We've had a lot of requests for an event focused on writing and penmanship in the early 19th century and we are pleased to announce that we have finalized details on a workshop in August!  This two-part event, to be held on August 3, will be led by R. B. Bartgis, a public historian and conservator technician who has given lectures on the material culture of literacy throughout the eastern U.S.  "Writing in Austen's England" will begin with an hour-long lecture on the ins and outs of writing and literacy during the first decades of the 19th century.  For those of you who want to get more hands-on, we will conclude with a workshop which will allow you to practice cutting a quill, writing letters in period style, as well as folding and sealing letters. 

Pricing is available for both the lecture alone or a combination lecture/workshop admission, however, space is limited for the workshop portion of the event (and only open to non-members starting June 15).  Be sure to get your registration in soon to save your spot!

We apologize for the inconvenience, but we have had to cancel this Friday's (April 26) Regency Dance Practice.  We hope that you will join us at our next regularly scheduled practice on Friday, May 3!

Another quality merchant has joined our family of RSV Member-Friendly Merchants:  The Lady Detalle!  Specializing in historically-inspired accessories to make any Regency lady look fabulous, Lady Detalle carries jewelry, reticules, sashes, saris and shawls, and more!  RSV members are eligible for a 10% discount on their entire purchase when they enter the coupon code (found on the members' side of the RSV website) at checkout.  A big thanks to The Lady Detalle for supporting our members!

If you've been looking forward to our dance practices' return, look no further!  Dance practices will begin once more starting Friday, February 15, 2019 at 6:30pm at St. John's Episcopal Church in Portsmouth.  As in the past, practices are free to all regardless of RSV membership status and do not require any partner or experience with English Country Dance.  After the first practice on the 15th, we will hold practices every other Friday thereafter.  Registration for these practices is strongly encouraged.  You can let us know that you will be there for our 2019 inaugural practice by registering here.  We hope that you will join us next Friday!

We're delighted to announce the addition of another terrific vendor to our family of RSV Member-Friendly Merchants:  Willoughby and Rose!  This RSV member-owned period vendor offers a variety of ready- and custom-made 18th and early 19th century garments and accessories for purchase.  For those of you who would rather spend your sewing energies on the garments that you can see, Willoughby and Rose also offers undergarments!  RSV members can get a 10% discount at the Willoughby and Rose Etsy store with the use of the coupon code found on the members' side of the site.  Thank you so much to Willoughby and Rose for your support of the Regency Society of Virginia!

Save the date!  The RSV annual meeting will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at the Bruton Heights School campus at Colonial Williamsburg.  Join us at 10:30am to get the scoop on what events we'll be doing in 2019 and stay for our now-traditional swap meet following the business portion of our gathering.  (Rumor has it that there is also a costumers' mini-market in town later that afternoon, so you can make a day of getting your Regency on!)  The meeting is open to members and non-members alike and there is no charge to be there.  (You do need to be a member in good standing in order to vote on any organizational business, however!)  Be sure to register to let us know that you'll be joining us!

We are seeking one additional person to join our group trip to the UK in June of 2019.  If you are interested in seeing a tour packed full of the highlights of Regency England with a group whose delight in the early 19th century matches your own, don't miss this unique opportunity!  Details about the trip--including itinerary and pricing--can be found on our UK Trip webpage.  If you are interested, please be sure to contact us as soon as possible via e-mail at info@varegency.org. 

We're pleased to announce that registration is now open for our sixth annual Twelfth Night Dinner.  Join us on Saturday, January 5, 2019, for a period perfect way to conclude your holidays complete with gaming, great food, and fabulous company.  Members, be certain to log in so that you can take advantage of your membership discount on tickets.  Registration closes on January 1, so don't delay! 

Unfortunately, we have been unable to field enough dancers for this weekend's Hope Plantation Christmas Open House and have had to withdraw our participation from the event.  If you are in the Windsor, North Carolina area, we encourage you to visit this charming c. 1803 estate during their annual holiday open house!

Thank you to everyone who turned out for this year's Victory Ball.  We had fantastic attendance, despite illness keeping away several people.  A few of our guests joined us from outside of the Commonwealth (and many traveled a good distance within it to attend).  The music was excellent, the dancing was lively, and the company was superb.  If you attended and you have photos that you would like to add to our album on Facebook, please be sure to e-mail us at info@varegency.org or message us on Facebook itself.  To see pictures from the event, click here!