Monthly Archives: August 2017

More Than Presidents

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From Hollywood Cemetery‘s FaceBook page:

Presidents Circle is known for the two United States Presidents that rest here, but there are also several other notables in this section.
Matthew Fontaine Maury (known throughout the world as the Pathfinder of the Seas), Joseph Reid Anderson (one of Richmond’s most influential citizens and founder of Tredegar Iron Works – the largest in the South), William Henry Haxall (one of the four visionary founders of Hollywood in 1847), Moses Drury Hogue (first pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond), and Lawrence Waring (an influential Richmond physician) are also buried here.

New Construction For Civil War Museum

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The Times Dispatch has an article on new construction beginning at the American Civil War Museum at Tredegar:

The museum marks a major milestone on that path Monday, when it will break ground on a 29,000-square-foot main exhibit hall and collections storage and preservation center to be built into the hillside at the Tredegar site, incorporating the brick ruins of the old ironworks that powered the Confederate war effort.

The new museum building, at roughly $25 million, will feature a 75-seat immersive “experience theater” that greets visitors on the first floor that aims to tell the story, from all sides, of the war that almost pulled the United States apart. Key themes will revolve around individual decisions and how they were shaped by events.

Congratulations To Open High! Another Excellence Award

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Open High School has been awarded a 2017 Board of Education Excellence Award.

This is the second tier in the Virginia Index Of Performance Awards. The VIP incentive program recognizes schools and divisions that exceed state and federal accountability standards and achieve excellence goals established by the governor and the board. This means Open High also met all state and federal accountability benchmarks and made significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunities set by the board.

Oregon Hill is lucky to have such a great neighbor, which can trace its history (and protection) back to Grace Arents’ legacy.

Hopefully, this will add pressure to put ALL schools first. It would also be great to see Open High’s aging building get more fully renovated in a historically sensitive manner.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Brown’s Island Announced

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From press release:

Richmond Riverfront Partners to Host Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Brown’s Island

RICHMOND, Va.— It’s almost here! On Monday, August 21, Richmonders will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the solar eclipse making its way across North America. The National Park Service in Richmond, American Civil War Museum, James River Park System, and Venture Richmond invite the public to experience this event on Brown’s Island from 1-4 pm. Staff from these riverfront partners will distribute 600 free pairs of NASA-approved Rainbow Symphony solar eclipse viewing eyeglasses beginning at 1 pm, and pop-up tents on site will feature information on the eclipse as well as upcoming programs along the riverfront. Additionally, a limited-edition National Park Service Junior Ranger solar eclipse booklet and badge will be available to 200 children between ages 5 and 14.

“We’re so excited to partner with our friends along the riverfront for this unique event,” said Andrea DeKoter, Chief of Interpretation for Richmond National Battlefield Park and Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site. “I invite the public to join us for a fun – and safe – viewing of the solar eclipse.”

For more information, please contact the Richmond National Battlefield Park at (804) 226-1981, or visit us online at www.nps.gov/rich or www.Facebook.com/RichmondNPS.

Hollywood Cemetery: Rural Garden On A Grand Scale Walking Tour

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On Saturday, August 12, there is a special tour of Hollywood Cemetery. From the Events page:

This tour will explore the cemetery with a historical and horticultural perspective and an emphasis on the beauty of nature and the impact of the 19th century Romantic Movement. Meet at the Hollywood Cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets, near the rear of the stone structure to the left. Please not that this tour is 1.5 to 2 miles and involves several inclines. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.

This tour lasts from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. $15 per person and $5 for Valentine Members. Your tour guide will accept cash or check. Walk-ups are welcome!

St. Andrew’s School Begins Its Semester This Week

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St. Andrew’s School has orientation for families tomorrow and first full day for students on Tuesday.

This a good reminder for motorists to slow down on Idlewood and look out for pedestrians.

From the St. Andrew’s School webpage:

Extended learning time in the form of a longer school day and a longer school year is shown to have many benefits, both for students and for their families. This year 75% of our students are enrolled in our Extended Day program, attending school until 5:30pm. Next year, our goal is for 100% of our students to participate.