The James Monroe Museum celebrated the 254th anniversary of President James Monroe’s birth on Saturday, April 28 with a free day of food, performances and living history demonstrations for the whole family.
The event included birthday cake and punch and a harp and storytelling performance by Eve Watters. The recital, “I Love My Love with an A,” featured authentic sounds from the parlors and hearths of Monroe, Jefferson, Madison and their neighbors. Based on Watters’ original research, the presentation reveals glimpses of historic everyday Virginia from a fresh and fascinating perspective. Watters is an award-winning performer who has enchanted listeners from New England to Australia with her extensive repertoire of songs and stories ranging from Celtic to classical, contemporary and beyond.
Actor Jay Harrison, in the character of James Monroe, gave presentations about Monroe’s life and achievements, from his service as a young soldier in the Revolutionary War to his two terms as president of the United States.
The birthday celebration was supported by a JumpStart! grant from the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority.
The museum’s events schedule also includes: Afternoon Tea in honor of Monroe’s wife, Elizabeth Kortright Monroe, on Saturday, June 9; “Major Monroe’s History Camp,” a summer day camp for kids, on Monday and Tuesday, July 9 and 10; and the annual Fredericksburg Welsh Festival on Saturday, September 22. Visit the museum’s website at www.jamesmonroemuseum.org for more information about these special programs.
The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library is a National Historic Landmark owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia and administered by the University of Mary Washington. Founded in 1927, it is the nation’s largest repository of artifacts and documents related to the fifth President of the United States. For hours of operation, directions, and other information, call (540) 654-1043, or visit www.jamesmonroemuseum.org.
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News release prepared by: Adele Uphaus-Conner
