The Greatest Generation Speaks: The Voices of WWII At Va. War Memorial Tomorrow

From the Virginia War Memorial event page:

Saturday, April 27, 2019 – 11:00am to 1:00pm
Free Event
Patriotic Events
Learn about World War II from those who have experienced it first-hand. A panel of veterans, several of whom have been features in our critically acclaimed Virginians at War documentary film series, will be on-site to share their stories and answer questions. A light reception to follow.

Play Ball! 100 Years Of Baseball in Virginia At War Memorial

Tomorrow night, April 16, the Virginia War Memorial is holding a special event that starts at 6:30 pm.

Come to the War Memorial on April 16 to celebrate the long history of baseball in Virginia!

Join local experts and fellow baseball fans as we discover the intertwined history of baseball and World War I from the Virginia National Guard Command Historian Al Barnes. Al will also be available during the event to personalize copies of his brand new book “Play Ball! Doughboys and Baseball in the Great War.”

Jump forward to today with the Richmond Flying Squirrels’ Todd “Parney” Parnell, to learn how the Squirrels are redefining baseball in Richmond today. Come ready to ask questions and learn, and see a variety of baseball artifacts spanning back through a century.

This family-friendly event is FREE and open to the public, and baseball-themed snacks will be available for purchase!

Speakers:
Al Barnes, Virginia Army National Guard Command Historian
Todd Parnell (Parney), Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Richmond Flying Squirrels
James Triesler, VWM Director of Education

Cost:
FREE

WRIR’s Open Source Show Today

WRIR-LPFM’s local affairs show Open Source will be airing today at noon. It will feature at least two stories that may be of particular interest to Oregon Hill- Monroe Park renovation problems and the archeological excavation of Virginia State Penitentiary’s site.

TUNE TO THE SOURCE!! On Friday’s edition of Open Source RVA, heard at noon on WRIR 97.3 FM, I discuss the continued problems with the Monroe Park renovation with Todd Woodson, former member of the Monroe Park Advisory Council, including the recent discovery that $350,000 in school construction funds were being diverted toward the park. And author Dale Brumfield returns to the host seat. He talks about the Virginia State Penitentiary archeological excavation with Sacred Ground Historical Reclamation Project’s Ana Edwards, archeologist Ellen Chapman, and Environmental historian Libby Cook. ALSO: Charles Mcguigan of WRIR’s “A Grain of Sand” tells the inspirational story of 60-year-old Iron Man Triathlon champion, Will Turner. SO MUCH SOURCE! Listen in Friday at noon on WRIR 97.3 fm Richmond Independent Radio and http://wrir.org..

10th Annual Civil War & Emancipation Day This Saturday

It’s that time of year when things start moving much faster and there about a million events on the weekend here in the R of the VA…

Here’s one just down the hill…

Tredegar hosts the 10th Annual Civil War & Emancipation Day this Saturday.

This free event allows participants to uncover the many stories of how the Civil War, Emancipation, and how their legacies shaped and continue to impact our community. In particular, this event commemorates the 150th anniversary of public education for all Virginians.

Here is the schedule of events:
-11 am: Cannon firing demonstration
-11:30 am: Storyteller, Jamar Jones (Quill Theater)
Historic Tredegar walking tour (American Civil War Museum)
-12 pm: Viriginia Union University choir
-12:30 pm: City Dance Theater
-1 pm: “Then and Now: Teaching the Civil War Era” panel discussion ( $ tickets required)
Panelists:
Lauranett Lee, Ph.D., University of Richmond
Donovan Livingston, educator and poet
Atif Qarni, Virginia Secretary of Education
Kathryn Shively, Ph.D., Virginia Commonwealth University
-1:30 pm: Shenandoah Valley Civil War Era Dancers
Brown’s Island walking tour with Ranger Mike Gorman
-2 pm: Dylan Prichett, storyteller
-3 pm: Canon firing demonstration
Food trucks and refreshments for purchase will be available onsite.

304 S. Laurel Street “Sweet Shop”

Another throwback Thursday history photo, this one depicts a small storefront that used to exist at 304 S. Laurel. People recall that it used be where Harry Witt’s barbershop was located and some suggest that it was a polling place in earlier days. In the 1970’s, it was the “Sweet Shop” owned by Mr. Moore where, among other things, breakfast was available. Unfortunately, the building was torn down about a decade ago and a small house built in its place.

The photo may belong to the Rice collection at the Library of Virginia. Click here to go to the photo on their Flickr site.

There was also a story on this in the VCU Commonwealth Times way back in 1976. Click here for link to it.

Corner of Pine and China St., Grace Arents School, 1911

For this ‘Throwback Thursday” history post, here’s a great 1911 photo of the corner of S. Pine and China streets. It shows the Grace Arents School, named after the activist, philanthropist and niece of Lewis Ginter who funded its construction. The school building is now used for award-winning Open High School. In fact in 2011, there was a centennial celebration.

Notice the streetcar tracks, which were visible until at least early 1960’s. Many of the tracks still exist today, lying under the modern streets.

This photo was posted in the Visual and Vintage Virginia FaceBook group.

Stories Of Service Event At The Virginia War Memorial

From the Virginia War Memorial event page:

Tuesday, February 26, 2019 – 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Free Event
Patriotic Events
Did you know the United States Colored Troops (USCTs) played a decisive role in the Union’s victory in the Civil War? These soldiers became known for their bravery and honor in the face of adversity from all sides.

This February, as part of our celebration of Black History Month, the Virginia War Memorial has invited the Civil War Museum to co-host a special event that delves into some of the lesser known personal histories of the USCTs. Please join us on Tuesday, Feburary 26 at 6:30 p.m. and discover the history and accomplishments of Virginian USCTs. Guest speakers dig into the stories of the African-American soldiers who fought for the Union, and for their own freedom.