Monday, July 6 2009

Join us at Scotchtown, home of Patrick Henry, orator of the American Revolution and first Governor of Virginia from 1771 to 1778, for a special new exhibit entitled Ornament and Simplicity debuting July 10th and concluding November 1, 2009. Explore how the Henry family and later residents of Scotchtown used elements of ornament and simplicity in their clothing to make statements about themselves. More than two dozen historic garments and accessories, c. 1760-1830, will be on display including pieces from the collection of noted collector Mary Doering as well as rarely exhibited pieces from the Preservation Virginia collection.

Items on exhibit from Mary Doering's collection include rare garments dating from the American Revolution period and the early 19th century including formal and informal men's and women's wear and a variety of period accessories. Items from the Preservation Virginia collection will include a dress belonging to John Marshall's niece, jewelry belonging to the Sheppard family of Scotchtown as well as a mourning brooch containing the hair of Patrick Henry's second wife, Dorothea Dandridge. A reproduction costumed mannequin representing Jenny, an enslaved domestic servant at Scotchtown in the 1770s, will also be on exhibit from the Preservation Virginia collection.

"Preservation Virginia is pleased to offer this installation as a way to visually connect the people to their function and status to their community and to the cultural history embodied at Scotchtown" notes Elizabeth Kostelny, Executive Director of Preservation Virginia.

If You Go:

About Scotchtown

Scotchtown is open to the general public from March 1- December 31st 10 am to 5pm Friday and Saturdays and 1pm-5pm on Sunday. Additional group tours are available by appointment.

Scotchtown is a historic site on the Road to Revolution Heritage Trail. This trail links historic sites and institutions in Virginia that interpret the life of Patrick Henry. For further information on the Road to Revolution Heritage Trail visit www.roadtorevolution.org.

General Admission is $8, Senior Citizens $6, Students $4, AAA Members $7, Preservation Virginia Members are extended free admission to Scotchtown and ten other additional properties. For further information on this benefit visit www.preservationvirginia.org/join.

Exhibit included with admission to the house

Location:

Scotchtown is located 11 miles northwest of Ashland off of Route 54 at:

16120 Chiswell Lane
Beaverdam, VA 23015

Telephone Contact: 804-227-3500, Email: scotchtown@preservationvirginia.org

About Preservation Virginia

Preservation Virginia, a private non-profit organization and statewide historic preservation leader founded in 1889, is dedicated to perpetuating and revitalizing Virginia's cultural, architectural and historic heritage thereby ensuring that historic places are integral parts of the lives of present and future generations. Our mission is directly consistent with and supportive of Article XI of the Constitution of Virginia, benefiting both the Commonwealth and the nation. Preservation Virginia provides leadership, experience, influence, and services to the public and special audiences by saving, managing, and protecting historic places, and developing preservation policy, programs, and strategies with individuals, organizations, and local, state, and national partners. To learn more visit www.preservationvirginia.org.

Press Contact:
Tina Calhoun
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Preservation Virginia
204 West Franklin Street
Richmond, Virginia 23220
tcalhoun@preservationvirginia.org