Photos courtesy www.henricus.org
When driving along 95 South and coming up Route 1 in Chester do you get the sense that you are just a few miles from an English settlement? I’m guessing not, but you guessed wrong.
On May 7th, the groundbreaking for the reproduction of the 17th century 1611 church was an amazing lesson in history, appreciation for two powerhouse counties Chesterfield and Henrico as well as a tribute to the Honorary Henricus Historical Park architect Thomas K. McLaughlin Jr.
His efforts to see that this project was designed ensuring that it was as historically accurate as possible while complying with the American Disabilities Act was no easy feat. Fortunately his passing earlier this year only pushed efforts to see his vision completed.
Several speakers connected to the project educated us on the efforts to make such a church possible, such as Charles Lewis Grant, the Executive Director and John Daniel Pagano, the Historical Interpretation Supervisor. The fact that we have the site of the second permanent English settlement in the new world this close, is and should be celebrated as the source of education that it has become for over 250 children per day.
I’m not one to go to historical places on purpose (yes a genetic defect indeed) but this place wasn’t some dusty museum full of yawn-inducing replicas, but the real thing. Real people were wearing the super fashion-conscious attire of their time and doing activities that are pretty uncommon these days, such as women making clothing.
Photos courtesy www.henricus.org
I especially liked the burning of tobacco and fuses. Much of the discussion of the groundbreaking was the pronunciation of Henricus which I found a little funny. It’s a derivative of Henry so it stands to reason that it would be Henrycus and Henryco, sub the “I” but how will I ever stop calling it Hen-RI-co??? It shan’t happen.
The most fascinating thing about Henricus Park is the amount of activities that go on there regularly. Hands-on visual proof that early settlers didn’t have iphones actually seems to get the point across because over 20,000 students participate in an educational program each year. I find it amazing that such a place exists in our back yard. An actual living history museum complete with structures, costumes, reenactments and now it will be complete with the building that represented both religion and government 400 years ago.
Yes people, there wasn’t a separation of church and state, but a happy scary union. I learned yesterday that skipping church could get your meal privileges revoked for an entire week: his might help you get those kids dressed and out the door quicker on Sundays.
You should take a look at upcoming events at Henricus Park and keep an eye on the amazing Henricus 1611 church to be finished by the fall and open for activities such as weddings and community events.
This is a great place for a family outing with ongoing camps throughout the summer and activities each month. Who says history can’t be fun?
- Driving directions to Henricus Historical Park
- Hours and Admission Prices
- James River Boat Tours
- Volunteer Opportunities
