The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library has been awarded two event
support grants totaling $3,000 by the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority (EDA) on April 9. Both grants were awarded under the EDA’s JumpStart! program, which stimulates economic development by supporting events and projects undertaken by city businesses and nonprofit organizations.
One grant, for $1,000, supports performers at two museum events commemorating the birthdays of James Monroe and his wife, Elizabeth Kortright Monroe. The presidential birthday event, on April 28, features the performance “I Love My Love with an ‘A,’” by harpist Eve Watters. This lively presentation of authentic sounds from the parlors and hearths of Monroe, Jefferson, Madison and their neighbors reveals glimpses of historic everyday Virginia from a fresh and fascinating perspective. The day-long event also includes living history presentations by Monroe character interpreter Jay Harrison.
The award also supports Mrs. Monroe’s birthday tea which will be celebrated on June 9. The event features storyteller Lynn Ruehlmann presenting “It Happened in the White House: True Tales of the Eight Virginia Presidents and their Wives.”
The second grant, for $2,000, supports performer fees and logistics for the 23rd Annual Fredericksburg Welsh Festival on September 22. Presented in partnership with the Welsh Society of Fredericksburg, the event is a celebration of Welsh culture in America in honor of Elizabeth Jones, mother of James Monroe. The festival includes music, dancing, storytelling, traditional foods and vendors selling products reflective of Welsh heritage.
“The museum is grateful for the EDA’s support of these programs,” said Scott Harris, director of the James Monroe Museum. “We believe it validates our role within Fredericksburg’s tourism community, and our efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents.”
The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library is a National Historic Landmark owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia and administered by the University of Mary Washington. Founded in 1927, it is the nation’s largest repository of artifacts and documents related to the fifth President of the United States. For hours of operation, directions, and other information, call (540) 654-1043, or visit www.jamesmonroemuseum.org.
