NEWS

Fairfield Foundation to Host Fundraiser at Glen Roy Plantation June 28. Gold and Silver Sponsors will receive a private tour of the antebellum plantation by archaeologists and the home’s owner who lovingly restored it in 2012.

Glen Roy Plantation, a private property and residence that dates back to a 600-acre land grant from English King Charles I in the 1600s, will open this summer to the community in honor of a fundraiser for the Fairfield Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to public archaeology, education, and preservation.The summer evening party from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. will take place Saturday, June 28. Sponsors and guests will enjoy food catered by Helen Ward of The Table at Wilton along with the historic atmosphere of this stunning property in Gloucester, Va.’s Ware Neck region.

“Your support and attendance will demonstrate your commitment to our ongoing educational activities that help all of us preserve our shared heritage,” said David Brown, Co-Director with Thane Harpole of the Fairfield Foundation.

While the star of the party is the efforts of the Fairfield Foundation to help unearth and preserve the history of the Middle Peninsula, and educate people of all ages along the way through hands-on experiences in the field, the location of the event will take center stage.

“The house and grounds of Glen Roy are among Gloucester County’s most impressive antebellum plantations,” said Tom Karow, a Board member with the Fairfield Foundation who is helping lead this signature fundraising event. “The property was carefully restored by Miranda McClintic and Jay Smith, who combine a deep respect for the integrity of this treasured historic home with their own flair for modern living and stylish entertaining.”

Gold and Silver Sponsors and a few select friends of the Fairfield Foundation will also receive an optional tour of the house and grounds led by Smith and Fairfield Foundation Co-Directors.

“They will share the wonderful history of the house in a way that no one else can, as well as the challenges of restoring this beautiful home and the stories they discovered along the way,” Karow said.

Sponsorships for the event are available at various levels. In addition to tickets to the event, tours of Glen Roy and public recognition, sponsors of $1,000 and up will receive a personalized family and friends “dig day” for up to 20 people at the Fairfield Foundation, one of Virginia’s most important archaeological sites.

Glen Roy Plantation sits on a slight rise that leads down to the wide waters of the Ware River. The imposing manor house was built in 1853 by William Patterson Smith. Early records indicate that the property was the original location of Ware Episcopal Church, the earliest colonial church in Gloucester.

Miranda McClintic and Jay Smith, the plantation’s owners, began renovating the house in 2006, which included, among other detail work, rebuilding the 12 fireplaces, replacing damaged beams to shore up years of neglect, and transforming what’s believed to be the oldest structure on the property, once used as a doctor’s office, into a library.

Smith, a highly respected and skilled architect, as well as former Board of Directors member of the Fairfield Foundation, took on the renovation with his wife, a museum curator.

Can’t make the event but want to support the efforts?

Become a member of the Fairfield Foundation. All members receive a triennial newsletter highlighting the various activities, along with updates of recent finds and upcoming events.

Memberships are welcome at any level from donating volunteer hours to corporate sponsorships.

Donate online at http://www.fairfieldfoundation.org or send a check to P.O. Box 157, White Marsh, Va. 23183.

Contact Tom Karow at 804.694.7216 for more information about tickets to the fundraiser at Glen Roy Plantation or to become a sponsor.