From July 20 through July 22 Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center served as a pivotal spot for Nottoway County Heritage Days. With the arrival of the Civil War 150 History Mobile on Friday the festivities began.

“The Civil War 150 History Mobile is a first-rate exhibit that tells the stories of people who experienced the Civil War inVirginia– whether in the battlefield, on the home front, or on the journey to freedom,” remarked Delegate Tommy Wright at the opening ceremonies. 

“The History Mobile travels throughout the state, visiting schools, museums, fairs, and special events like this one.  Not only are we delighted to have the History Mobile here for Nottoway Heritage Days, but I want to let you know that this is also a special weekend in another way – it is the History Mobile’s birthday! The History Mobile began its tour last year on July 21, at the Manassas battlefield, and it has seen over 40,000 visitors since,” continued Delegate Wright.

“What an exciting time it was for BCRC to host the Civil War 150 History Mobile.  In addition, in conjunction with the mobile’s time on site and Nottoway’s Heritage Days, BCRC was pleased to offer our own special program Faith of the Civil War Soldier,” commented Executive Director Sam McCracken.

“Guests attending the program were first treated to a banquet completely reminiscent to what would have been prepared in 1864.  Although, I was told that the chicken wasn’t authentic in that we didn’t prepare ours in lard!”

“Following the meal, guests moved to the newly restored Carroll Room to share the evening with General Robert E. Lee (as interpreted by David Palmer) who for the next hour kept us on the edge of our seats as he shared the events that shaped his life, and how his unswerving faith in God sustained him in his darkest moments.  All attending were truly moved by the sincerity of the monologue.”

In addition to the above mentioned events, BCRC also hosted crafters of the period, Reenactors, and the Library of Virginia’s Civil War 150 Legacy Project: Document Digitization and Access (a project to identify and locate original source materials in Virginia related to the Civil War and emancipation).  While on site the Legacy Project photographed and documented over 2000 items relating to the Civil War.

“God is good and we were thankful to be a part of this worthy community event,” concluded Sam.

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July 24, 2012