The Lees and Independence

This annual event was a great success. Check back for details of this event scheduled for June 4, 2011.

Richard Henry Lee

Saturday, 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:

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. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can talk to Frank Megargee, noted Colonial Williamsburg actor, who will portray Richard Henry Lee and give a presentation at 4 p.m. in the Visitor Center on the Stratford Lees' contributions toward independence.

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 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.
• 380th Army Band
  A highlight of the event will be a performance by the 380th Army Band from Richmond, Virginia, at 7:00 p.m. in front of the Great House. Bring chairs or a blanket for seating.
• The Stratford Hall Dining Room (closed for the day) will sell hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, cole slaw, potato chips, ginger cookies, bottled water and soft drinks on the Oval from noon to 7 p.m.
• Visitors can sign up for a free giveaway of a gift basket in the gift shop

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. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating at the concert. Please do not bring pets, coolers, knapsacks, backpacks, baskets or food or drink. If it rains, the concert will take place in the Council House (just past the Dining Room) where there is limited seating and visitors will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis.

Partial funding for the Lees & Independence event was provided by The Rust Foundation of Leesburg, Virginia

For more information, please contact Jon Bachman, Educational Program Coordinator, or by phone 804-493-8038, ext. 1039

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