2018 JAMESTOWNE SOCIETY NATIONAL CONFERENCE

By Scarlett Gathings Shepherd, Governor, 2016 – 2018

Company Governors Assemble at 2018 Meeting. Governor Scarlet Gathings Shepherd is in white at left center.

The 2018 Jamestowne Society National Conference was held May 10 – 12, 2018, at the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg. This was a new venue for our Society functions as we previously met at the Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg. This resort is in a gated community and is a golf resort.

The Governors Wine and Cheese event on Jamestowne Island:
Jim Shepherd (FCC Historian ), Anne Stokes Moore (Society Historian and Chairman of Special Events), David Givens (Senior Staff Archaeologist-Jamestown Rediscovery- Preservation Virginia), Richard Bradley (Lt. Gov. First Mississippi), Bonnie Hofmeyer (Executive Director- Jamestowne Society)

 

 

Thursday, May 10 there was a Wine and Cheese event hosted for company governors and one guest per governor at the Dale House Cafe and Archearium on Jamestown Island for guests to mingle with one another as well as with archaeologists and national Society Council members. David Givens, senior staff archaeologist, showed a plaque of wood, which will be used for the pews in the restored church. He explained that when he was in England, he measured pews in several old churches, taking into consideration that the average Englishman in yesteryear would have been smaller. There were many such discussions amongst the guests and everyone was delighted to see Dr. Kelso and have him sign his book, Kingsmill Plantations, which was gifted to all attendees at the conference by Jamestowne Society.

Recognition of Society members who are military veterans. FCC Historian Jim Shepherd is in white shirt standing at extreme left

The governors’ business meeting was held at the resort on Friday, May 11. Seven of our elected national officers, six Regional Directors and thirty-six of the fifty-three companies from across the country were represented. Past Governor Jerry Zillion introduced the Jamestowne Society military veterans who were present at the meeting.

Besides being provided important leadership information, there were break out group discussions led by Regional Directors. Our Western Regional Director is Jane “Xan” Alexander. Later there was a chance for input or questions for the entire group. Some of the items discussed were to start the membership process, their Society sponsor (a member) would contact Bonnie Hofmeyer to ask that an invitation be sent to a prospective member. However, Bonnie recommends that the invitation not be requested until the prospective member has their papers in order. As always, the one-year limit exists and if the application is not sent in within the year, there will be a penalty assessed. The only exception to the rule is if the Society has made an error. Unofficially, many Governors have their membership chairs assist prospective members with their papers. Please note: only the 4th edition of Adventurers of Purse and Person are now accepted and these are not normally found in libraries.

The Society has confirmed over 900 names of individuals who meet its 17th century ancestry criteria and are listed among its Qualifying Ancestors. On the Society’s Home page, click on the link for the Revolutionary War Era couples to Jamestowne Society Qualifying Ancestor project list, last updated May 2017.

Susan McCrobie, the Jamestowne Society Magazine editor, advised that each company may submit via email two news articles per calendar year for publication in the Society Magazine, which are limited to 200 words. The name of the company, city and state must be included in the Word document. Also, a photo caption and only one photo may accompany each article. At the end include the name of the company governor and the name as well as email address of the person submitting the article. Jamestownesocietypublications@gmail.com and also Jamestowne.society@verizon.net

Questions: contact Susan at susanmccrobie@gmal.com

Please send upcoming company events to Jamestowne.society@verizon.net for posting on the Company event webpage at www.jamestowne.org.

Also, please refer members and prospective members to the website to keep up with future happenings.

During the business meeting, there was a discussion about the Annual Giving Campaign and where the money goes. Preservation Virginia, which is a non-profit organization was mentioned as needing funds as well as Jamestown Rediscovery. Everyone was given the same handout that we all were mailed. As this is aimed at individual members, Jim and I have chosen and donated $100.00 to the Harrison Ruffin Tyler unrestricted fund. From discussions, we learned that the unrestricted funds are easier to manage meeting the needs of various current and future projects.

The Reverend Roy Abbott Martin Jr, Governor of Jamestowne Society, encouraged members to get involved by filling out volunteer forms, indicating their talents and interests. Check the Magazine for the committee chairs and send your email to the Society.

Mary Anna Richardson, Lead Archaeologist Jamestown Church- Jamestown Rediscovery gave a special talk re her recent activities.

Dr. Bill Kelso leading Kingsmill Tour

After the business meeting, there was a buffet luncheon with Dr. William Kelso, followed by his presentation and a walking tour of the three sites. Buses were available for those who needed transportation.  Before construction began on the Kingsmill Resort, Dr. Kelso, working for the Virginia Historical Landmark Commission, partnered with Anheuser Busch to conduct fieldwork on this site.

The Governors’ Dinner was also held on Friday May 11. Governor Martin recognized Jim Shepherd (my husband and Historian of First California Company) as the Registrar who had helped him with his application papers for the Virginia Branch of the Huguenot Society of the Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia. We were honored when he and his wife chose to sit at our table. Bonnie Hofmeyer, Executive Director and also Dr. John Shelton, Secretary of the Treasury greeted Jim warmly as he had also helped them with their papers for the Virginia Branch of the HSFMCV.

Saturday May 12 was the Spring Membership Meeting and Luncheon. Merry Outlaw, Curator of Collections Jamestown Rediscovery, was the guest speaker and had interesting slide shows to accompany her talk.

Next year will be the 400th Anniversary of the First General Assembly held at Jamestown. Instead of our annual Jamestowne Society meetings being held in May, they will be held July 27- 30, 2019. All indications this will be a special celebration, so please plan on attending.

Woodson descendants assembled; past FCC Governor Ginny Gotlieb is at extreme far right

Posted in 2018 Governors' Forum, First California Compoany, Gotlieb, Historic Jamestown, Jamestowne Society, Jamestowne Society Governor, Jim Shepherd, Kelso, Membership, Scarlett Gathings Shepherd | Tagged | Comments Off on 2018 JAMESTOWNE SOCIETY NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Our 2018 Annual Meeting Will Be Held on Saturday, June 23 In San Diego

Our 2018 Annual Meeting and Luncheon will be held on Saturday, June 23 at 12:00 Noon at the San Diego Yacht Club, Staff Commodore Room, 2nd Floor of the Club House (address and directions below.)

 Our speaker will be Bonnie M. Harris, Ph.D., whose program will be A Foundation for Revolution: The Intersection of Religious and Civic Life in Jamestowne, 1607 to 1777.

Dr. Harris is a lecturer in the Department of History at San Diego State University, Grossmont Community College District, and Southwestern Community College District. She is a descendant of Reverend Thomas Hampton, an Episcopal minister in James City Council and Williamsburg Parish.

Cost: $45; including luncheon. Your reservations must be received by June 15, 2018.

For more information or details, please contact our Treasurer Suzy Leif at 619-922-9823; email: suzyleif@gmail.com

For reservations, please make your check payable to First California Company, Jamestowne Society, and mail to: FCC Treasurer Suzy Leif, 3345 Hopi Place, San Diego, CA 92117-3516

Please include the names, email addresses and phone numbers for you and your guests; indicate if they are a FCC Member, FCC Friend, a prospective member or guest. Please also select from the following entrees: Pecan Crusted Chicken with Pear Sage Reduction; Seared Atlantic Salmon; or Pasta Primavera (vegetarian choice.)

SDYC is located at 1011 Anchorage Lane, San Diego, CA 92106. Phone: 619-221-8400. Website: https://sdyc.org/

Parking is limited at the club, but friendly neighborhood parking and metered parking within three short walking blocks is available.

Directions: From Interstate 5 South or 8 West:
Exit at Rosecrans Street exit. Follow Rosecrans Street until you reach Talbot Street (3½ miles, to third street past Shelter Island Drive). Turn left and go to Anchorage Lane.

From Interstate 5 North:
Exit at Hawthorne (airport exit). Follow to Harbor Drive toward Pt. Loma. Turn left on Rosecrans Street (signal). Go a few blocks to Talbot Street (signal). Make a left turn and go to Anchorage Lane.

For a map, please go to https://sdyc.org/visitor/map/upon-arrival

Posted in 2018 Annnual Meeting, Bylaws, Elections, First California Company, Jamestowne Society, News, Scarlett Gathings Shepherd, Uncategorized, Updates | Comments Off on Our 2018 Annual Meeting Will Be Held on Saturday, June 23 In San Diego

Photos of our 2018 Winter Meeting

We have the following photos from our 2018 Winter Meeting on February 24 ( see recap):

 

Membership Chair Marty Sommercamp introduced new member Sandra Bill, with Governor Scarlett Gathings Shepherd looking on.  (courtesy Ed Bill)

Table # 3 right to left. Harry Holgate, Brandynn Holgate, Susan Holgate, Leigh Bryan, Donna Riegel, David O’ Hoy, Suzy Leif, Dorothy Flynn. (Courtesy Jim Shepherd)

Table # 4 right to left. Craig Swanson, Ellen Anderson, Marty Sommercamp, A. J. Cleveland, Carl Chidiac, Sherrie Stein, Susan Pitney. (Courtesy Jim Shepherd)

Table # 5 right to left. Lia Peterson Miller, Dorothy Peterson, Lawrence Beall, Kathleen Beall, Byron Taylor, Betsy Zafuto, (Courtesy Jim Shepherd)

Table # 2 right to Left Patricia Fleming, Jerry L. Willoughby, Donna Derrick. Julie Samaniego, Ginny Gotlieb, Kathleen Flaherty, Sandra Krutilek, Claire Murphy. (Courtesy Jim Shepherd)

Table # 1 Right to left: Edward Bill, Sandra Bill,. (Courtesy Jim Shepherd)

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Photos of our 2018 Winter Meeting

The Spring Heritage Tour – May 11, 2018 – is fully reserved and closed

The Society has asked us to alert our members and other readers that the Spring Heritage Tour scheduled for May 11, 2018 that will feature a luncheon presentation by Dr. Bill Kelso and a walking tour of the Burwell and Pettus house sites  has been fully subscribed at March 10 and no further reservations will be accepted.

Posted in 2018, 2018 Spring Heritage Tour, Historic Jamestown, Jamestown Rediscovery, Jamestowne Society, News, Updates, Virginia | Comments Off on The Spring Heritage Tour – May 11, 2018 – is fully reserved and closed

A Recap of Our 2018 Winter Meeting in Dana Point

Our 2018 Winter meeting was held on Saturday, February 24 at the Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point, with 38 members and guests in attendance. Governor Scarlett Gathings Shepherd presided. We were pleased that First Arizona Company Governor Richard Burke could join us.

Our speaker, Cheri Mello, Family Tree DNA Administrator, discussed Deciphering the DNA Soup, as follows:

Family Tree DNA provides powerful interactive tools to help find your DNA matches, trace your lineage through time and determine family connections. It can help you break through brick walls.  You can use the following types of DNA for genealogy:

  1. Y-DNA: A male carrying the surname that you wish trace will be taking this type of DNA test. Traces the testee’s father’s line or the top of his pedigree chart; the testee’s strict paternal line.
  2. mtDNA: Either a male or female can take this type of DNA test.  Traces the testee’s mother’s line or the bottom of the pedigree chart.  The testee’s strict maternal line; all females, all the way.
  3. Autosomal DNA (Family Finder): Either a male or female can take this type of DNA test.  Traces ALL lines of the testee back approximately 200 years.

DNA Tidbits:

How much DNA do you have from your ancestors?

*  50% from your parents

*  25% from your grandparents

*  12.5% from your great-grandparents

*  6.25% from your 2 great-grandparents

*  3.125% from your 3 great-grandparents

*  1.5ish% from your 4 great-grandparents

Chaplain Sandra Orozco offered a memorial to deceased member Scott Krutilek.  He was a valuable member, a fine gentleman and a friend to the Society.  Several members shared their memories of Scott.  His wife, Sandy and their granddaughter, Kathleen Flaherty, were present and joined in the memorial.

Membership Chair Marty Sommercamp introduced seven prospective members who were among the guests.

We were reminded that next year the Society will have a major ceremony to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the first General Assembly in Jamestown. Its membership meeting will be held in Williamsburg on July 30, 2019, rather than on the customary May dates.

Jim McCall’s reports were distributed, including a summary of the Society’s 2019 commemorations, status of the continuing effort to Save the James, and of a new website feature with his request of members to submit two or three paragraphs telling what they know about any of their Qualified Ancestors, especially beyond what might be found in Adventures of Purse and Person and similar sources.

Governor Shepherd spoke about the Veterans Pins and the one that was given to John Cahoon at our Annual Meeting on last June 24.  He passed away July 31, and was buried with his pin from the Society attached to his Navy cap.

Lt. Governor Julie Plemmons reported that the Company’s Annual Meeting will be held on June 23, 2018, at the San Diego Yacht Club.

Treasurer Suzy Leif reported on the sound financial status of the Company.

We will again have a table at the Southern California Genealogy Society’s Jamboree on June 1. There will be two other genealogical societies alongside our table, which should help attract more visitors. The Governor, Jim Shepherd and Sandy Krutilek will represent our company.

NOTE: We are planning to revise our website and will want suggestions, comments and ideas from our members. We will be conducting an online survey in mid-to-late April seeking their help. Therefore, we urge them to visit and scroll through its pages and information to be prepared to respond to the survey.

 

Posted in 2018 Annnual Meeting, 2018 Members Survet, 2018 Winter Meeting, 2019 Commemorations, Cheri Mello, DNA, Fall 2015 Meeting, First California Company, Genealogical Help, geneaology, In Memoriam, Jamestowne Society, Long Beach Yacht Club, Membership, New Members, News, Save the James, Scarlett Gathings Shepherd, SoCal Genealogical Jamboree, Winter Meeting | Comments Off on A Recap of Our 2018 Winter Meeting in Dana Point

Protected: Members

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Posted in Uncategorized | Enter your password to view comments.

Our Winter Meeting Is Saturday, February 24

Salt Creek Grill

Our First California Company’s 2018 Winter Meeting will be held Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 11:30 AM at the Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, CA 92629 (location and directions below).

The general membership meeting will be followed by luncheon (selections below) and the program on how to decode the confusing terms of DNA.

We will welcome Cheri Mello, Family Tree DNA Administrator, who will discuss Deciphering the DNA Soup.

You have had your DNA tested, now, how do you use that tool to connect to your ancestors? Cheri will unlock the answers you have always wondered about and provide case studies that have used DNA to overcome brick walls that stood since the 1950s. You won’t want to miss this program!

Cheri Mello began dabbling in genealogy as a 5th grader with the U.S. History assignment. She began her active adult research over 25 years ago, after the death of her remaining grandparents. Her expertise ranges from various areas of America, to Portugal, as well as DNA, genealogy software, Find A Grave, and more!

Luncheon selections include Oven Roasted Salmon w/Ponzu Sauce; Oven Roasted Chicken w/Bacon/Mushroom jus Sauce; Herb-Marinated Grilled Flank Steak (served medium rare to medium) and Roasted Portobello Mushroom (vegetarian choice.)

The total cost is $40 per person.

Please make your reservation to be received by Saturday, February 10, and mail your check to: Treasurer Suzy Leif 3345 Hopi Place, San Diego, CA 92117-3516.

Phone: 619-922-9823 – Email: suzyleif@gmail.com

Please include the total dollar amount of your reservation(s), the names of all in your party, plus each e-mail address and phone number. Also, please advise whether they are FCC or Jamestown Society members, Friends or guests.

The Salt Creek Grille is at the southeast corner of Crown Valley Parkway (southbound exit from I-5) and Pacific Coast Highway (northbound exit from I-5.) Its phone number is (949) 661-7799.

Posted in 2018 Winter Meeting, Cheri Mello, First California Company, geneaology, Jamestowne Society | Tagged | Comments Off on Our Winter Meeting Is Saturday, February 24

Update: Our November 19 Fall Meeting

First California Company has cancelled its Fall 2017 General Membership Meeting and Luncheon for 11:30 AM on Sunday, November 19.

Our next meeting will be Saturday, February 24, 2018; details will follow closer to the date.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Update: Our November 19 Fall Meeting

How the Jamestown Colony led to the sailing of the Mayflower

By Erica Hahn

I admit that, despite many clues, until recently I never thought much about what role Europeans played in New England before the Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower in 1620.  All I knew was that their native friend, Squanto, greeted them in English, having been kidnapped and carried off to Europe years earlier. Tragically, when he returned, everyone in his village had died of a European disease.  Where his village once stood was now the site of the colony of Plymouth Plantation.  We also know that our ancestors agreed to the Mayflower Compact, signed in 1620 off Cape Cod, because they somehow missed arriving in “Northern Virginia,” which was the area of their land patent.

So, when did Europeans first reach New England?  Where did the name “New England” come from?  How about “Cape Cod?”  How about “Plymouth?”  And was there competition?

The answers to these questions actually lie in Jamestown, the first English language colony to survive, founded in 1607.

The key founder of Jamestown was an Englishman called Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, born in 1571.  He pursued a seafaring life.  Before Jamestown, in 1602 he explored colonialization in “northern Virginia” in what is now New England. In doing so, he named the peninsula he reached, Cape Cod because … well, there was a lot of cod.  He named an island there for his dead daughter, Martha’s Vineyard. On another island off the cape, now called Cuttyhunk Island, he and his people built a fort, but after a month they abandoned it.

Gosnold at Cuttyhunk, 1602, by Albert Bierstadt, 1858

The English by this point were quite keen to colonize in North America and as a result two rival joint stock companies were chartered, the Virginia Company of London, based on where its organizers lived, which had jurisdiction in what is now the American South, and the Plymouth Company, based on where its organizers lived, which had jurisdiction in what is essentially now New England.

In Dec 1606, Gosnold managed to pull together enough backing via the London Company, which he helped found, for another try and this time set out for what would become the Jamestown Colony. He died there in August 1607.  In 2003, what is probably his long-forgotten grave in Jamestown was discovered by archeologists.

There was another try at establishing a colony in Maine, the “Popham colony” in 1607, at the same time as Jamestown. This effort was sponsored by the rival Plymouth Company, organized by John Popham and Ferdinando Gorges, and led by John’s nephew, George Popham.  Both John and George Popham died the first winter and the colony was abandoned within the year.

In 1609, Captain John Smith, who had been the president of Jamestown’s governing council, left for England after injuries and in disgrace.  But, in 1614 he again set sail for the New World, with two ships, this time to explore Maine and Massachusetts.

During his expedition, some of his company took native people as captives including Squanto. (It is uncertain as to whether this was the second time Squanto was taken captive.  He may originally have been taken captive in 1605 by an agent of Ferdinando Gorges.)

This map, New England Observed, 1616 is provided courtesy of the
Osher Map Collection at the University of Southern Maine and is part
of John Smith’s Description of New England

In 1616 in England, Smith published a book called A Description of New England. It is believed that this was the first time the name of New England was used for the area.

Smith created the map shown here and gave place names to various locations along the coast of Massachusetts including New Plimouth near Cape Cod.

It is unclear where the diseases that decimated the native people came from, but we know that in the years after Smith’s visit and before the Pilgrims arrived, a number of fishermen, French as well as English, frequented New England’s waters.  Cod was a very valuable commodity.

The religious separatists in Leiden, the Netherlands, who became known as the Pilgrims, must have poured over that book.  It was they who chartered two ships, including the Mayflower, for their voyage to the New World.

In 1619 in London, the Leiden separatists entered into a deal for a land patent with the London Company in the jurisdiction of the London Company, i.e., no further north than New York, as well as ships with the same company. When the Pilgrims started negotiations, they were soundly cheated by their original investors.  To satisfy new backers, a consortium of London financiers known as the Merchant Adventurers, they had to include “Strangers” among the passengers.  Many of the passengers on the Mayflower were not separatists but instead Strangers.

By accident or design, the Mayflower’s arrival on Cape Cod was considerably outside the jurisdiction of the London Company.  The following year in 1621 the Pilgrims obtained a new patent from the newly reorganized Plymouth Council for New England.

One of the Strangers was Stephen Hopkins, who came on the Mayflower with his second wife, some of his children, and two servants.  Stephen was unique in that he was the only passenger who had ever been to the New World before. In 1609 he had come on the “third supply”, then spent 9 months on Bermuda after a shipwreck, before the castaways built two smaller ships to get to Jamestown.   He then spent several years in Jamestown. A letter regarding “Eliezer Hopkins” arrived in Jamestown in 1614, probably bringing the news his first wife had died, and so he returned to England, Thus, he is a qualifying ancestor for both the Jamestowne Society and the Mayflower Society.

And not to forget the Canadian connection: The English were not the only Europeans interested in the area.  The French made several attempts to colonize in New England, mostly minor settlements for fishing and hunting as well.   Their first real North American colony was established in 1604 at St. Croix, an island at the extreme northern edge of what is now Maine.

St. Croix failed due to disease and in 1605 the founders moved what remained of it to what became Port Royal Habitation in modern Nova Scotia. A second French attempt in New England was a Jesuit mission called Saint Sauveur founded in 1613, also in northern Maine.  Two months later forces launched out of Jamestown wiped out both Saint Sauveur and Port Royal in 1613. Thus, Jamestown made New England safe for English Protestants.  And so, in 1620 English Protestants, i.e., the Pilgrims, started the successful colonization of New England.

Erica Hahn is a member of the California Mayflower Society and the Jamestowne Society.

 

Sources:

Natalie Zacek, “Bartholomew Gosnold (1571-1607,” Encyclopedia Virginia, Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, https://www.encyclopediavirginia.org.

William Taber, “Maine’s Popham Colony,” Athena Review, vol 3, no. 2: Peopling of the Americas, http://www.athenapub.com

James Truslow Adams, The Founding of New England.  Boston, the Atlantic Monthly Press, 1921.

Peter Firstbrook, A Man Most Driven, Captain John Smith, Pocahontas and the Founding of America. London, Oneworld Publications, 2014

Caleb Johnson, “Tisquantum (“Squanto”)”, Caleb Johnson’s MayflowerHistory.com http://mayflowerhistory.com

Caleb Johnson, Here Shall I Die Ashore, Stephen Hopkins:  Bermuda Castaway, Jamestown Survivor, and Mayflower Pilgrim. 2007, Xlibris Corporation, 2007

Brenda Dunn, A History of Port-Royal/Annapolis Royal 1605-1800. Halifax: Nimbus, 2004.

 

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on How the Jamestown Colony led to the sailing of the Mayflower

Our June 24, 2017 Annual Meeting: A Genealogical Learning Experience

This gallery contains 7 photos.

Our 2017 Annual Meeting attracted 45 members, prospective applicants and guests, some of whom travelled from Sherman Oaks and Palm Springs.  We began with an opportunity to socialize – renewing acquaintances with old and new friends – and, later, conducted … Continue reading

More Galleries | Comments Off on Our June 24, 2017 Annual Meeting: A Genealogical Learning Experience

Jamestowne Society’s 2017 Governors’ Forum and Spring Membership Meeting

By Governor Scarlett Gathings Shepherd

Each year, the Council encourages the Governor to participate in the Society’s spring Governors’ Forum and other meetings held annually in Williamsburg. Following is my report on my participation May 18-20, 2017.

Governor Scarlett Shepherd with Dr. Bill Kelso

On May 18, the Society leadership hosted a reception for company governors and their guests. We travelled by motor coach from the Williamsburg Lodge, where the main events were held, to Jamestowne Island. We were met there by a reenactor portraying Governor Yeardley, who led the group to the Dale House Cafe. We gathered for wine and cheese and met Dr. Bill Kelso, Jamestown Rediscovery’s Head Archaeologist, where I purchased an autographed copy of his most recent book, Jamestown The Truth Revealed.

We also met Dr. James Horn, President of the Jamestowne Rediscovery Foundation and David Givens, our 2014 Alice Massey Nesbitt Fellowship winner and Senior Archaeologist at Jamestown Rediscovery. I had previously met Mr. Givens in March at St. George’s Church in Gravesend, England for the Pocahontas Life and Death 400th Anniversary Celebration, where he spoke about Pocahontas and the archeological work at Jamestown. We received an informative update on the dig progress before we returned to the Lodge.

The Governor’s Forum was held the following day. The Society’s Lt. Governor Roy Martin, Jr., discussed annual giving, followed by fund recipient reviews. We also discussed fellowships, and the Elizabeth B. Wingo, Jamestowne Island, Building & Grounds, endowment and unrestricted funds. Jamestowne Society Magazine Editor Susan McCrobie reviewed the requirements for submissions. Governor Zillion discussed the new Veterans Recognition program. Jane Alexander also talked about how we are linking Revolutionary War era ancestors with our Qualifying Ancestors.

Artifacts stored in Archaearium Vault

We then boarded buses to Jamestowne Island for a tour of the dig site, Archaearium and private vault. I especially enjoyed the vault as I had never been there before. Over two million artifacts – lost, broken, or discarded by the early colonists – are housed in its state-of-the-art collection room. They are cataloged and analyzed with representative objects on display that show interactions with the Virginia Indians.

One of our speakers and tour guides was Governor Yeardley’s

Governor Shepherd with Capt. Edward Brewster

reenactor from the night before and who now portrayed Capt. Edward Brewster. The very knowledgeable Jamestown Rediscovery staff also served as tour guides.

We had box lunches at the Dale House Cafe. It was a long but interesting day but unfortunately it was unseasonably warm for Virginia in May. Many of the others met for the Governors’ Dinner at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, which is said to have been a favorite of George Washington’s. As I had the pleasure of dining there the year before, I chose instead to make it an early night in order to recover from the heat of the day.

The Society Council’s most informative meeting was held the following day, May 20, in the Williamsburg Lodge.  Among items discussed were new insignia items, such as a new duffel bag and new style signet rings. The Council also conferred an Honorary Society membership on Dr. Bill Kelso. Governor Zillion also mentioned and reiterated the Society’s opposition to Dominion Energy’s proposal to build transmission towers across the James river. The Council also approved a sash for former Governors.

Dr. Kelso reviews Jamestown Rediscovery’s explorations, with Governor Jerry Zillion watching slides in the background

The Membership Luncheon followed and was preceded by a bagpiper in Scottish regalia. Governor Jerry Zillion recognized the veterans who were in attendance and presented a new company charter to the Bay of Naples (Florida) Company. He then surprised Dr. William Kelso with the announcement that he had been named an honorary member of the Society. Dr. Kelso was accompanied by his wife and was the guest speaker. He reviewed the current explorations of the sites of early churches within the confines of the 1907 Memorial church. After the luncheon, he made himself available to sign his new book.

It should be noted that in March I had invited Mr. Givens to speak at a First California Company event and stay at our San Diego home. I reminded him of my offer at the wine and cheese event and he indicated that he might be amenable. I also took the opportunity of inviting Dr. Kelso and his wife to stay with us and give a talk at our luncheon and sell his book.

Lastly, in addition to all that I learned about Jamestown and Jamestown Society, there is the history in that area to be remembered, as well as the friendships that are made to entice you. The best way to travel between the Richmond Airport and Williamsburg is by a rental car. Instead of the Interstate, I chose to take historic Route 5, so I could stop at my William Randolph family gravesite at Turkey Island Farm to place flowers on their

Randolph Grave Site

graves. I have been told that it is the oldest family gravesite in the United States.

I also stopped at Berkeley Plantation, which is known as the

Randolph family graves

1619 site of the first Thanksgiving (not Plymouth.) There, I needed to pick up some things for our First California Company luncheon this coming November. My ancestor Theodorick Bland is buried next door at Westover, so I also stopped there to place flowers. Shirley Plantation is nearby, where Robert E. Lee’s mother grew up, as well as Sherwood Forrest, the home of President Tyler. So, I combined history remembrances with my conference.

Governor Shepherd, Jane Calle Congdon and Fran Davis

Last, but not least, was the opportunity to renew friendships at the conference, including Jane Cralle Congdon, the Society’s Regional Chairmen Coordinator; Jane (“Xan”) Alexander, the Society’s Webmaster and Western Regional Chairman; Fran Davis, former National President of NS Colonial Dames of the XVII Century; and, former Society Attorney General Susan Godman Rager. I encourage all members to attend our Jamestowne Society meetings and conferences.

(Ed. Note: Please click on the photos to enlarge them.)

 

Posted in 2017, 2017 JS Spring Meetings, Early American History, First California Company, geneaology, Historic Jamestown, James Horn, Jamestown Rediscovery, Jamestowne Society, Jamestowne Society Governor, Kelso, Membership, News, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments Off on Jamestowne Society’s 2017 Governors’ Forum and Spring Membership Meeting

The Program for Our June 24 Annual Meeting Is “Early Virginia Genealogy; Finding Deeper Roots”

First California Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting and Luncheon will be held Saturday June 24, 2017 at 11:30 AM at the Green Dragon Tavern & Museum in Carlsbad (north San Diego County).

Our program will be Early Virginia Genealogy; Finding Deeper Roots; to be presented by KC Reid, MS, MLitt., of Deeper Roots Genealogy.

KC Reid is a Professional Genealogist with emphasis on colonial research, lineage societies, military records, copyright law, world and slavery history, courthouse records, deed, immigration and politics. Of particular interest to our prospective applicants and members, KC will be sharing ways to find that elusive proof for your Jamestowne ancestor.

Our membership chairman and other members will be available to meet with prospective applicants and members after the luncheon either at the Green Dragon or at the nearby Cole Library to discuss their individual applications. (NOTE: The Cole Library has an extensive genealogical section for research.) Please advise on your reservation if you would like discuss your application or contact Marty Sommercamp at sommercamp@roadrunner.com or phone: 858-481-8314.

We will meet in The Green Dragon Tavern & Museum’s Presidents Room. It is located at 6115 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92011 (see directions below); phone: 760-918-2421.

Please plan to allow some extra time to tour the restaurant’s unique museum, which displays numerous historical exhibits and artifacts from our nation’s Revolution.

The cost of the luncheon and program is $40, and menu choices include Shepard’s Pie, Fish ‘N’ Fries, New England Grilled Chicken Salad and Vegetarian New England Hummus Salad.

Please make your check payable to First California Company, Jamestowne Society and mail it, with the number and names in your party and menu selections, to:

Julie Plemmons, 6033 Estelle Street #11, San Diego, CA 92115-5496

Yours reservation and check must be received by June 10, 2017.

For more information or details, please contact Lieutenant Governor Julie Plemmons at jpnkids@yahoo.com or 619-207-7006.

Directions: From I-5 north or south, exit at Palomar Airport Road and go east to the first traffic light (Paseo del Norte) and turn south for about one block. The Green Dragon is on the right. Look for a sign directing you to the Museum. Park in the south side of the parking lot and enter through the Museum Doors (differs from the main entrance.) Look for The  Presidents’ Room.

 

Posted in 2017, 2017 Annual Meeting, Early American History, First California Company, Genealogical Help, geneaology, Jamestowne Society, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off on The Program for Our June 24 Annual Meeting Is “Early Virginia Genealogy; Finding Deeper Roots”