Urbanna Baptist Church was the setting as actors “Richard Henry Lee,” left, and “George Mason” discuss “The World Turned Upside Down.” Lee was portrayed by Frank Megargee, and Douglas Cohen played Mason. (Photos by Tom Chillemi)
During the 10th annual Urbanna Founders Day celebration on Saturday, Aug. 3, historical interpreters brought to life the issues of colonial America.
Lee, just back from the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, told Mason slavery would destroy the new republic, unless a solution was found. The gentlemen discussed a wide variety of topics about the Revolutionary War, the formation of the new government, and Virginia’s new constitution, which Mason authored.
Richard Henry Lee was the brother of colonial diplomat Arthur Lee, who built the Lansdowne home in Urbanna, which is still in use.
An 18th century replica of a colonial trading sloop “Luna” was open for tours at the Urbanna Town Marina during Urbanna Founders Day. The ship was built by the Colonial Seaport Foundation, located in Deltaville.“Anas Todkill,” who explored Chesapeake Bay with Captain John Smith in the 17th century, relives the adventure during the 10th annual Urbanna Founders Day on Aug. 3, presented by the Friends of Urbanna. Urbanna Founders Day visitors from Westmoreland County try their hand at handling the oars of “Explorer,” a replica of the boat used by Captain John Smith to map Chesapeake Bay in the 17th century. From left they are siblings Scarlett, Hunter, and Landon Desimone. The boat was built by volunteers at the Deltaville Maritime Museum.Urbanna Founders Day historical interpreter Brian Edwards shares his knowledge of Lansdowne, the home of Arthur Lee, an American diplomat and politician who help secure French support for the American Revolution. The walls are painted the same shade of green that they were painted when the home was built in 1741.Roland Anderson, right, of the Deltaville Maritime Museum, uses a replica of an early Chesapeake Bay map to explain some of the challenges faced by Captain John Smith. Music of colonial America filled Urbanna Baptist Church during Founders Day. The musicians include, from left, Thomas DeRose, Paul Vosteen, MeiLi Garcia and Lance Pedigo.
