Liberty, Legacy, and Quilts: What's New at Belle Grove Plantation

Host Janet Michael chats with Kristen Laise about an action-packed spring and summer season at Belle Grove Plantation in Middletown, Virginia. From a moving community quilt project honoring the enslaved to a traveling American Revolution exhibit, there's something for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and families alike. Topics Covered Memorial Quilts Two quilts honoring 270 enslaved individuals at Belle Grove, each name hand-stitched on individual quilt blocks Quilt blocks arranged into family trees to symbolically reunite families separated by slavery A three-year project involving 113 volunteers from the Winchester chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America Quilted by Ohio-based African American artist Carole Gary Staples using African boutique fabrics Over 300 community members contributed at least one stitch Now permanently installed on the lower level of the manor house Descendants of enslaved families are being connected — one, Athea Bell-Burton, has joined Belle Grove's board Free Monthly Programs on Enslaved History Docent Scott Terndrup leads monthly storytelling programs (usually the last Sunday of each month at 2:30 PM) Two alternating stories: Judah (an enslaved cook) and Abba  Upcoming dates: Sunday, April 26th and Sunday, May 24th at 2:30 PM — free admission Research newsletters and online exhibits available at: virtual.bellegrove.org Upcoming Events & Workshops Date Event Details Sat, April 25 Apples in the American Landscape 2–4:30 PM, $15, hard cider tasting, apple desserts Sun, April 26 Gourd Birdhouse Class Make & decorate a gourd birdhouse; supplies included Mon, April 28 Give Me Liberty Exhibit Opens Free, runs through June 7th Sat, May 9 Special Reduced Admission Day $5 (ages 12+), kids free; talk by Ranger Christopher Mattingly at 1 PM Sat, June 6 Garden Fest 8 AM–2 PM, NSVMGA plant sale, demos, food trucks, free admission Sat, June 13 Descendants Day (Juneteenth) Memorial walk, genealogy resources, music, food trucks Nature's Expressions Workshop Series Ongoing throughout the year; supplies included in class fees Upcoming topics: basket making (May), goat soap, patriotic wreath (June) Details at bellegrove.org Give Me Liberty Traveling Exhibit Highlights Virginia's role in the American Revolution Originated at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond Includes two custom panels on local Revolutionary War figures: Isaac Hite and the Bowman Brothers (John, Joseph, and Isaac) Free to view; open during regular Belle Grove hours April 28 – June 7 Descendants Day – June 13 Honoring Juneteenth weekend Begins with a memorial service at Walnut Springs Christian Church in Oranda, VA Commemorates Benjamin Tanny, an enslaved man at Belle Grove who was baptized at that congregation Includes a walk, genealogy tables, storytelling, music, and food trucks Genealogist Lisa Johnson will be on hand (specializes in Warren, Clarke, and Frederick Counties) Visit Belle Grove - Hours: Mon–Sat 10 AM–4 PM | Sun 1–5 PM Manor house tours: Guided, paid admission Grounds & hiking trails: Free; ~3 miles connecting to Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation trails Dogs welcome on the trails Website: bellegrove.org Virtual exhibits & research: virtual.bellegrove.org Social media: Facebook & Instagram Membership: https://bellegrove.org/membership  Volunteers: Always welcome — visit the volunteer tab on the website: https://bellegrove.org/volunteer