Virginia Shrines

Virginia DAR Supported Historic Sites

Kenmore

Located in Fredericksburg, Kenmore was built by George Washington's sister, Betty, and her husband Fielding Lewis. This is a time of great challenges for historic Kenmore. In 1998, a major five-year restoration began of Kenmore Mansion to repair damage done during the Civil War, update the air conditioning system, and return the interior decor to its appearance during the Lewis period. Years of careful research in preparation for this undertaking are complete. Funds are needed for all projects. See the ongoing restorations, visit the Crowninshield Museum, the beautiful grounds, and the gift shop.

Stratford Hall

State Chairman ~ Jane D. Brooks

The Virginia Daughters have been aiding Stratford Hall since 1936, as it was the home of the only two brothers, Richard Henry and Francis Lightfoot Lee, to sign the Declaration of Independence. It was also the home of "Light Horse" Harry Lee, a courageous Revolutionary officer. One of our finest historic shrines, it has recently been cited by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a "shining example" of restoration that was done right. The Robert E. Lee Memorial Association's Directors set high standards for preservation of the unique mansion and its bracket dependencies in 1929, and that same philosophy remains today. Stratford is continuously searching for new information and ways to interpret the life and times of the four generations of famous Lees that lived there. Located in Westmoreland County, this is a site that should be visited by each DAR member and worthy of your support. Stratford especially needs financial assistance for its three-week Revolutionary War Seminar conducted for thirty selected teachers each summer. Springtime visitors may attend an annual gala event known as Coaching Day, when antique horse-drawn vehicles parade around Stratford's oval drive.

Woodlawn Plantation

State Chairman ~ Irene B. Walker

George and Martha Washington gave Woodlawn Plantation as a wedding gift to Nelly Custis and Lawrence Lewis in 1799. Nelly was the granddaughter of Martha and adopted daughter of George Washington, and Lawrence Lewis was the nephew of George Washington. Nelly was reared at Mt. Vernon, and associated with many Revolutionary Patriots there and at Woodlawn. Located in northern Virginia near Mt. Vernon, Woodlawn was purchased by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1949. Since that time we have all been working to bring Nelly and Lawrence's household furnishings back to Woodlawn.

The Yorktown Customhouse

State Chairman ~ C. Ann Bruce Clark

At 410 Main Street, Yorktown, Virginia, stands a colonial building known as the Yorktown Customhouse, built about 1720 by Richard Ambler, the first Collector of Customs for the York River District. Restored in 1930, the building and its dependencies still stand on their original sites. Donations from the Virginia Daughters over the years have been very helpful in making repairs to the buildings. And there are always new expenses. As well as the physical needs of the property, attention sometimes must be given to the artifacts in the Museum rooms. Current priorities include refurbishing Museum displays and restoring the Nelson Family Bible.

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Last updated: October 14, 2024
State Webmaster: M.E. Campbell