Varina’s Emily Grover: A refugee from her Henrico Farm in 1864

When the Civil War came to eastern Henrico County in 1864 the two contending armies fought from one side of Emily Grover’s property to the other. Her yard and gardens were torn up with entrenchments, her house riddled with bullets, and men on both sides killed in her orchards and pasture. She needed to escape the fighting and asked the local Union commander for safe passage away, forced to abandon most of her family’s possessions. Our program will feature an interpreter who will focus on Emily Grover’s life, her precarious existence among an invading army, as well as other civilians who had to chose what to do while living on battlefields. Other interpreters will portray Union soldiers and civilians of 1864.

Early Virginia history had many women influence what unfolded during the first 300 years. Henricus’ series “Summ-Her of History” will profile who those people were and what events were shaped by these women or how the events taking place shaped the women in those changing times. Several living history experts from the region will be set up on site to tell and demonstrate these fascinating and gripping stories. 

Date: Saturday, July 15

Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Cost: $12/adult, $8/children aged 5-12; Henricus Members: free (This program is included in cost of general admission)