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Hope Plantation Christmas Open House
December 3, 2017
The Christmas Open House at Hope Plantation in Windsor, NC has become an RSV tradition. A small group of members headed to the "Old North State" to join in the festivities at the 1803 home of Governor Stone to introduce visitors to dances in the style that would have been popular in Hope's heyday. This year, we provided demonstrations in both the Visitors' Center and on the lawn in front of the main house. The rest of the afternoon was spent touring the house to view the festive decorations, taking horse-drawn carriage rides, and patrolling the kitchen for freshly baked biscuits. Thank you once again to Hope Plantation for extending the invitation and to all of our RSV volunteers who made the trip southward to assist with the event! To see some of the moments captured during the Open House, visit the event album on our Facebook page. You don't need an account in order to view them.
Regency Murder Mystery Party
November 4, 2017
We were delighted with our "Members Only" event for 2017: a Regency-themed murder mystery party custom-made for the RSV by Whose Clues! The evening was filled with twists and turns as we explored the Francis Land House for clues and listened to one another's alibis and explanations. It was also a night of laughter as we learned that the Shipleys' library was a very popular place, that one must be careful when asking a world traveler about his trips to the Amazon lest he never stop telling you of poisons, piranha, and bare-chested women, and that sometimes the most "reserved" people are the most talkative. Also, beware of good friends when you have won the heart of the object of their affection! Thank you so much to all the members who came out to take part and who did such a great job of playing their characters. We'd also like to give a special shout out to the Francis Land House for allowing us the use of this historic property as the backdrop for our mystery party and to Whose Clues for creating such a fun event! If you missed it, be sure to check out our Facebook photo album full of photos of the evening's festivities.
Victory Ball
October 21, 2017
Another Victory Ball has come and gone and we are delighted to say that a grand time was had by all in attendance at this year's event! We were once more led through the figures by our most excellent dancing master, Mr. Charles Steplively, who was superbly accompanied by Mr. Dean Herington on keyboard and Ms. Becky Ross on violin. Our company was a little smaller than it has been in years past, however, it was perfectly formed all the same in that there were enough couples to respectably fill the floor and much laughter and conversation. Thank you to everyone who made the trip to join us--we had the representatives of three states outside of the Old Dominion and several Virginians who had traveled multiple hours to be a part of the evening. We were humbled to have you with us, ladies and gentlemen, and look forward with great anticipation to next year's festivities! If you weren't able to make it, be sure to visit the Facebook album dedicated to the evening and our Past Victory Ball page for videos and access to this year's dance list.
Chesapeake Waterways Heritage Festival
October 14, 2017
Thank you to our fabulous volunteers who turned out despite the drizzle to attend the Chesapeake Waterways Heritage Festival! The Regency Society of Virginia put on two demonstrations of early 19th century dance for the festival-goers. Our second demonstration included a teaching session for a large crowd of Virginia Youth Regiment members which was great fun! Couldn't make the festival? You can see pictures from the afternoon by visiting the Facebook album.
Third Annual Regency Ladies' Retreat
September 28 - October 1, 2017
We are pleased to report another successful Ladies' Retreat is in our past. Once more, we made Eastover Manor House on the James our "home" for the weekend, giving us an opportunity to indulge in a taste of the early 19th century while enjoying the company of friends, new and old. The weather was simply perfect--the objective of hosting a retreat which would allow for the wearing of spencers was fulfilled! Our ladies spent Saturday and Sunday indulging in period activities including archery, sewing, card games, and long meanders about the extensive grounds. Plus, we have such talented and knowledgeable members that we were also able to learn new skills and learn new things such as decorative fabric inking, viewing original fashion plates, and learning to write with pen and ink. Of course, the food was amazing as ever! We enjoyed two dinners featuring 18th and 19th century recipes, as well as indulgent breakfasts and hearty teas to satisfy even the most ravenous of appetites. Our attendees even had the post delivered to them! Thank you to all of the many people who made this retreat happen as well as the ladies who graced it again proving why this event has become one of our most popular. If you want to see some of the goings-on of the retreat, be sure to visit our Facebook album! (No Facebook account is required to view them!)
An Autumnal Picnic at the Lands'
September 9, 2017
Glorious early fall weather ensured that our autumn picnic at the historic Francis Land House in Virginia Beach was perfect from the start! Members and friends of the Regency Society of Virginia came bearing a wide array of period foods and ready to enjoy the grounds of the c. 1805 home on a perfectly delightful day. Those who desired to tour the house were able to see its Federal Era decor and learn about the family who occupied the house as well as its history into the 20th century. When we weren't enjoying the home, we were enjoying visiting with new friends and familiar faces, eating a delicious afternoon repast, and playing some period games. This event was notable in that, while not required, everyone showed up in period costume--including our newest member who is but three months old! We hope that you weren't among those who missed it, but if you did, you can get a glimpse of our outing by checking out the photos posted on Facebook (no account for Facebook required)!Regency Tea
August 5, 2017
We were delighted to spend a pleasant afternoon in Amelia at the charming Simply Tea tearoom this early August day. New friends and familiar faces gathered in their finery to enjoy the delicious traditional English tea offerings in Simply Tea's restored 1890's farmhouse while surrounded by Richmond shopping memorabilia. We enjoyed both French Breakfast and French Vanilla teas with an assortment of sweet and savory tea sandwiches, tarts, and muffins. Our group created a happy buzz as we visited and got to know one another. Afterwards, several of us headed down the road in our Regency attire to a home decor and antiques shop to extend our time together. If you missed it, you can still get a glimpse of the fun by browsing our Facebook photo album!"Don't Forget Your Old Shipmate" Chantey Sing
June 14, 2017
The rain didn't stop members of the RSV from attending and supporting the Norfolk Historical Society's monthly history program as this month's program focused on the sailors and naval music of the War of 1812. "Bosun's Call" entertained the gathered crowd with a variety of sea chanteys dating from the early 19th century and prior, offering a bit of historical background between each song. A reception followed with several period food offerings provided by volunteers from the RSV and beverages from the NHS. Weren't able to make it? Take a look at our album on Facebook!
Richmond Canal Boat Tour
June 10, 2017
Members and friends of the RSV gathered at the Turning Basin on Richmond's Canal Walk to enjoy a pleasant cruise by canal boat. The weather was most cooperative, being warm (but not too warm!) and very sunny. Our vessel, the "Martha Washington" arrived in time so that we could board at 10am and we were treated to a narration by our guide, "Cotton," about the history of the canal itself as well as the sites along the tour route. The tour ran from the location of the old locks down to the Great Ship Lock, during which we encountered Canada Geese (with goslings), a blue heron, several turtles sunning themselves, and Kingfishers. There were also more modern sights, such as the "triple crossing", believed to be the only place in North America where three Class I railroads cross at different levels at the same spot. Several trains passed us as we drifted down the canal, too, with two of the engineers greeting us with waves and a blowing of their engines' whistles. After the conclusion of our tour, several of the attendees went for a walk down to the James Center which stands on the spot where the canal's original turning basin was located then strolled on to Virginia's Capital building and Executive Manor before grabbing a bite to eat as a group. It was a very pleasant way to spend the morning, indeed! If you missed out, you can still see pictures from the trip by visiting our Facebook album. (Don't worry, you don't need to have a Facebook account to access it!)
Regency Day at Historic Halifax
Several members of the Regency Society of Virginia participated in the first (of a, hopefully, annual event) Regency day at Historic Halifax in North Carolina. Historic Halifax opened up their Federal Era buildings and invited early 19th century reenactors to help their "village" come to life. Our group provided dance demonstrations at the Sally Billy House twice during the day. Among the other activities available for the public to see were "Cabinets of Curiosities," a kite-making station, tailoring and millinery, printing and paper marbling, a tavern, and much more! At the end of the day we were treated to a pig roast with a plethora of delicious sides that made for an amazing meal. This was a great opportunity to really get the "feel" for the age, walking around period buildings and greeting others in period costume. Keep a look out for this event next year and be sure to make plans to attend! (Did you miss it? Check out the photos from our Facebook page!)
Highland Girl Scout Day
"Rouse, Young Men!" Recruitment Rendezvous
April 22-23, 2017
James Monroe Inauguration
March 4, 2017
The RSV was delighted to have been invited to take part in a reenactment celebrating the bicentennial of James Monroe's first Presidential Inauguration. We welcomed in the Era of Good Feelings with hearty "Huzzahs" and much patriotic feeling, as suited the occasion. Held on the campus of the University of Mary Washington and hosted by the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library, this unique event offered a glimpse of the pomp and circumstance surrounding the 1817 ceremonies investing Mr. Monroe into the office of President of the United States. The Presidential Party arrived in a carriage to the steps of UMW's Monroe Hall and were greeted with music from the Fifes and Drums and the smart presentation of arms by the assembled military representatives. Following President Monroe's speech and the Oath of Office, the entire party retired within Monroe Hall for a very pleasant reception in which RSV members had the opportunity to mingle with the public and other reenactors in attendance. If you weren't able to make it, be sure to look at our pictures on Facebook!
Sukey: Life With Dolley Madison
February 4, 2017
RSV Annual Business Meeting
January 21, 2017
Fourth Annual Twelfth Night Dinner
January 14, 2017