Stafford Historical Society – Bringing Eliza Home (Rescheduled) – Plus Annual Membership Meeting
Saturday, November 7th 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Porter Branch
2001 Parkway Boulevard, Stafford, VA, USA
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.
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.
In addition to Barbara’s presentation, a few minutes will be taken for the Historical Society’s annual membership meeting to elect Board members.
Revolution on the Rappahannock
Saturday, October 10th 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Pratt Park
John Lee Pratt Park, 120 River Rd, Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA
From October 10–11, 2026, Historic Falmouth invites history enthusiasts, families, and runners to a two-day celebration combining immersive living history, exclusive local heritage tours, and a festive 10K trail run.
OCTOBER 10 Symposium:
Enjoy engaging presentations from leading historians exploring the site’s cultural significance and its place in the story of the Revolution. The symposium runs the morning of Saturday, October 10, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Pratt Park, ahead of the afternoon’s living history programming.
- Kathi Lynn Austin, Freedom Forge Foundation – Preserving the Iconic Hunter’s Iron Works
- Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor, Stafford Historical Society – James Hunter & the American Revolution
- Craig Bell, American Society of Arms Collectors – The Guns Made at James Hunter’s Rappahannock Forge
- Katherine Enger, American Battlefield Trust – Striking While the Iron is Hot: Self-Emancipation at Hunter’s Iron Works
- Barbra Anderson, Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. – James Hunter & Fredericksburg’s Gunnery
- Shelby Chandler, James Monroe Memorial Foundation – Hunter’s Freemasonry Legacy
Main Event 1:00 – 5:00 PM
- Military Reenactments
- Living History Experiences
- Blacksmithing and Forging
- Symposium Speakers
- Military Honors
- Bagpipes, Recorders, and Fife & Drums
- Kid’s Corner on the River!
Revolution on the Rappahannock is FREE and open to the public.
However, we would really appreciate it if you could donate to our non-profit. Your donation will help cover the cost of this event and preserve the historic site on the Rappahannock for generations to come.
BONUS for early registrations!
If you pre-register, you’ll be processed through a separate line that moves faster than the line for walk-in registrants.
Bring the Whole Family!
Play colonial games, get creative with crafts, meet courageous animals, explore historic relics, and discover the ghost of James Hunter—all part of an unforgettable experience designed for youngsters. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled adventure!
Aquia Episcopal Church Graveyard Tour
Saturday, September 26th 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Aquia Episcopal Church
2938 Richmond Hwy, Stafford, VA 22554, USA
Presentation on iconography and stone carvers in the graveyard by Anita Dodd.
Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor will present on some of the individuals buried in the graveyard.
