Author, Barbara Vorndick, will present the project to return the remains of Eliza Monroe Hay from the American section of Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Paris, France, to the Monroe family plot in Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia.

What started as a project to find out more information about Eliza turned into five years of digging through primary sources on both sides of the Atlanta to discover the truth about Eliza’s life and the
tragic circumstances of her death.  Barbara’s groundbreaking research turned up newly-discovered documents that changed the standard historical narrative of this American daughter, and led to a campaign to repatriate Eliza’s remains from Paris to Virginia.

As the coordinator of the Bringing Eliza Home Project, Barbara is honored to represent the living descendants of Eliza Monroe, and has been actively planning and facilitating the repatriation process
since August 2023.  Her biography of Eliza Monroe was published with Barnes and Noble Press in July 2024.

Barbara was born and raised in Virginia. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education, and worked for three decades in private and public schools in Virginia, as well as Germanna Community College as an adjunct professor.  After she retired to the Charlottesville area, she started working part-time as an Interpreter of History at James Monroe’s Highland, the Monroe family plantation in Albemarle County, Virginia. After initial training for the position, Barbara was encouraged to continue her own independent research, and she became interested in the Monroe women, particularly Eliza.

This event will include a book signing.  Barbara will have copies of her book, “Eliza’s True Story: The First Biography of President Monroe’s Eldest Daughter” available for purchase and signing.

Local historian and volunteer at the Culpeper National Cemetery, Jeff Joyce, will be talking about the history of the cemetery right outside our door. Culpeper National Cemetery was established in 1867 and is the final resting place of servicemembers from the Civil War to Iraq and Afghanistan. This presentation discusses the origins of Culpeper National Cemetery and shares the stories of some of those who are buried there.

Members and Guests Only.

The Christmas party will be held at the Rowser Building, Room A. The SCHS provides napkins, plates, cutlery, and beverages. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share.

Via Colori® Stafford! is a two-day, family-friendly event, taking place from 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 27, through Sunday, September 27, 2025.

The event will be held at the Stafford Regional Airport. Accessible parking and portable restrooms will be available. Food vendors will be on-site should you wish to purchase refreshments. The event is free for participating artists and the public, and you’ll find a number of community organizations and sponsor tables to visit, plus activities for children. Artists will be busy creating their chalk paintings on well-spaced squares, so you’ll be able to walk around and watch them in action.

We’re pleased to announce that Erik Greenawalt, aka “The Chalking Dad,” has been selected as the 5th annual Via Colori® Stafford Featured Artist. A certified “master” chalk artist in the Florida Chalk Artist Association, Erik participates in street painting festivals around the world, creating elaborate chalk drawings. Erik has chalked at the Australia Zoo and for corporate clients such as BBC/Ludo Studio, Under Armour, and Disney.

The Chalking Dad will be joined by 2025 Signature Artist Bethany Ablondi and 70 local artists as they create large-scale pastel artworks directly on the pavement at this celebration of the arts

In addition to the artists creations, there will be live entertainment, nonprofit vendors, food vendors, and a children’s activity area. 

Learn more at: vcstafford.com

Join us for an educational and fun tour of Government Island Park. The tour will include historical details about the limestone industry in Stafford County by historian, Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor, demonstrations of the mining process by past Stafford County Historical Society President, Rick MacGregor, as well special stories for the children by the historian largely responsible for the park’s creation, Jane Conner.

An elevated boardwalk enables visitors to explore a nature trail through wetlands and woods.  A scenic heritage trail through the 17 acre island is dotted with interpretive signage enabling the viewer to learn the island’s history from Native American through the early nineteenth century.  The island, with its wetlands and marsh areas, provides a variety of habitats for birds and other wildlife. Government Island, “America’s Historic Stone Quarry,” is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.

Rain date for the event will be Saturday, September 13 (1pm – 3pm).

Take a Sentimental Journey as we transport you back to the 1940s. Experience historic V-J Day at the City of Fredericksburg’s original USO building!

Jokers, jills, and jivers get ready to swing as the Fredericksburg Big Band takes the reins and brings it home in the tradition of the local Kampus Kats and The Melodiers. Enjoy a Coke and a doughnut, but “Don’t touch that dial!” You may miss HFFI’s radio show.

Join in the patriotic spirit that defined an era as we honor the U.S. Armed Forces and those who helped on the Homefront. Whether you come dressed in your best vintage attire or “Mend and Make Do,” as they said in the song, “I’ll be seeing you.”

Date: August 15, 2025

Location: Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Time: 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Tickets are limited. Get yours now! Click HERE

Learn more …