Virginia Shrines

Kenmore
Web Site

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 were done for this major undertaking which has been completed. See the ongoing restorations, visit the Crowninshield Museum, the beautiful grounds, and the gift shop.

Stratford Hall
Web Site

State Chairman, Jane Davenport 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.

Stratford conducts a three-week Revolutionary War Seminar for thirty selected teachers each summer. Springtime visitors may attend tri-annual gala event known as Coaching Day, when antique horse-drawn vehicles parade around Stratford's oval drive. The next Coaching Day will be May 7 & 8, 2011.

Woodlawn Plantation
Web Site

State Chairman, Judith Ann Jaudon Bednar

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.

Yorktown Custom House

Web Site

State Chairman, Barbara Price Boles

The Yorktown Custom House, located at the corner of Main and Read Streets in historic Yorktown, was 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 with upkeep and making repairs to the buildings. Currently, attention is being given to updating and adding new museum displays.

This 290 year old colonial British building just revealed a wealth of artifacts during an archeological dig that established a new dry well to help drain water away from the building. These artifacts will need proper care to preserve them before they can be placed on public display. We welcome many visitors each year to tour the Custom House museum and visit the shoppe while in Yorktown.

Kenmore	Stratford Hall
Woodlawn Plantation	Yorktown Custom House