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.  Elizabeth “Eliza” Kortright Monroe Hay was an American socialite who acted as unofficial First Lady during her father James Monroe’s presidency, as her mother’s health kept her away from many White House duties.

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.

Please note that the program will not be 5 hours long.  The extended time period is because the event will include a book signing after her program.  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.

With Jeff Joyce.

The first part of Jeff’s presentation is an overview of how the Civil War impacted Culpeper County, including major battles like Cedar Mountain and Brandy Station and the Army of the Potomac winter encampment (1863-64).  The second part discusses the establishment of Culpeper National Cemetery after the war and the stories of several Civil War soldiers buried there.

Jeff Joyce is an Air Force veteran and retired Defense contractor who lives in Manassas.  He is a a volunteer historian at Culpeper National Cemetery, supporting the Wreaths Across America program.  In addition, Jeff is a Docent at the National Air and Space Museum, a volunteer with the Honor Flight Program, a battlefield guide at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park in Prince William County and a member of the living history team at Manassas National Battlefield.

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.

Please visit the Friends of the Wilderness Battlefield website (https://www.fowb.org/) for more information and details

Frank O’Reilly is one of the nation’s leading Civil War historians. A longtime historian and ranger with the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Parks, O’Reilly is the acclaimed author of The Fredericksburg Campaign: Winter War on the Rappahannock, which won multiple awards for its depth and storytelling. He has lectured nationally, appeared on C-SPAN, and served as a historical consultant for the City of Fredericksburg. His career began as a guide at the Stonewall Jackson House, and for more than three decades, he has helped thousands connect more deeply with America’s Civil War history.

This lecture will shine a light on a fascinating and pivotal aspect of the Battle of Cedar Mountain, fought right here in Culpeper County. With O’Reilly’s trademark depth of research and gift for bringing the past to life, this evening promises to be both engaging and unforgettable.

Seats are limited, and events with Frank O’Reilly traditionally fill quickly. Don’t miss your chance to step onto the battlefield through the eyes of one of America’s foremost Civil War scholars.

We look forward to seeing you there for an evening where history comes alive.

REGISTER FOR TICKETS

Cost: $20.00 per ticket

Stafford County Historical Society Historian, Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor, will share her knowledge of various historic places in Stafford County and their fascinating stories that go with them.

Prior to Jerrilynn’s presentation, we will conduct the election of the 2026 SCHS Board of Directors.  Members in attendance will have the opportunity to ask questions and nominations will be accepted from the floor.