#localhistory

By: Lisa Timmerman, Executive Director

“Captaine Argall intelligence, but he delt with an old friend, and adopted brother of his Iapazeus, how and by what meanes he might procure hir captive, assuring him, that now or never, was the time to pleasure him, if he entended indeede that love which he had made profession of, that in ransome of hir he might redeeme some of our English men and armes…” Raphe Hamor recorded the kidnapping of Pocahontas in his “A True Discourse of the Present Estate of Virginia” printed in 1615. He served as Secretary of the Virginia colony until 1614 and returned to Virginia in 1617 where his life was strife with conflict and controversy. While he claimed Captain Samuel Argall lured the Patawomeck subchief Iopassus (Iapazeus) into helping capture Pocahontas for the reward of a “small Copper kettle, and some other les valuable toies so highly by him esteemed”, he greatly misunderstood the situation and the indigenous people.

(The Abduction of Pocahontas by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, early 20th century painting, Courtesy of the Virginia Historical Society. Note how the artist romanticized this exchange and the more English appearance of Pocahontas)

While the Patawomeck peoples paid tribute to Powhatan, they lived on the fringe of the alliance’s territory, closer to other hostile Algonquian-speaking groups. The people deftly maneuvered between many tumultuous relationships as the English certainly added new elements to their political and social worlds. While Captain John Smith claimed he encountered the Patawomeck people in 1608, even falsely reported they secreted a “glistering metal”, Captain Samuel Argall’s expeditions led him to actively engage in diplomacy, hoping to create a fissure in the tenuous indigenous alliances. From 1609-1614, the First Anglo-Powhatan War raged between the English and Powhatan’s alliances, persisting in small-scale but frequent and persistent warfare. Sidenote: Some scholars argue the label “Anglo-Powhatan War” misidentifies the complexities of the situation, only addressing it from an English perspective. However, the ongoing conflict led to serious problems such as food supply and Captain Argall headed north to find willing trade partners. In 04/1613, Argall learned Pocahontas was in the town of Passapatanzy, recognizing that she would be a valuable hostage. Regarding Iopassus role in the deception of detaining and kidnapping Pocahontas on a boat, Hamor recorded, “he [Iopassus] would reserve Pocahuntas, whereat she began to be exceeding pensive, and discontented, yet ignorant of the dealing of Iapazeus, who in outward appearance was no less discontented that he should be the meanes of her captivity, much a doe there was to perswade her to be patient, which with extraordinary curteous usage, by little and little was wrought in her, and so to James towne she was brought, a messenger to her father forthwith dispached to advertise him, that his only daughter was in the hands & possession of the English…” Pocahontas was a hostage in Jamestown for about a year as the English and Powhatans negotiated and her marriage to John Rolfe in 04/1614 brought an uneasy truce for a short period.

(Map of Powhatan Paramount Chiefdom created by Historian Helen Rountree, 2002. Read more here with Encyclopedia Virginia)

Unfortunately, we do not have a first-person account from Iopassus or the Patawomeck peoples. English sources are fraught with indigenous stereotypes, presumed cultural superiority, misunderstanding (and lack of wanting to), and agenda as letters and narratives measured and generated the financial backbone of the Virginia Company. In 1617, the same year Pocahontas died, John Rolfe printed “A True Relation of the state of Virginia Lefte by Sir Thomas Dale Knight in May Last 1616, referring back to Hamor’s writings, “How happily and plenteously the good blessings of God have fallen upon the people and colony since the last impression, faithfully written by a gent. of good merit, Mr. Ralph Hamor, (some tyme an actuall member in the Plantation, even then departing when the foundacoun and ground worke was new laid of their now thrift and happines,) of the earthie and worldly man is scarcely believed, but of heavenlier minds they are most easilie discerned, for they daily attend and marke how those blessings, (though sometimes restrayned for a tyme,) in the end, are poured upon the servants of the Lord.” As with Hamor, Rolfe also had an agenda to promote in keeping the Virginia Company alive and thriving with interest and influential backers overseas. Many complicated factors went into the decision to assist in the kidnapping of Pocahontas – from potential benefits and veiled and no so subtle threats. A “small Copper kettle” could not determine the decisions of a people that thrived in a setting with shifting enemies and neighbors. The Patawomecks would again ally with the English but earnest English encroachment in 1654, combined with disease and declaration of war on the peoples in 1666 led to the disappearance of the people in the English records.

The Patawomeck tribe applied for and eventually received official state recognition in 2010. Click here for their official website.

Note: What’s on the agenda for Friday, 05/20, 7pm? Grab your walking shoes, bottle of water, and join us and Prince William County Historic Preservationists as we give a free outside walking tour of the area! Click here to view our seasonal programs!

Patsy, Duke, and Buchanan Hall

How could you not possibly like a local place, where both Patsy Cline and Duke Ellington have performed in the past? Buchanan Hall, a small venue just down the road in Upperville, VA, hosted both of those greats during it’s storied past. The best part? The Hall continues as a focus for music and good times today with their weekly Farmers Market. Buchanan Hall has existed since the late 1920s,…

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Brandon Cohran has joined the History Center as our new Museum Services Manager! Brandon received his bachelors degree from Kennesaw State University and recently graduated from the University of West Georgia with his masters degree in history with a concentration in public history. His thesis was centered around the history of beer in Georgia! (Perhaps you'll see an article on that in our newsletter soon!) Brandon is very excited to be at the History Center and looks forward to meeting you all.

Museum Services Manager Brandon Cohran

Thank you to all of our Members who joined us for a special members meeting to review the past year and look to the year ahead. We had much to be proud of in 2019 serving thousands of students through on-site and digital programming, providing our free Family Days, developing our free reading program, and drawing in new folks to enjoy the History Center's exhibits. All of this would not be possible without the support of our Members.

After the meeting, a special Forum was held in which George Washington (portrayed by Ken Johnston) and John Adams (portrayed by Glen Kyle) discussed their hopes for the future of the nation, where they agreed and disagreed on policies, and the differences in their presidencies. Watch the livestream here: Forum Livestream

John Adams (left) and George Washington (right)

Free admission to events like this and more are all part of our Membership. There are options for every financial level and great benefits. See all options at this link: Memberships 

Our Lunch & Learn about 18th-century medicine was a fascinating look at the medical technology, common remedies, and medical knowledge of the time. Presented by our Executive Director Glen Kyle, guests learned about the medical equipment and tools, the technique of bleeding a patient for bad humors, dentistry, how to ease the pain of the patient, and more. Perhaps not the best topic to have with your lunch, but certainly an interesting one!

You can watch the livestream of this Lunch & Learn at this link: Lunch & Learn 

Harriet Tubman met students of Chicopee Woods Elementary during a Live Webcast! This is one of our most popular Webcasts. The students love learning about Harriet's life, her escape to freedom, and how she helped hundreds of slaves escape through the network of safe-houses known as the Underground Railroad. Chiara Richardson portrays Harriet for our Webcasts and does a fantastic job. She's extremely knowledgeable of Harriet's life and can answer just about any question from the students! Here's what Chiara had to say about portraying Harriet Tubman:

"I am extremely honored and proud to portray the life of American abolitionist and political activist Harriet Tubman. She is a personal ‘shero’ of mine. In the webcast performances, we explore her life’s work and her impact beyond the Underground Railroad. I’ve learned that there is something about history coming to life that connects with students and even adults on a personal level. Yes, students leave with a greater understanding of Mrs. Tubman’s life. I believe the biggest takeaway is for students to awaken the possibilities of their own experiences."

Harriet Tubman meets students during a Live Webcast

Libba Beaucham portrayed a World War II “Rosie” this week for several classes during a Live Webcast. She specifically portrayed a woman who would have worked at the Bell Bomber Plant in Marietta, Georgia during WWII. She described the work of women on the homefront during the war and the challenges that people faced back home with rationing, communicating with loved ones serving overseas, and trying to balance home life and work life. During the out-of-character portion of the Webcast, Libba discussed the differences in the illustrations of Rosies. The illustration that most of us are familiar with is the “We Can Do It!” image by J. Howard Miller. But this image became iconic much later after the war! The most well-known image of a Rosie during the war was actually Norman Rockwell’s cover of the Saturday Evening Post in 1943 which depicts a Rosie with a brawny, more muscular body and confident attitude. Note that she also has her foot on the book Mein Kampf!

J. Howard Miller’s illustration

Norman Rockwell’s illustration

For MLK Day this year, we hosted a special storytime with MLK Jr. himself! Mustapha Slack portrayed MLK Jr. and took questions from the audience of children and families between reading stories. This program was part of the History Center’s reading program, Gainesville Reads, which provides free one-on-one tutoring to elementary students who struggle with reading. We had a wonderful set of books donated to the program! One family even made cookies for Dr. King! Thank you all who attended!

MLK JR answers questions

Children donate books to our reading program

Make sure you catch up on our latest podcast episodes! Parts 1 & 2 of our series on the Anglo-Saxons are ready for you to listen. Join Ken and Glen as they discuss the history, culture, and literature of the Anglo-Saxons as well as the research to understand this ancient culture. Listen at this link: Podcast Episodes 

This week From the Archives is the Prior Street Garden Club Composition Book from 1932 to 1935. Prior Street is the road where Brenau University, Candler Park, and the Martha Hope Cabin reside. The Garden Club met monthly on Fridays at the Prior Street home of Mrs. J.H. Simmons.

Many interesting entries are within the book. The Garden Club donated seeds and plants to the Roadside Beautification Committee to be planted in their name during a November 2nd meeting. The group would create programs dedicated to the preservation and gardens of interest around the United States, including a program called “Famous Gardens” about the garden at Mount Vernon. Meetings would include a social hour, in which food, drink, and even games were played. We have a few of the Prior Street Garden Club’s Books within our archives, each an absolute joy to read!

Family Day: The Deerskin Wars + Super Museum Sunday Sunday, February 9th from 1-4 PM FREE

The most important trade in Colonial Georgia between Colonists and the Cherokee or Creek Nations was the exchange for deerskins given by the Native Americans for trade guns and “duffels” – a durable, highly prized cloth – to Frontier Merchants. This DeerSkin Trade was so lucrative in fact that trade-wars (and sometimes shooting wars!) broke out between the competing French and British Empires and their respective Native American allies. With Hands-on activities, Demonstrations, and Living History Interpretation we’ll bring the vibrant and colorful 18th century Deerskin Trade to life.

February 9th is also "Super Museum Sunday" so we are offering free admission to our exhibits during Family Day as well!

Family Days are free to the public thanks to the Ada Mae Ivester Education Center

Lunch & Learn: Abraham Lincoln Thursday, February 6th 12:00-12:45 PM Included in Admission

Join us for our next Lunch & Learn with President Abraham Lincoln himself! Hear the stories of his childhood and presidency, the challenges he faced, and have your questions answered. A great event for homeschool groups, families, and adults alike!

Forum: Slavery and the Cinema Tuesday, February 11th 7:00 - 8:00 PM $4 or Free for Members

From Birth of a Nation to Gone with the Wind to Twelve Years a Slave, the movies we've watched have reflected society's perspectives on enslaved people. Join Dr. Kevin Mace, an associate professor of communication at Brenau University, as he explores the portrayal of slavery in American cinema.

Our forum series is brought to you by the Ada Mae Ivester Education Center.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., program 7-8 p.m.

Admission is FREE for members, $4 for everyone else.

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Photograph of D. Cran Oliver, Chief of Police of Athens. Mr. Oliver was police chief from 1883-1891 and again from 1894-1895.