A Message From The Executive Director
This past year, 2019, was successful and busy for Henricus Historical Park. We introduced several new educational events and expanded some of our more popular cultural and recreational events. Captain Eric Speth and the crew of Godspeed from Jamestown Settlement sailed Godspeed up river to Henricus for a 5 day stay that included public visitation for Publick Days and Godspeed Days for area school children. It was a rare opportunity to board and learn about Godspeed and maritime life 400 years ago.
In October we held our always popular Haunted Henricus: Things That Go Bump in the Night multi-day program including our younger-folks-oriented Things That Go Bump in the Afternoon for those a bit too young for the nighttime festivities. As usual, “Bump”, as we call it, was very popular and provided an opportunity for visitors to learn about what spooked settlers here in America and back home in England centuries ago.
Part of what makes Henricus such an exciting place to be a part of are the events that one wouldn’t necessarily identify with a traditional museum. Of course, you and I know Henricus is anything but a traditional museum. In November of each year we present Hops in the Park highlighting Virginia agriculture and the local craft brewing scene. This year we had about 20 brewers, 40 different local craft beers, ciders, and meads, unique top-drawer food trucks and vendors, and fantastic live music by some of our area’s most talented musicians. The result? A great day of history, beer, food, and music, with proceeds benefiting Henricus’s education fund.
Our fifth annual Boar’s Head Feast was held in December and sold out within just a few days. The Boar’s Head Feast has turned into a holiday tradition for many who attend, and it’s a dining experience like no other. Tickets will be going on sale the beginning of July – if you haven’t attended, I highly suggest adding this to your list. Our last event of the year was Three Centuries of Virginia Christmas, where guests explored the evolution of Christmas from the 1600s through the 1800s. Mt. Malady changed from a 17th-century hospital into an 19th-century Dickens Christmas, complete with a Victorian Christmas tree and none other than the man himself, Father Christmas.
As we move further into 2020, welcome the tens of thousands of elementary school students from all over the Commonwealth to Henricus for spring field trips, and plan the special events for the year, it’s a great opportunity to thank the individuals and organizations who make it possible for us to bring our unique brand and variety of programming to our community. Without your support, we simply would not be able to bring history to life through educational programming and special events. So, from me to you, thank you, and know how much I and our team looks forward to welcoming you this spring, summer, and fall to Henricus Historical Park where we keep history alive.
Charles L. Grant
Executive Director