NNK | Menokin: Rubble With A Cause

Neither rain, nor cold, nor dark of night can keep a history-loving crowd from its appointed rounds.

That was the case last Friday evening when an overflow assembly of 120 people gathered at Rappahannock Community College’s Warsaw campus to here Dr. Richard S. Dunn speak about his recently published book, A Tale of Two Plantations: Slave Life and Labor in Jamaica and Virginia.

Earlier that afternoon, some of Menokin’s Trustees were on hand to greet Dr. Dunn and his family as they arrived from a previous engagement in Charlottesville. Sarah Pope, Executive Director, made a brief presentation about Menokin and it’s revolutionary preservation plan to conserve and interpret this National Historic Landmark.

Guests, staff and trustees mingled with the Dunns, giving them a taste of Northern Neck hospitality, and some personal insights into the Glass House Project.

Dr. Dunn and his wife, Mary Maples Dunn, are greeted by Sarah Pope, Executive Director of Menokin.

Even Dr. Dunn could not resist the charms of Helen Murphy, former trustee of Menokin.

Sarah gave an overview of Menokin’s bold plan.

Tayloe Murphy, Foundation President, spoke with Jim Rogers and Beverly Rowland.

Trustee Rosemary Basile King explains the Menokin landscape to Tod and Barry Salisbury.

Then it was off to RCC. People came from far and near to attend the lecture. With space at a premium, many arrived early to get a good spot. The auditorium was full to capacity, with an overflow room taking those who were unable to make reservations.

The lecture wrapped up with a Q&A from the audience and a book signing.

Dr. Richard S. Dunn

Shout out to RCC for being such a generous and helpful host.

A capacity crowd with a live feed to an overflow room.

Guests lined up to purchase the book and made donations to Menokin.

Dr. Dunn was a trooper and signed many, many copies!

Guests then attended a lovely reception hosted by Catherine and Tayloe Emery at nearby Mount Airy. Because Mount Airy and owner John Tayloe III were a focus of the book, it felt most appropriate for attendees to gather there to engage and be inspired.