The Lees and Independence

Richard Henry Lee

June 5, 2010

FREE to the public, this signature event begins at 3:00 p.m. Please join us for a delightful, family-oriented evening of music, games, and food.

The Lees and Independence event commemorates the date that Richard Henry Lee presented his resolution to the 2nd Continental Congress on June 7, 1776, making a motion to formally declare the independence of the colonies:

Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved form all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. The resolution led to the writing, and subsequent adoption, of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The Lee and Independence event also highlights the important roles that other Lees, including Francis Lightfoot, Arthur, William, Thomas Ludwell, and Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee had in fighting for independence.

Drilling activity for kids

The schedule of activities includes:

Activities for children will be available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and include signing the Declaration of Independence with a quill pen, taking pictures in colonial clothing, and doing a Lee interactive activity and receiving a prize in the Gift Shop. Children can also try out their aptitude for military drilling and should their wooden muskets and march to the drummer's beat and the musical strains of "Yankee Doodle," giving them a taste of upcoming summer camp activities at Stratford Hall.

2nd Virginia Infantry Regt.

Revolutionary War Encampment by the Second Virginia Regiment with firing demonstrations, outdoor cooking, and a number of other activities. The Second Virginia Regiment is a recreated Revolutionary War history group. The organization is composed of volunteers who authentically clothe and equip themselves to portray the soldiers and families of this historic military unit.
Book Signing and talk by Albert H. Tillson, Jr., will take place in the Visitor Center at 5:30 p.m. Tillson's talk will be entitled "The Abduction of Atwell: A Northern Neck Incident of the Revolutionary War." Tillson's lecture is based upon a small set of documents he found after completing his book, Accommodating Revolutions: Virginia's Northern Neck in an Era of Transformations, 1760-1810. These documents deal with two deserters from the British army who made their way into Westmoreland County in September 1779 and met two local loyalists who urged them to kidnap the commander of the Westmoreland militia and steal a sizable quantity of money from Squire Richard Lee of Lee Hall, then join a group of John Tayloe's slaves, seize Robert Carter's ship the Atwell, and sail off to rejoin the British forces. Although ultimately unsuccessful, they did in fact implement much of the plan.

Great House tours (last tour begins at 4:00 p.m.) will be the regular price of admission and are not included in the special event activities.

For more information, please contact Laura Lawfer, Director of Interpretation and Programs, or by phone 804-493-8038, ext. 1920.

For a complete calendar of upcoming events, please visit www.stratfordhall.org.