2018 Events
January 2018
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. January 11
m. This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Animals in Winter.
BATTLE OF MACKIE'S MILL LECTURE
2 p.m. January 20
This lecture will commemorate the 237th anniversary of the American Revolution's Mackie’s Mill engagement, the Jan. 16, 1781, skirmish between local militia and Benedict Arnold’s forces.
February 2018
SHARE YOUR STORIES WITH US: AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
February 1-28
February is a month to learn, honor and celebrate the achievements of black men and women throughout history. In Isle of Wight County, individuals have made their mark in industry, agriculture, public service, education, sports and more. This month, share your stories with us. Email, call or visit to drop off photos, memories and documents to help the museum share this important element of our county’s history. Visit our website to learn more: www.historicisleofwight.com/february-is-black-history-month.html.
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. February 8
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Bee Mine, Valentine.
March 2018
SHARE YOUR PEANUT HISTORY
March 1-31
March is National Peanut Month, and to celebrate, we ask that you share your peanut stories with us. The museum is writing a book about Isle of Wight County’s agricultural history, and we need your help documenting not only peanuts but also pork, cotton, wheat, soybeans, corn, poatoes and more. Share your photos, documents, drawings so that we can better document Isle of Wight County’s agricultural story. Email, call or visit to drop off your items.
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. March 8
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Johnny Appleseed.
AFTER POCAHONTAS: INDIAN WOMEN IN THE COLONIAL SOUTH
1 p.m. March 18
For Women’s History Month, this presentation illuminates women whose prominent roles and presence is often hidden. “Indian princesses” were conspicuous in the early years of Virginia and the Lower South through the 1760s. They wielded influential roles in international and native American diplomacy and acted as interpreters of language and culture. So many nameless others were wives and consorts of early settlers in the wild Appalachian frontier, forgotten founders who played key roles in the formation of the American South. Our presenter Eirlys M. Barker received her Ph.D. from William and Mary, was Department Head of History at Thomas Nelson Community College and taught Women’s History and Colonial History at Old Dominion University.
FORT HUGER WALKING TOUR
10 a.m. March 24
Visit this Civil War fort and learn the significance of this gateway to the Confederate capital. Tour meets at Fort Huger, 15080 Talcott Terrace.
BATTLE OF SMITHFIELD WALKING TOUR
2 p.m. March 24
Meet a Union soldier at the museum for a lecture and a walk down Church Street as he details his experiences in this battle.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
5:30-7 p.m. March 29
The museum will be on hand at this Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours networking event to host an interactive history discussion relating to past and present history in Isle of Wight County. Guests are encouraged to bring photographs, documents and other items to discuss. The event, free and open to members and prospective Chamber of Commerce members, will be held at Smithfield Foods, 200 Commerce Street, Smithfield, Va. For more information, visit www.theisle.org.
April 2018
WALKING TOUR OF FORT BOYKIN
11 a.m. April 7
Fort Boykin has been a part of American history since 1623 when a fort known as the Castle was constructed following the 1622 Indian Attack. Today, Fort Boykin constitutes an example of military architecture of the Civil War era. Join us for this free walking tour through history. Meet at Fort Boykin, 7410 Fort Boykin Trail.
WALKING TOUR OF WINDSOR CASTLE
2 p.m. April 7
From the site's pre-colonial existence to the present day, Windsor Castle tells the fascinating history of the development of Smithfield. Join us for this free walking tour through history. Meet on the grounds near the manor house, 301 Jericho Road.
KOREA AND THE COLD WAR
2 p.m. April 8
Smithfield resident Al Coke spent 15 months in Korea as the senior aide to LTG James F Hollingsworth. He will provide an overview of the 1950s Korean War and share his experiences about his time there – as well as those of his second cousin who was captured at Chosin and then died in a prisoner of war camp. Veterans are encouraged to attend and share their own experiences.
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. April 12
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Earth Day.
WALKING TOUR OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COURTHOUSE COMPLEX
10 a.m. April 21
Join us as we explore this 19th, 20th and 21st century site and share the story of its beginnings as well as a few tales of capers and duels. This tour begins and ends at Boykin’s Tavern, 17146 Monument Circle.
WALKING TOUR OF NIKE PARK
2 p.m. April 21
Visit one of the Cold War’s few surviving Army Air-Defense Posts. Local historian Albert Burckard hosts a short presentation and a walking tour of this site which contains the original barracks, mess hall, administration and recreation building, officer/non-commissioned officer family housing, fueling area and underground missile magazines. Event held in the Senior Center at Nike Park, 13036 Nike Park Road.
MID-CENTURY POTLUCK: MAYONNAISE, OLIVES AND ASPIC
11 a.m. April 28
In the 1950s and 1960s, frozen meals and pre-packaged foods made dinner easier and faster for the home cook, and entertaining frequently featured appetizers with ingredients such as gelatin, canned fruit and olives. Join this tasty discussion, and scour some of your old cookbooks to chef up a sample of your own to share. We’ll bring the salmon mousse. Also here to help us celebrate will be the Blackwater Regional Library. Visit them for some great vintage cookbooks.
May 2018
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. May 10
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Caterpillars.
DRAWING DAY
10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 16
Whatever your medium, Drawing Day is the day dedicated to the artist inside all of us. Pack your pencil, charcoals or crayons for your visit to the museum today to sketch something on display, and share your creations with us on social media. Free admission for all artistes – professional, aspiring or beginners.
FORT HUGER WALKING TOUR
10 a.m. May 19
Visit this Civil War fort and learn the significance of this gateway to the Confederate capital. Tour meets at Fort Huger, 15080 Talcott Terrace.
BATTLE OF SMITHFIELD WALKING TOUR
2 p.m. May 19
Meet a Union soldier at the museum for a lecture and a walk down Church Street as he details his experiences in this battle.
June 2018
WALKING TOUR OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COURTHOUSE COMPLEX
10 a.m. June 16
Join us as we explore this 19th, 20th and 21st century site and share the story of its beginnings as well as a few tales of capers and duels. This tour begins and ends at Boykin’s Tavern, 17146 Monument Circle.
WALKING TOUR OF NIKE PARK
2 p.m. June 16
Visit one of the Cold War’s few surviving Army Air-Defense Posts. Local historian Albert Burckard hosts a short presentation and a walking tour of this site which contains the original barracks, mess hall, administration and recreation building, officer/non-commissioned officer family housing, fueling area and underground missile magazines. Event held in the Senior Center at Nike Park, 13036 Nike Park Road.
IN RESERVE: THE NAVY IN ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY
11 a.m. June 30
Join us for a lecture on the history of the James River Reserve Fleet, also referred to as the Ghost Fleet. This is the story of the anchorage of the National Defense Reserve Fleet located on the James River at Fort Eustis. It is the oldest of the original eight fleet sites and currently one of three still in operation.
July 2018
THE PET HAM'S 116TH BIRTHDAY
10:30 a.m.-Noon July 7
The world’s oldest ham turns 116. 116 is the atomic number of livermorium, the number of years that the Hundred Years’ War between France and England actually lasted and the record for number of wins in a single Major League Baseball season achieved by the Chicago Cubs in 1906 and the Seattle Mariners in 2001. More importantly, 116 is a good excuse for cake. Join us in this annual tribute to the birthday boy, and help us launch our annual Pan Ham contest. Also here to help us celebrate will be the Blackwater Regional Library’s Library 2 Go Bookmobile. Visit them outside for some additional hammy activities!
FORT HUGER WALKING TOUR
10 a.m. July 21
Visit this Civil War fort and learn the significance of this gateway to the Confederate capital. Tour meets at Fort Huger, 15080 Talcott Terrace.
BATTLE OF SMITHFIELD WALKING TOUR
2 p.m. July 21
Meet a Union soldier at the museum for a lecture and a walk down Church Street as he details his experiences in this battle.
August 2018
WALKING TOUR ALONG CHURCH STREET
11 a.m. August 4
Join us as we stroll down Church Street to explore the history of this fascinating area.
WALKING TOUR OF WINDSOR CASTLE
2 p.m. August 4
From the site's pre-colonial existence to the present day, Windsor Castle tells the fascinating history of the development of Smithfield. Join us for this free walking tour through history. Meet on the grounds near the manor house, 301 Jericho Road.
WALKING TOUR OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COURTHOUSE COMPLEX
10 a.m. August 18
Join us as we explore this 19th, 20th and 21st century site and share the story of its beginnings as well as a few tales of capers and duels. This tour begins and ends at Boykin’s Tavern, 17146 Monument Circle.
WALKING TOUR OF NIKE PARK
2 p.m. August 18
Visit one of the Cold War’s few surviving Army Air-Defense Posts. Local historian Albert Burckard hosts a short presentation and a walking tour of this site which contains the original barracks, mess hall, administration and recreation building, officer/non-commissioned officer family housing, fueling area and underground missile magazines. Event held in the Senior Center at Nike Park, 13036 Nike Park Road.
SCREWPILES: THE FORGOTTEN LIGHTHOUSES
10 a.m. August 25
Screwpile lighthouses stand directly on piles screwed into sandy or muddy sea and river bottoms. Many such lighthouses have existed, and still do, in Southeastern Virginia, Northeastern North Carolina and Southern Maryland. Karla Smith, Phyllis Sepidell, John Sheally II and Larry Saint published this book which combines archival plans and photos, original art and photography, stories pulled from lightkeepers' logs and journals and contemporary interviews with the people still connected to the lights. The authors weave these together to tell the story of how these lights came to be, their role in early American history and navigation and the people who manned them. Books, signed by the authors, will be available for purchase.
September 2018
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. September 13
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Pigs.
FORT HUGER WALKING TOUR
10 a.m. September 22
Visit this Civil War fort and learn the significance of this gateway to the Confederate capital. Tour meets at Fort Huger, 15080 Talcott Terrace.
BATTLE OF SMITHFIELD WALKING TOUR
2 p.m. September 22
Meet a Union soldier at the museum for a lecture and a walk down Church Street as he details his experiences in this battle.
ARMAGEDDON ON OUR DOORSTEP: HOW WARWICK COUNTY AND ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY PREVENTED AN ATOMIC BOMB ATTACK
2 p.m. September 23
Learn the details of local defenses used to combat the Cold War during the Communist Red Scare of the 1950s when every schoolchild learned to “duck and cover.” Isle of Wight County manned missile batteries at Site N-75L/C - now Nike Park – while Warwick County, our sister just across the James River, was safeguarded by the Camp Patrick Henry (BOMARC) Nike anti-aircraft missile site N-85L/C.
October 2018.
HOMESCHOOL WEEK
10 a.m.-4 p.m. October 8-12
Smithfield and Isle of Wight County’s historic sites welcome homeschoolers of all ages with a selection of fun and engaging activities that highlight the history of Virginia and the area.
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. October 11
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Pumpkins.
EARLY HISTORY AND PEOPLES OF ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY
11 a.m. October 20
A discussion of Isle of Wight County’s pre-history during Archaeology Month by Old Dominion University’s Dr. Paul R. Green, Associate Professor, Anthropology.
WALKING TOUR OF NIKE PARK
2 p.m. October 20
Visit one of the Cold War’s few surviving Army Air-Defense Posts. Local historian Albert Burckard hosts a short presentation and a walking tour of this site which contains the original barracks, mess hall, administration and recreation building, officer/non-commissioned officer family housing, fueling area and underground missile magazines. Event held in the Senior Center at Nike Park, 13036 Nike Park Road.
November 2018
REFLECTING ON VIETNAM
2 p.m. November 4
As the nation commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, the museum will host speaker Tom Orlowski who will give a brief synopsis of the war and its origins, detail its legacy, discuss some of the misconceptions concerning service in Vietnam. He will share some of his experiences from his 1966 to 1967 tour.
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. November 8
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Thanksgiving.
A VITAL CONNECTION: THE JAMES RIVER BRIDGE
11 a.m. November 17
Opened November 17, 1928, the James River Bridge has linked Warwick-Newport News to Isle of Wight County for 88 years. This look-back examines life before the bridge, when colonial ferries and steamers served this purpose. The historical journey continues with dedication of the original crossing and construction of the present one.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BENJAMIN HUGER!
12:30 p.m. November 21
Join us for this lecture about the life of Benjamin Huger, the career U.S. Army ordnance officer who fought with distinction during the Mexican-American War and served as a Confederate general during the Civil War. Isle of Wight County’s Fort Huger is named for him.
AN EVENING WITH ST. NICK
6-8 p.m. November 30
Visit the jolly ol’ elf and enjoy an evening of holiday refreshments, crafts, Christmas BINGO and a special reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore. Perfect for families. Make your visit with St. Nick a little more special. Bring a wrapped gift for St. Nick to give to your child. Pre-registration will give you the opportunity to provide some information about your child so St. Nick can talk with him or her! Call the head elf for your appointment: 757-357-0115.
December 2018
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. December 13
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Jingle Bells.
NOTE: All events are subject to cancellation as well as date, time and admission changes.
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. January 11
m. This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Animals in Winter.
BATTLE OF MACKIE'S MILL LECTURE
2 p.m. January 20
This lecture will commemorate the 237th anniversary of the American Revolution's Mackie’s Mill engagement, the Jan. 16, 1781, skirmish between local militia and Benedict Arnold’s forces.
February 2018
SHARE YOUR STORIES WITH US: AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
February 1-28
February is a month to learn, honor and celebrate the achievements of black men and women throughout history. In Isle of Wight County, individuals have made their mark in industry, agriculture, public service, education, sports and more. This month, share your stories with us. Email, call or visit to drop off photos, memories and documents to help the museum share this important element of our county’s history. Visit our website to learn more: www.historicisleofwight.com/february-is-black-history-month.html.
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. February 8
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Bee Mine, Valentine.
March 2018
SHARE YOUR PEANUT HISTORY
March 1-31
March is National Peanut Month, and to celebrate, we ask that you share your peanut stories with us. The museum is writing a book about Isle of Wight County’s agricultural history, and we need your help documenting not only peanuts but also pork, cotton, wheat, soybeans, corn, poatoes and more. Share your photos, documents, drawings so that we can better document Isle of Wight County’s agricultural story. Email, call or visit to drop off your items.
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. March 8
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Johnny Appleseed.
AFTER POCAHONTAS: INDIAN WOMEN IN THE COLONIAL SOUTH
1 p.m. March 18
For Women’s History Month, this presentation illuminates women whose prominent roles and presence is often hidden. “Indian princesses” were conspicuous in the early years of Virginia and the Lower South through the 1760s. They wielded influential roles in international and native American diplomacy and acted as interpreters of language and culture. So many nameless others were wives and consorts of early settlers in the wild Appalachian frontier, forgotten founders who played key roles in the formation of the American South. Our presenter Eirlys M. Barker received her Ph.D. from William and Mary, was Department Head of History at Thomas Nelson Community College and taught Women’s History and Colonial History at Old Dominion University.
FORT HUGER WALKING TOUR
10 a.m. March 24
Visit this Civil War fort and learn the significance of this gateway to the Confederate capital. Tour meets at Fort Huger, 15080 Talcott Terrace.
BATTLE OF SMITHFIELD WALKING TOUR
2 p.m. March 24
Meet a Union soldier at the museum for a lecture and a walk down Church Street as he details his experiences in this battle.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
5:30-7 p.m. March 29
The museum will be on hand at this Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours networking event to host an interactive history discussion relating to past and present history in Isle of Wight County. Guests are encouraged to bring photographs, documents and other items to discuss. The event, free and open to members and prospective Chamber of Commerce members, will be held at Smithfield Foods, 200 Commerce Street, Smithfield, Va. For more information, visit www.theisle.org.
April 2018
WALKING TOUR OF FORT BOYKIN
11 a.m. April 7
Fort Boykin has been a part of American history since 1623 when a fort known as the Castle was constructed following the 1622 Indian Attack. Today, Fort Boykin constitutes an example of military architecture of the Civil War era. Join us for this free walking tour through history. Meet at Fort Boykin, 7410 Fort Boykin Trail.
WALKING TOUR OF WINDSOR CASTLE
2 p.m. April 7
From the site's pre-colonial existence to the present day, Windsor Castle tells the fascinating history of the development of Smithfield. Join us for this free walking tour through history. Meet on the grounds near the manor house, 301 Jericho Road.
KOREA AND THE COLD WAR
2 p.m. April 8
Smithfield resident Al Coke spent 15 months in Korea as the senior aide to LTG James F Hollingsworth. He will provide an overview of the 1950s Korean War and share his experiences about his time there – as well as those of his second cousin who was captured at Chosin and then died in a prisoner of war camp. Veterans are encouraged to attend and share their own experiences.
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. April 12
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Earth Day.
WALKING TOUR OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COURTHOUSE COMPLEX
10 a.m. April 21
Join us as we explore this 19th, 20th and 21st century site and share the story of its beginnings as well as a few tales of capers and duels. This tour begins and ends at Boykin’s Tavern, 17146 Monument Circle.
WALKING TOUR OF NIKE PARK
2 p.m. April 21
Visit one of the Cold War’s few surviving Army Air-Defense Posts. Local historian Albert Burckard hosts a short presentation and a walking tour of this site which contains the original barracks, mess hall, administration and recreation building, officer/non-commissioned officer family housing, fueling area and underground missile magazines. Event held in the Senior Center at Nike Park, 13036 Nike Park Road.
MID-CENTURY POTLUCK: MAYONNAISE, OLIVES AND ASPIC
11 a.m. April 28
In the 1950s and 1960s, frozen meals and pre-packaged foods made dinner easier and faster for the home cook, and entertaining frequently featured appetizers with ingredients such as gelatin, canned fruit and olives. Join this tasty discussion, and scour some of your old cookbooks to chef up a sample of your own to share. We’ll bring the salmon mousse. Also here to help us celebrate will be the Blackwater Regional Library. Visit them for some great vintage cookbooks.
May 2018
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. May 10
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Caterpillars.
DRAWING DAY
10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 16
Whatever your medium, Drawing Day is the day dedicated to the artist inside all of us. Pack your pencil, charcoals or crayons for your visit to the museum today to sketch something on display, and share your creations with us on social media. Free admission for all artistes – professional, aspiring or beginners.
FORT HUGER WALKING TOUR
10 a.m. May 19
Visit this Civil War fort and learn the significance of this gateway to the Confederate capital. Tour meets at Fort Huger, 15080 Talcott Terrace.
BATTLE OF SMITHFIELD WALKING TOUR
2 p.m. May 19
Meet a Union soldier at the museum for a lecture and a walk down Church Street as he details his experiences in this battle.
June 2018
WALKING TOUR OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COURTHOUSE COMPLEX
10 a.m. June 16
Join us as we explore this 19th, 20th and 21st century site and share the story of its beginnings as well as a few tales of capers and duels. This tour begins and ends at Boykin’s Tavern, 17146 Monument Circle.
WALKING TOUR OF NIKE PARK
2 p.m. June 16
Visit one of the Cold War’s few surviving Army Air-Defense Posts. Local historian Albert Burckard hosts a short presentation and a walking tour of this site which contains the original barracks, mess hall, administration and recreation building, officer/non-commissioned officer family housing, fueling area and underground missile magazines. Event held in the Senior Center at Nike Park, 13036 Nike Park Road.
IN RESERVE: THE NAVY IN ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY
11 a.m. June 30
Join us for a lecture on the history of the James River Reserve Fleet, also referred to as the Ghost Fleet. This is the story of the anchorage of the National Defense Reserve Fleet located on the James River at Fort Eustis. It is the oldest of the original eight fleet sites and currently one of three still in operation.
July 2018
THE PET HAM'S 116TH BIRTHDAY
10:30 a.m.-Noon July 7
The world’s oldest ham turns 116. 116 is the atomic number of livermorium, the number of years that the Hundred Years’ War between France and England actually lasted and the record for number of wins in a single Major League Baseball season achieved by the Chicago Cubs in 1906 and the Seattle Mariners in 2001. More importantly, 116 is a good excuse for cake. Join us in this annual tribute to the birthday boy, and help us launch our annual Pan Ham contest. Also here to help us celebrate will be the Blackwater Regional Library’s Library 2 Go Bookmobile. Visit them outside for some additional hammy activities!
FORT HUGER WALKING TOUR
10 a.m. July 21
Visit this Civil War fort and learn the significance of this gateway to the Confederate capital. Tour meets at Fort Huger, 15080 Talcott Terrace.
BATTLE OF SMITHFIELD WALKING TOUR
2 p.m. July 21
Meet a Union soldier at the museum for a lecture and a walk down Church Street as he details his experiences in this battle.
August 2018
WALKING TOUR ALONG CHURCH STREET
11 a.m. August 4
Join us as we stroll down Church Street to explore the history of this fascinating area.
WALKING TOUR OF WINDSOR CASTLE
2 p.m. August 4
From the site's pre-colonial existence to the present day, Windsor Castle tells the fascinating history of the development of Smithfield. Join us for this free walking tour through history. Meet on the grounds near the manor house, 301 Jericho Road.
WALKING TOUR OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COURTHOUSE COMPLEX
10 a.m. August 18
Join us as we explore this 19th, 20th and 21st century site and share the story of its beginnings as well as a few tales of capers and duels. This tour begins and ends at Boykin’s Tavern, 17146 Monument Circle.
WALKING TOUR OF NIKE PARK
2 p.m. August 18
Visit one of the Cold War’s few surviving Army Air-Defense Posts. Local historian Albert Burckard hosts a short presentation and a walking tour of this site which contains the original barracks, mess hall, administration and recreation building, officer/non-commissioned officer family housing, fueling area and underground missile magazines. Event held in the Senior Center at Nike Park, 13036 Nike Park Road.
SCREWPILES: THE FORGOTTEN LIGHTHOUSES
10 a.m. August 25
Screwpile lighthouses stand directly on piles screwed into sandy or muddy sea and river bottoms. Many such lighthouses have existed, and still do, in Southeastern Virginia, Northeastern North Carolina and Southern Maryland. Karla Smith, Phyllis Sepidell, John Sheally II and Larry Saint published this book which combines archival plans and photos, original art and photography, stories pulled from lightkeepers' logs and journals and contemporary interviews with the people still connected to the lights. The authors weave these together to tell the story of how these lights came to be, their role in early American history and navigation and the people who manned them. Books, signed by the authors, will be available for purchase.
September 2018
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. September 13
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Pigs.
FORT HUGER WALKING TOUR
10 a.m. September 22
Visit this Civil War fort and learn the significance of this gateway to the Confederate capital. Tour meets at Fort Huger, 15080 Talcott Terrace.
BATTLE OF SMITHFIELD WALKING TOUR
2 p.m. September 22
Meet a Union soldier at the museum for a lecture and a walk down Church Street as he details his experiences in this battle.
ARMAGEDDON ON OUR DOORSTEP: HOW WARWICK COUNTY AND ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY PREVENTED AN ATOMIC BOMB ATTACK
2 p.m. September 23
Learn the details of local defenses used to combat the Cold War during the Communist Red Scare of the 1950s when every schoolchild learned to “duck and cover.” Isle of Wight County manned missile batteries at Site N-75L/C - now Nike Park – while Warwick County, our sister just across the James River, was safeguarded by the Camp Patrick Henry (BOMARC) Nike anti-aircraft missile site N-85L/C.
October 2018.
HOMESCHOOL WEEK
10 a.m.-4 p.m. October 8-12
Smithfield and Isle of Wight County’s historic sites welcome homeschoolers of all ages with a selection of fun and engaging activities that highlight the history of Virginia and the area.
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. October 11
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Pumpkins.
EARLY HISTORY AND PEOPLES OF ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY
11 a.m. October 20
A discussion of Isle of Wight County’s pre-history during Archaeology Month by Old Dominion University’s Dr. Paul R. Green, Associate Professor, Anthropology.
WALKING TOUR OF NIKE PARK
2 p.m. October 20
Visit one of the Cold War’s few surviving Army Air-Defense Posts. Local historian Albert Burckard hosts a short presentation and a walking tour of this site which contains the original barracks, mess hall, administration and recreation building, officer/non-commissioned officer family housing, fueling area and underground missile magazines. Event held in the Senior Center at Nike Park, 13036 Nike Park Road.
November 2018
REFLECTING ON VIETNAM
2 p.m. November 4
As the nation commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, the museum will host speaker Tom Orlowski who will give a brief synopsis of the war and its origins, detail its legacy, discuss some of the misconceptions concerning service in Vietnam. He will share some of his experiences from his 1966 to 1967 tour.
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. November 8
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Thanksgiving.
A VITAL CONNECTION: THE JAMES RIVER BRIDGE
11 a.m. November 17
Opened November 17, 1928, the James River Bridge has linked Warwick-Newport News to Isle of Wight County for 88 years. This look-back examines life before the bridge, when colonial ferries and steamers served this purpose. The historical journey continues with dedication of the original crossing and construction of the present one.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BENJAMIN HUGER!
12:30 p.m. November 21
Join us for this lecture about the life of Benjamin Huger, the career U.S. Army ordnance officer who fought with distinction during the Mexican-American War and served as a Confederate general during the Civil War. Isle of Wight County’s Fort Huger is named for him.
AN EVENING WITH ST. NICK
6-8 p.m. November 30
Visit the jolly ol’ elf and enjoy an evening of holiday refreshments, crafts, Christmas BINGO and a special reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore. Perfect for families. Make your visit with St. Nick a little more special. Bring a wrapped gift for St. Nick to give to your child. Pre-registration will give you the opportunity to provide some information about your child so St. Nick can talk with him or her! Call the head elf for your appointment: 757-357-0115.
December 2018
TELL ME A STORY
10 a.m. December 13
This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Jingle Bells.
NOTE: All events are subject to cancellation as well as date, time and admission changes.