Melrose Plantation Historic Home
Melrose Plantation served as home and workplace to famed folk artist, Clementine Hunter (1887-1988), for 75 years. She worked at Melrose Plantation first as a field hand, then as a cook serving the artists and writers who frequently stayed at the plantation during the first half of the 20th century. When Hunter was in her fifties, artist Alberta Kinsey left paints for her to dispose of; instead Hunter began painting. She was the first self-taught artist to receive the Rosenwald Fund Fellowship in 1945, and the first self-taught African American artist to receive national media attention. Her paintings and murals depicting life on the Cane River are on view throughout the Melrose property.
Regional Events
Of Ale and History: Microbrew & Imported Beer Tasting Festival ,
05/10/08
Middletown,
Virginia
Come and celebrate Belle Grove’s German and English heritage by sampling an incredible array of beers from the new and old world, as well as delicious food by area restaurants. Beverages include a fine mix of European imports and innovative American microbrews, as well as a few domestic favorites.
The Landscape of Slavery: Tour and Landscape Walk,
05/17/08
Charleston,
South Carolina
An in-depth guided tour exploring the existing landscape features, archaeological sites, maps, and documents, to reveal the actual landscape of slavery as it existed centuries ago at Drayton Hall (Charleston, South Carolina).
18th Century Encampment,
05/24/08
Middletown,
Virginia
Visit an 18th century encampment of costumed re-enactors demonstrating crafts, gunsmithing, outdoor cooking, and pioneer skills on Belle Grove’s wooded acres. Members of the Shenandoah Long Rifles are on site to interpret the Shenandoah Valley’s frontier past.
Regional Sites
Belle Grove, Middletown, Virginia, National Trust Historic Sites
Decatur House, Washington, District of Columbia, National Trust Historic Sites
Drayton Hall, Charleston, South Carolina, National Trust Historic Sites
Edward V. Valentine Sculpture Studio, Richmond, Virginia, Historic Artist Homes & Studios
Gari Melchers Home and Studio, Fredericksburg, Virginia, Historic Artist Homes & Studios
James Madison's Montpelier, Orange, Virginia, National Trust Historic Sites
Oatlands, Leesburg, Virginia, National Trust Historic Sites
Pope-Leighey House, Alexandria, Virginia, National Trust Historic Sites
President Lincoln's Cottage, Washington, District of Columbia, National Trust Historic Sites
Rosenwald Schools, Charleston, South Carolina, 11 Most Endangered
Shadows-on-the-Teche, New Iberia, Louisiana, National Trust Historic Sites
St. Elizabeths Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, 11 Most Endangered
Woodlawn, Alexandria, Virginia, National Trust Historic Sites
Woodrow Wilson House, Washington, District of Columbia, National Trust Historic Sites
