In concert with the CDA Gates Restoration, an exciting trip to Jamestown and Richmond will take place on September 18-19, 2019. All Dames and their guests are welcome.
Be part of early CDA and Virginia history and attend the rededication of the iconic CDA entrance gates on historic Jamestown Island. The gates were originally erected in 1907 for the 300th anniversary of the founding of our nation at Jamestown in 1607. The restoration and rededication of the gates this year celebrates the 400th anniversary of the first representational General Assembly.
Scheduled events include a visit to Historic Jamestown for the official rededication of the CDA Gates, a gala dinner in Richmond celebrating the 400th anniversary of representational government in the US, and a group tour of significant historic sites around Richmond.
LOCATION:
Jamestown and Richmond, VA
ITINERARY:
Tuesday, September 17 –
Arrive in Richmond
Dutch treat dinner with other Dames or dinner on your own
Wednesday, September 18 –
Jamestown Island Visit and CDA Gates Rededication: The chartered bus will depart promptly at 8:30 am from the Jefferson Hotel (Main St. entrance) for a 45 minute journey to Jamestown. Preservation Virginia will greet the Dames, and the Rededication of the CDA Gates and wreath-laying ceremony will take place. Afterwards, there will be VIP tours of Historic Jamestowne and a tented picnic lunch. The bus will return to Jefferson Hotel at approximately 4:30 pm.
Price: $125 per person
Times: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Attire: casual and comfortable
Gala Dinner at the Commonwealth Club: Walk from the Jefferson or Graduate hotels to the Gala Event at the exclusive and historic Commonwealth Club (401 W. Franklin St., Richmond). [The Commonwealth Club was founded 1890 by Confederate Officers; the present building designed by Carriere & Hastings was finished in 1891 as a tangible symbol of the “New South.”] A cocktail and hors d’ oeuvres reception at 6:30 pm will be followed by an elegant seated dinner at 7:30 pm. Dr. James Horn, author of the award-winning book 1619: Jamestown and the Forging of American Democracy, will speak.
Price: $195 per person
Time: 6:30 pm Cocktails, 7:30 pm Dinner
Attire: jacket and tie; commensurate dress for ladies
Thursday, September 19 –
Historic Richmond Tour: The chartered bus will depart promptly at 8:30 am from the Jefferson Hotel (Main St. entrance) and return at approximately 4:30 pm, with stops to:
- The Monumental Church, built in 1812 by architect Robert Mills to commemorate 72 Richmonders who died in the Dec. 26, 1811, theatre fire – the first urban disaster of the young Republic
- John Marshall House, 1790 Federal period home of US Supreme Court Chief Justice, National Historic Landmark
- Wilton House Museum, c. 1753, seat of the Randolph family and property of the NSCDA-VA
- Lunch at Wilton’s Dependency
- Agecroft Hall, originally built in 15th c Tudor England, moved to Richmond by tobacconist and philanthropist TC Williams
Price: $125 per person
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Attire: casual and comfortable
Departure or dinner on your own/Dutch treat dinner with other Dames.
TRANSPORTATION RECOMMENDATIONS:
Richmond International Airport/Staples Mill Train Station recommended
Ground transportation from train or plane: James River Transportation, Richmond Airport Division; phone: 804-342-7300 and ask for Kizzy; or use a ride sharing company like Uber (Local taxis are disappointing.)
Rental cars are unnecessary and discouraged.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATIONS:
Suggested hotels: 5-star historic Jefferson Hotel or boutique Graduate Hotel.
The private coach on both Wednesday and Thursday mornings will depart from the Main St. entrance of the Jefferson Hotel.
Both hotels are conveniently within walking distance of the Commonwealth Club (the dinner venue on Wednesday evening) and both provide complimentary shuttles within a two mile radius.
Note: There are no hotel blocks reserved.
DINING OPTIONS:
Dining options during your stay in Richmond:
Lemaire (Elevated New American fare and craft cocktails in a stately space) | Jefferson Hotel, (804) 649-4629
TJ’s (Casual, fun atmosphere featuring pub fare) | Jefferson Hotel, (804) 649-4750
Shagbark (Southern gourmet “foodie” destination. Chef/owner formally reigned at Lemaire) | 4901 Libbie Mill E. Blvd., (804) 358-7424
The Tobacco Company Restaurant (Landmark iron front restaurant with casual vibe in historic Shockoe Bottom riverside neighborhood) | 1201 E. Cary St., (804) 782-9555, ext. 300
The Hard Shell (Intimate, upscale-casual tavern for traditional seafood, steaks & a raw bar with wine & cocktails in Shockoe Bottom) | 1411 Cary St., (804) 643-2333
No special attire required at any listed restaurant.
CONTACT:
If you have any additional questions, please contact Deborah McWilliams at [email protected] or 212-838-5489.