
Keynote speaker, Rita McClenny, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation,
emphasized the link between local and state partnerships to the economic impact of tourism to the
commonwealth in 2012. In attendance were more than 75 tourism partners, local businesses
dependent on travel and tourism and elected officials including Virginia delegate, Del. Richard
Anderson (R-51).
U.S. Travel Association’s National Travel and Tourism Week, is an annual celebration during the first
week in May, to promote the impact travel has on local economies, businesses, and individuals. In its
31st year, more than 150 communities across the country host events which showcase the positive
impact of travel and tourism.
From Discover Prince William & Manassas Newsletter.
The Town Crier, May/June 2014
Page 5
Your Summer Adventure Begins at Weems-Botts! We are part of the PWC ED-OUT EXPLORER PASPORT PROGRAM!
HDV & Weems-Botts Museum Activities & Updates
Come see the new and up-graded look of
the Weems-Botts Museum, we have added
a new exhibit to include life in Dumfries
during WWII. If it has been a while since
you have been to the museum—it will be
all new to you! Prepare for a new look
and hear new
stories of our rich historic past!
Free Children’s Day at
the Museum
June 7, 2014 at 1:30 P.M.
Learn about Colonial
Spies!
Make & Take Crafts and stay
for “Tea Time.”
RSVP to Joann at 703-221-2218
You’re Invited to HDV’s Annual Member Meeting!
Tea in the Garden!
Tea & Refreshments, Volunteer Recognition and voting on the
July 1, 2014
Merchant Park
11:00 A.M.
Board Membership.
We appreciate your support and hope to see you!
Thursday, June 12, 2014
7:30 p.m.
(Annex if it rains)
African-American Cultural
Arts Round Table!
Help Us Plan new AfricanAmerican exhibits,
Dumfries Community Center
17755 Main Street
Dumfries, VA 22026
Come to our “Tempest of Teapot”
presentation by Mr. Gene Seevers!
Spirited History Presents: An Evening of Paranormal Investigation
at the Historic Weems-Botts Museum
Saturday June 14th 2014 7:00PM – 10:30PM
Tickets: $22 per person
This location has been featured on: “My Ghost Story”
Have you ever wondered what spirits reside in the historic Weems-Botts Museum and Museums Annex House? Here is your opportunity to find out the thrilling history and paranormal
encounters that have occurred at theses historic locations in Dumfries VA.
The event will provide a brief presentation that includes: History of the location. Listening
to the EVPS that have been collected. The paranormal encounters that have been reported
and recorded at the locations. After a brief introduction, Spirited History will take you on a
paranormal investigation inside both the Weems-Botts Museum and the Museums Annex
House. This is a very active location for both residual and interactive (intelligent) activity,
and one that is rich for EVPs! See more information on this event at
http://spiritedhistory.com
Children’s and Living
History programs. Do you
have an “Oral History” story
to share?
Please come! Call Joann at
703-221-2218 to RSVP
The Town Crier, May/June 2014
Page 6
Hello Supporters of Historic Dumfries Virginia:
Another successful season has passed for Historic Dumfries Virginia (the Weems-Botts Museum) and it is
fitting to reflect on the many successes and changes that have occurred at the museum. There have been a number
of positive developments this year and HDV’s Board of Directors is proud of the hard work and accomplishments
of the museum’s talented staff and volunteers. Museum staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to plan and
promote HDV’s many special events, including:
Dumfries Charter Day in May to promote the colonial heritage of the town.
Monthly Children’s Day programs at the museum – historical programs and activities,
along with crafts and snacks that are offered free each month to the children of our
community.
History programs in the park to highlight the rich historical and cultural presence in American History.
Children’s Colonial Summer Camp in July
Home Schooling Programs throughout the year
Paranormal lectures, investigations and family friendly ghost walks.
The Weems-Botts Museum was featured on A&E’s “My Ghost Story”
and CBS’s “Spirited History.”
All of this hard work by the staff and volunteers has resulted in an impressive surge in visitation for the
museum. Membership and individual/family visits to the museum have appreciably increased and as a result our
small staff is hard pressed to find the time to conduct tours, plan additional special events, produce and publish a
quarterly newsletter and manage the daily operation of the museum. In addition, the cost of doing business has
greatly increased without any increase in our county funding for the past decade. The wonderful grant funds from
the Historical Commission to support the Living History Programs/Children’s Day at the museum have been
suspended by PWC and HDV has had to absorb the cost of this valuable program.
That is why your help is needed now more than ever. HDV depends on the generous support of its member’s
and it is once again time to renew your membership or give an additional tax deductible donation. As an HDV
member you receive free admission to the museum, library, special events and lectures as well as a copy of the
quarterly newsletter. You also receive the satisfaction of knowing that your contribution helps HDV
fulfill its goal to preserve, protect, and promote the history of Dumfries for our children and
grandchildren.
The HDV board wishes to thank you for your past support and hopes that we can count on your continued
support in the coming year.
Sincerely yours,
Mike Cecere, HDV Board President
The Town Crier, May/June 2014
Page 7
In Common Cause with Boston
Event on Saturday June 7 From 12-3:00 P.M.
Come and meet George Washington, George Mason, Henry Lee II and other prominent
colonial leaders of northern Virginia at the Weems-Botts Museum on Saturday June 7th as they
discuss the dramatic events of 1774.
Word of the British crack down on Boston (in response to the Boston Tea Party) has finally
arrived and Virginians must decide whether to stand with Boston or stay out of the conflict.
The freeholders of Prince William County were the first to act on June 6th, 1774. Come and
visit the Weems-Botts Museum between 12:00 and 3:00 on Saturday, June 7th, to learn more
about their bold decision and discuss what the future may hold.
Regular admission applies
Historic Dumfries, Virginia, Inc
3944 Cameron Street
Dumfries, VA 22026
Phone: 703-221-2218
E-mail: weemsbotts@msn.com
Protecting and promoting the history of
Dumfries.
We’re on the web! Become a Facebook fan of the Weems-Botts Museum and visit us
at www.historicdumfries.com
Weems-Botts is part
of the Third Annual
Explorer Passport!
53,000 PWC school kids have
this Passport to Fun! Turn it
in at the end of summer to
be eligible for cool prizes!
Historic Dumfries, Virginia Inc. Events Calendar
June 12, 2014 — HDV’s Annual Member Meeting at the Dumfries Community
Center. 7:30 P.M. Tea & Refreshments, Volunteer Recognition and important board membership votes! RSVP to Joann at 703-221-2218
June 7, 2014 — Children’s Day at the Museum. Free Family Fun for children of all ages. Please
see page 5 of this newsletter for more information.
June 7, 2014 — In Common Cause with Boston. See page 8 for more details.
Saturday June 14th 2014 - Spirited History Presents: An Evening of Paranormal Investigation at
the Historic Weems-Botts Museum 7:00PM – 10:30PM. See Page 5
July 7th to the 11th, 2014 — A Historical Colonial Camp for Children. See page 2 for more details!
All Sumer Long—PWC Explorer Passport!!!
HDV Newsletter & Museum Credits & Information
● Director, Author & Editor: Joann Barron
● Docents: Patrick Higgins, Erica Bridges