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Todd Talk (August 2016)

Todd Ballance, Executive Director.

Todd Ballance, Executive Director.


The past several weeks are the greatest examples of dog days of summer.  I feel for our landscape crew and the nearby construction workers working on the Benn’s Church/Benn’s Grant roadways projects.  Amidst all of this roadwork we have remained open for tours and gift shopping.  Although the heat and construction may have proved to much for some visitors others have certainly ventured to Virginia’s Oldest Church and enjoyed their visits.  We continue earning Five Star reviews on TripAdvisor during this period and appreciate all of those kind comments.  As a thank you for everyone’s support we are launching a special offer.
Complimentary Admission 25th – 31st
For the last week of August (25th-31st) HSL is offering complimentary admissions every day to every one.  Now is the chance to bring your family and friends to the #1 ranked must-see thing-to-do and attraction in Smithfield.  Of course we appreciate your generous donations and gift shop purchases during this week, but we would like you to enjoy our 45-minute guided tours more than anything. So brave the heat and construction and enjoy a world-class guided tour at your local National Historic Landmark, Historic St. Luke’s.
We have a very busy Fall in store for you.  Make sure to visit our calendar for a complete listing.
Education Program Events
Doug-Owsley (1)

Dr. Doug Owsley, Division Head of Physical Anthropology at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.


Saturday, August 27th, 2016 at 1 p.m. God Save The Kingdom: Loyalism and Ministers in Revolutionary Virginia, 1765-1783 presented by Mrs. Stephanie Walters, Ph.D. student from George Mason University. Her program addresses the impact of the American War for Independence on Loyalist Clergy and the Anglican Church in America. Tickets are $15 per person. Seating is limited to the first 25 registrants and only a few tickets remain! After exceeding 25 registrants, inquirers will be placed on a waiting list that will be informed if additional space is available. To register and purchase your tickets online visit http://historicstlukes.org/event/god-save-kingdom/ .
Saturday and Sunday, September 10 – 11, 2016 General from Whitemarsh:  A celebration of Joseph Bridger:  A 1680s living history weekend  Join us for reenactor demos, an educational lecture from Dr. Doug Owsley, period music and vendors, demonstrations, twilight cemetery tours, and a 1680s interpretive church service.  Prevailing admission rates apply.  With membership comes complimentary admissions!  Buy a ticket once and use it all weekend!
Weddings
Help us in congratulating two couples who began lives together in July:
Mr. and Mrs. Albino
Mr. and Mrs. Zascoski
prez_volunteer_awardlogo_april_09_flat_custom

The President’s Volunteer Service Award Seal

Volunteers
Historic St. Luke’s would like to welcome aboard the following:

 

Catherine Porter
Susan K. Scott

 

You can hear more about these individuals and their exciting projects in upcoming blogs. We are also proud to announce that we are participating members of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Click here for more information on the award.
Donors
Joseph Bridger Ledgerstone

Joseph Bridger Ledgerstone


With your support HSLR has hit the ground running for the 2017 Fiscal Year which began on July 1st, 2016.  With gifts up to $5,000 each the following list of contributors have made our July one for the record books!  Please join us in thanking them.
Mr. Frank Atkinson
Mr. Steve Bowler
Mr. Jon Bolling
Mr. Judson Bush
Ms. Billie Cook
Ms. Dolores Cherrington
Mr. Robert Claud
Mr. E. Dana Dickens, III
Mr. Theodore Davis
The Dominion Foundation
Ms. Isabelle Duke
Mr. Robert Edwards
Ms. Carroll Frohman
Mr. William Futrell, Jr.
Mr. Ian Goodwin
Mr. Matthew Goodwin
Mr. John Graham
Mr. Parke Griffin
Mr. John Griswold
Mr. Cliff Gwaltney
Mr. Keith Gwaltney
Mr. Terry Harrison
Mr. William Hodsden
Mrs. Gloria LaBoone
Ms. Leslie Langley
Mr. Dave McConnico
Mr. Everett C. Parrish
Mr. Lee Paul
Ms. Martha Ruggles
Mr. Austin Rutledge
Ms. Wanda Sannicandro
Mr. Ray Smith
Mr. Robert Temps
Heflin and Williams, Inc.
Membership
July also saw the renewal and beginning of many folks’ memberships.  Welcome part of the HSLR community!
Mrs. Margaret Gunn
Mr. Channing Hall, III
Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Caroline Hurt
Ms. Debbie Ogan
Ms. Elaine Powell “The Heritage Lady”
We look forward to seeing you at one of our many educational and special events this Autumn season.
Sincerely,
Todd