Memorial Day remembrance at Aquia Episcopal Church.  Wreaths will be laid at the graves of the eight veterans buried there.

Free to the public

Presented by Gretchen Goodell Pendleton of The George Washington Foundation. The Foundation will share its archival digitization project that is beginning in earnest this year, along with the material culture reflected in the primary documents, including the built environment of Kenmore during its construction in the 1770s.

Gretchen Goodell Pendleton is the Aldrich Director of Curatorial Operations at The George Washington Foundation. She has served in curatorial positions at historic sites for over twenty years, including locations such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Stratford Hall. In her current role, she oversees the historic collections and exhibitions for Historic Kenmore and George Washington’s Ferry Farm.

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