By Ashley McLeod, Staff Writer
Jul 1, 2013, 14:30
PRINCE GEORGE — For the second year in a row, Prince George County held a Founder’s Day celebration at the Prince George County Heritage Center. This year marks the 310th anniversary of the founding of the county and was celebrated with barbeque, ice cream, and a show.
The Fort Lee Theater Company re-enacted the trial of the Rev. Grivell Pooley v. Cecily Reynolds Bailey Jordan, which took place in 1623 and was possibly the first trial for breach of promise in the area. The two residents involved in the trial lived at Jordan’s Journey, also known as Beggar’s Bush. Jordan’s Journey was a settlement, which later became a part of Prince George County, and would have been located where the Benjamin Harrison Bridge is now.
“This year we wanted to emphasize Jordan’s Journey, one of the earliest settlements here in Prince George,” said Carol Bowman, executive director of the Heritage Center.
The celebration also marked the opening of a new exhibit at the Heritage Center, “Jordan’s Journey: Hope and Hardship Along the James.” The exhibit features artifacts found at the site of Jordan’s Journey, which are on loan from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The exhibit will be at the Heritage Center for a year.
“I think it’s important for everyone to see the artifacts and understand the importance of their heritage,” said Judy Hamby, chair of the Heritage Center Board of Directors.
After the play, attendees had the opportunity to look through the exhibit at the different artifacts. Following this, Prince George Family Barbeque served food to those in attendance, including ice cream and cake. The 392nd Army Concert Band entertained the audience following the meal.
“It’s a chance to celebrate the county, learn some history, learn about the heritage center and the work we do here. So we just want people to have a fun time while doing all of that,” Bowman said.
The Heritage Center is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., and the new exhibit will be in place until next year.
