Spring 2011 Newsletter NEWS FROM POLEGREEN

Inside: Polegreen’s Bluford is Bob Bluford is Virginian of Virginian of the Year • the Year • Message from the President Cornwell, Mills Godwin, Gerald Balliles, Harry F. Byrd Jr., June Carter Cash, Willard From the Desk of the Editorial 4.14.11 • Executive Director Scott, Ricky Rudd and Roger Mudd. Many people who know Bob Bluford The Rev. Dr. Robert Bluford Jr., the man Annual Report through his association with the Historic principally responsible for saving the site • Polegreen Church Foundation may be of Historic Polegreen Church in Hanover Resource Development unaware that he flew B-24 bombers • County, as well as an additional 107 acres during World War II, and was director of Programs & Events of Civil War battlefield, was honored Friday • Presbyterian Campus Ministries during night in Norfolk as the Virginia Press Atkinson Leads Volunteer the turbulent 1960s. He and two associates Association’s 2011 Virginian of the Year. • Program created Richmond’s Fan Free Clinic in 1970, Past recipients of the award have included which led to free clinics in 58 other Virginia News from the Annual former governors and senators, best-selling Communities within a decade. In 1975, • Meeting authors, prominent educators, musicians and Bluford began a movement that resulted athletes, and well-known CEOs, newspaper Sesquicentennial Committee in the Laurel community in Henrico being publishers, and broadcasters. They were • designated a Historic District. all worthy of the award as Virginians who achieved fame and success in their given In the 1980s, we went to work on Polegreen fields. Church, an area threatened by encroaching residential development that is significant as This year, the VPA decided to restructure the a Civil War battlefield and as the spot where criteria to place less emphasis on celebrity the Rev. Samuel Davies began a quest for and more emphasis the freedom of religious choice in Colonial on humanitarian Virginia. achievement. For this reason, At age 92, Bluford still works tirelessly Bob Bluford, for Polegreen Church, and for a number of who is hardly a causes relating to Native American Heritage, household name reviving Virginia’s official state song, and outside of Hanover Civil War heritage. and Henrico counties and the We at the Herald-Progress are proud to have City of Richmond, nominated Dr. Bluford for the award. Much joined a list of more credit must go to Hanover residents luminaries that Sumpter Priddy Jr., Doug Blue and Del. includes Ralph Chris Peace for research and the preparation Stanley, the Statler of the nomination. Dr. Bluford with editor Greg Glassner and advisory board Brothers, Arthur member Sumpter Priddy. Continued to www.historicpolegreen.org Ashe, Patricia HISTORIC POLEGREEN CHURCH FOUNDATION POLEGREEN Treasurer’s Report

about a possible “double-dip” competition among historic non- recession, the Finance Committee, profits for finite donor resources. based on considerable discussion, In light of this reality, the Board recommended moving its managed committed to a new strategic plan accounts to a 50/50 weighting with measurable goals built around of bonds/equities from a 40/60 5 elements that include increasing bond/equity weighting. I hope you awareness of and visitation to will agree that this conservative Polegreen in metro Richmond, approach is a wise and accepted continuing to create and implement standard in these times. programs telling the Polegreen story, strengthening the financial David W. Fuller, Treasurer Operating revenues (excluding underpinnings of the Foundation by Chairman of the Finance investment gains and interest) launching the targeted initiatives, Committee dropped in 2010, due in part to the developing a management plan to recovering economy, but mostly address leadership succession and attributable to construction taking staff capacity needs, and finally, Greetings and good health to you! place on site. 2009 numbers skew implementing site plans for further Thank you for your continued this simple analysis due to three development at the site. The Board support of the Historic Polegreen restricted contributions from the is confident that this vision is one Church Foundation. You will Parsons, Cabell and Windsor which will be embraced by our be pleased to know that 2010 Foundations for building our new community of supporters. proved extremely successful for center and office space totaling the Foundation. Not only did our $125,000. Otherwise a dynamic Thank you for your support during programs and educational outreach analysis of revenues actually would these challenging economic times. expand but we also dedicated show an increase totaling over Each donation helps support our new visitor center and office $100,000 in support for operations. the mission of preserving the building. We hope you will visit Our 2010 program enhancement historic site and interpreting the often. led to mid-year budget adjustments contributions of the men and increasing previously expected women at this special place. HPCF ended the fiscal year 2010 expenses. These investments Financial contributions of all sizes with total net assets of $ 4,885,359, advance HPCF’s mission and matter and we are so privileged which is an increase of $34,104 benefit at-risk youth across the to have a wonderfully supportive over the previous period. This region. group of people. positive position represents sound investment strategies by our money Upon review of the End of Year David W. Fuller, Treasurer managers as well as the vigilance 2010 Financial Statements HPCF Chairman of the Finance of the Board of Directors for cost finances are healthy considering Committee controls. In order to be cautious the still sluggish economy and

HISTORIC POLEGREEN CHURCH FOUNDATION POLEGREEN

This selected financial information is part of the completed compilation of financials prepared Polegreen is now live on www.GiveRichmond.org and we encourage by Charles E. Walton & Co., P.C. you to visit online. GiveRichmond is a searchable database that provides Copies of these reports and our programmatic, financial, governance and management information Form 990 are available upon about the charitable organizations serving the Greater Richmond region, request. Please contact the HPCF including Southside Virginia. You will find this information organized office at 804-730-3837. in the form of a nonprofit “portrait.” The site is free and available to the public. Statement of GiveRichmond allows you to give directly through the website by making Financial Position a secure credit card donation. If you are interested in giving of your ______time, many nonprofits have included volunteer opportunities within the Assets ______needs statement of their portrait. Lastly, you may choose to “give the ______Current Assets 1,082,873 gift of charity” by participating in our pilot giving card program. Make ______Net Property 3,776,236 a donation and receive a giving card. Pass the giving card on to a friend ______Other Assets 26,250 or loved one and give them an opportunity to support a local nonprofit of ______their choice. ______Total Assets 4,885,359 Resource Development Grant News ______Liabilities and Net Assets Patrick Henry ______Birthplace 15,750 ______Total Net Assets 4,869,609 The Foundation wishes to thank In related news, Polegreen and LDW Consulting recently partnered ______M&T Bank, The Dominion to revitalize our grant writing Total Liabilities Foundation, and the Robins department revising our mini-case and net assets 4,885,359 Foundation for their recent investments in our educational for support to focus on expanding program. Each of these capacity and enhancing programs Program Services organizations seeks opportunities instead of a singular focus on Management to improve the lives of Virginians bricks and mortar. Polegreen’s long and General through grants to nonprofit range endowment activities will be Fundraising organizations like Polegreen. led by Dr. Bluford who is engaged Since December 1st these three in recruiting co-chairs for a major $19,969 philanthropic gifts will fully fund fund-raising effort furthering his our educational outreach position vision of an educational center on for 2011. As a result, Dr. Farrah site. Please contact the Foundation $57,109 $97,398 Graham will be working with if you would like to participate in students from across the region any of this work. training them to use primary sources and hands-on activities on site.

HISTORIC POLEGREEN CHURCH FOUNDATION POLEGREEN

2010 HONOR ROLL OF DONORS The Board of Directors and staff gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the following donors whose gifts have enhanced the historic site in extraordinary ways and developed programs and partnerships. Every attempt has been made to list donors accurately. Should there be an error or omission, please call: 804-730-3837. IN HONOR OF DR. & MRS. Mr. & Mrs. Harry J. Warthen Mrs. Frances B. Mack ROBERT BLUFORD, JR. Mrs. Dorothy T. Wingfield Mrs. Hazel M. Hubbard Mr. & Mrs. David L. Camper Mr. & Mrs. Frank Atkinson Mrs. Mary Beth McIntyre Mrs. Hazel M. Hubbard Mr. & Mrs. Moreland R. Irby, Jr. Mrs. Wilana Madden Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Beadles Ms. Jane Clark IN HONOR OF MARY AYLETT Mr. & Mrs. Sumpter Priddy Ms. Jayne Sneed PAYNE Ms. Karen Gorham Ms. Kay Snedden Mrs. Sarah Redington Ms. Nancy Hill Patrick Henry Circle GOVERNMENT honoring gifts of $250-499 Friends of Dissenters Hanover County, Virginia Dr. Karl Peace honoring gifts up to $99 FOUNDATIONS Mr. John Shinholser Dr. Mathias Bergman The Dominion Foundation Mr. & Mrs. David L. Camper Mr. & Mrs. Alan Kinker Harry A. Thomas Memorial Fund of Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Strohm Mr. & Mrs. Allen Wimett The Community Foundation Mr. & Mrs. W. Taylor Reveley, III Mr. & Mrs. Ed Alexander The Robins Foundation Mr. Dennis E. Brown Mr. & Mrs. Harry F. Hayes Mr. Thomas Jefferson, III Mr. & Mrs. Philip L. Coltrain CORPORATIONS AND Rev. & Mrs. Jim Payne Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Rhudy ORGANIZATIONS The Honorable & Mrs. Christopher K. Mr. & Mrs. Richard E. Peroe A.W. Bennett Company, Inc. Peace Mr. & Mrs. Robert Tate City Wide Decorators, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Williams, Jr. Covenant Woods Samuel Morris Meeting House Club Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Rada The Dominion Foundation Matching honoring gifts of $100-249 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Abernathy Gift Fund Dr. & Mrs. Edwin S. Wysor Mr. & Mrs. William Chalmers Mechanicsville Power Equipment Dr. & Mrs. Franklyn H. Ashby, Jr. Mr. Daniel Escalera Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Mills Minton Mr. David Pultz IN-KIND SERVICES Mr. & Mrs. John Ensign Mr. Edward Galle City Wide Decorators, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. John Hardy Willson Mr. Glenn C. Thomason Dr. and Mrs. Robert Bluford, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. John Krebbs Mr. James Aldridge Hanover Ruritan Club Mr. & Mrs. John S. Hart Mr. Lloyd Huckstep Mr. Eugene Atkinson Mr. & Mrs. John T. Stevenson Mr. Otho D. Mitterer Mr. Tom Carlton Mr. & Mrs. Lamar Williamson Mr. Robert Birney Mr. & Mrs. Peter E. Broadbent Mr. Thomas Eason THE ANNUAL FUND Mr. & Mrs. Peter Rippe Individuals Mr. Tom Brown, III. Mr. & Mrs. William Thompson Mr. Win Nuckols The Samuel Davies Society Mr. & Mrs. William Dent Mrs. Elizabeth A. Ramsey honoring gifts of $500 + Mr. E. S. Wysor Mrs. Nancy Eberle Mrs. Martha D. Newell Mr. Finn Jensen Mrs. Peggy Witherspoon Dr. Virgie M. Binford Mr. Frank Hargrove Ms Dorothy Eason Mr. Bob Bluford, III Mr. Frederick G. Kraft, Jr. Ms. Barbara Mucklow Mr. G. Everett B. Reveley Mr. G. Everett B. Reveley Ms. Grace Webb Mr. & Mrs. Hunter B. Keck Mr. John B. Bailey Ms. Joan Losen Mr. & Mrs. F. Claiborne Johnston, Jr. Mr. John D. Mitchell Ms. Kathy Huneycutt Mr. & Mrs. David Bradley Mr. & Mrs. John Rose Mrs. Marion Jones Mr. & Mrs. David W. Fuller Mr. Josiah Rowe Ms. Mary Sisson Mr. & Mrs. Robert Giles Mr. Richard Carr Ms. Peggy S. Fore Mrs. Margaret Thomas Mr. William Winfrey Ms. Rebecca K. Cooley Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth M. Perry Mrs. Anna Marie Blatt Rev. H. Starke Cauthorn Mrs. Dotty C. Robinson

HISTORIC POLEGREEN CHURCH FOUNDATION POLEGREEN

Anglicans into Presbyterians, including our own, were to President’s Message Gooch granted Davies the license he experience religious and sought. On this day in Williamsburg civil liberty as we are able to in 1747 a seed was planted that was experience it. Almost daily we read to grow beyond the anticipation of of those who are tortured or killed anyone present, including Davies because of their failure to confirm to himself. religious viewpoints that differ from their own. It doesn’t take the Our experience at Polegreen over brilliance of Einstein to see why this past twenty years has revealed multitudes take the view, “a pox on that there are yet a great many of Robert Bluford, Jr. all your houses,” and go their way our fellow citizens who do not know President without regard to what role of the there was ever a time in America Creator of the Universe might be in Dear Friends of Polegreen, when the government and the their own life. Two hundred and sixty four years Church were locked hand ago in the month of April, young in hand. As to the relevance of I leave you with a quote from one Samuel Davies appeared before the Samuel Davies, the Polegreen of Davies’ sermons: “A servant Colonial Governor William Gooch story and the impact on the first of Christ who does not, in every to make his request to be licensed amendment to our Bill of Rights, known instance, endeavor to do his to preach in Virginia. Impressed by it appears that we are engaged in a master’s will is a contradiction.” the twenty-three year old before mission that multitudes of people him because of his demeanor, around the world might find May the blessing of God be upon us knowledge, and respect for the of great value. It is difficult to all. governor and his council, as well as imagine what the world might Bob Bluford his convincing pledge not to convert be like if all tribes and nations,

offering on June 30, 2011 with the From the Desk of the Executive Director Commonwealth Bluegrass Band. Please come with your folding chair and blanket for an enjoyable Over the past several years, In 2011 the Foundation will busy evening on site. Ultimately, Foundation efforts have focused itself with our educational programs our vision is to be recognized primarily on “bricks and mortar” and pursuing implementation of an for leadership in the historic enhancements. Last year, we updated strategic plan developed in interpretation of civil and religious dedicated our new visitor center and consultation with Dr. Charlie Bryan freedom through the sustained office building with two wonderful and Dr. Dan Jordan. Polegreen’s preservation of the site, community events. This winter the Road to programs include a lecture by Dr. outreach, collaborative partnerships, Revolution Heritage Trail signs John Ragosta who will speak on and educational programs. Over the were placed in VDOT right of “Religious Freedom -- How we got past year, with your help, we are ways across the Commonwealth it: Hornets, Snakes, Presbyterians, making this vision a reality. directing the travelling public and Baptists” at the Library of to sites significant to the life of Virginia, and attempts to distribute Sincerely, Patrick Henry including Polegreen. lesson plans to regional school Interest and visitation appear to be systems. By mid-summer we will increasing daily as a result of these host our second annual Lawn Chairs Christopher K. Peace, Esq. improvements. & Liberty after-work musical Executive Director HISTORIC POLEGREEN CHURCH FOUNDATION POLEGREEN

We’re Going Bridal Sesquicentennial Committee

In March, the Hanover County Sesquicentennial Committee of Polegreen is pleased to take part which Polegreen is in Premier Bride Magazine to be a founding member hosted a digital published in June and December, scanning project alongside the Library 2011. This will be our first of Virginia. This Library of Virginia advertisement to interested brides effort is spread around the state as a in hopes they will consider our part of the official commemoration site for their special day. Special program. For our first foray, at the thanks to Kayle Miller of Endzone Mechanicsville Pamunkey Regional Jay Johnston Photography for shooting the Library, we had a good turnout with about 80 items scanned! Please visit beautiful pictures. Don’t forget to The Foundation wishes to con- pick up your copy in June. Visit this link to our local committee: gratulate its new Vice President, www.pbrichmond.com and click on http://co.hanover.va.us/planning/ F. Claiborne (“Jay”) Johnston, who “Ceremony Sites and Chapels.” hcsc.htm. is a Senior Counsel at Troutman Sanders in Richmond, Virginia. News from the Annual Meeting Jay’s practice encompasses a wide- range of corporate finance and other In February of this year, the Board of Directors met in the new corporate matters and transactions, visitor center and foundation office building to consider Foundation including mergers and acquisitions, business. Each year officers and new directors are selected. On securities offerings, change-in- behalf of the Governance Committee, Mr. Dave Fuller presented the control and related transactions, and following slate of officers for the upcoming year: corporate governance issues. During Dr. Robert Bluford, Jr. – President his career, he has served as counsel F. Claiborne (Jay) Johnston, Jr. – Vice President & Secretary or special counsel to a number David W. Fuller – Treasurer of Virginia’s leading businesses. Christopher K. Peace – Executive Director His public service includes stints and the following slate of directors to serve three-year terms on the Board of Directors of the expiring 2014, effective immediately: Library of Virginia, Westminster- Robert B. Giles Canterbury Corporation, and The Kenneth M. Perry Valentine Museum (now Richmond History Center). The Board unanimously approved the slate of officers and directors as presented. Dr. Bluford thanked Mary Payne, Dotty Robinson and Margaret Thomas for their service on the Board.

HISTORIC POLEGREEN CHURCH FOUNDATION POLEGREEN Upcoming Programs William Byrd Community House Events______National Day of Prayer - May 5, 5:30 PM Hanover County Heritage Day - May 14, 9:30 AM Civil War Site Encampment - May 15

Hanover Association of Business / Chamber of Commerce After Hours Social - June 15, 5:30 PM until dusk Lawn Chairs & Liberty Concert with the Commonwealth Bluegrass Band - Thursday evening June 30 The students of the William Byrd Bluford/ Founder Memorial Service - October 23, 3 PM Community House visited the Polegreen site on April 21. They were Haunted Halloween - October 27, 6 PM the first group of students to test our Colonial Christmas Illumination - December 2, 5 PM new Archaeological Dig Simulation and Colonial Games. Thanks to our Lectures______educational grants, students who Hanover’s Sesquicentennial Committee Lecture with Waite visit Polegreen will have hands on Rawls, CEO Museum of the Confederacy, June 26, 2 PM at the activities to enhance their learning. Historic Hanover Tavern Polegreen Lecture Series with Dr. John Ragosta: Host Your Event at “Religious Freedom - How we got it: Hornets, Snakes, Polegreen Presbyterians, & Baptists”, July 12, 6 PM lecture at the Library of Virginia, reception to follow Did you know that you could rent the Polegreen site for your special event? Lunch & Learn Opportunities Do you need a conference room for that important meeting? Consider The Foundation recently launched a new development initiative entitled Polegreen for a serene setting to befit Lunch and Learn. This monthly event is designed to assist Polegreen any occasion. From partial to full site with expanding its giving base and raise awareness. The Foundation encourages you to refer your contacts to us so we may invite and facilitate rentals, the Polegreen calendar is busy similar meetings. Board members will co-host these opportunities in with weddings, meetings and group the future. Guests are treated to a brief program, lunch, and a tour of the tours. This means you will occasionally Polegreen site. For more information please contact Missy Minton at the find a “Site Closed” sign for a private Foundation. event. A local Boy Scout Troop is Calling All Volunteers working diligently on two additional picnic tables so that you and your Eugene Atkinson, a longtime volunteer at Polegreen, has accepted the challenge group can site and relax and enjoy to become our first Volunteer Coordinator. Eugene is in the process of gathering our beautiful site. You can access our names of interested individuals who would like to assist our staff in giving tours Facility Use Policy on our website and and maintaining the site. All volunteers are required to attend a training sessions and fill out an application. Come help us spread the message of Polegreen and by clicking on “Host Your Special Event take part in history. For more details, contact Eugene at 804.525.0477 or by email at Polegreen” from the homepage. at [email protected]. HISTORIC POLEGREEN CHURCH FOUNDATION Historic Polegreen Church Foundation Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 2111 PAID Mechanicsville, VA 23116-0011 Mechanicsville, VA Permit No. 190

Mrs. Richard Reynolds PO Box 7170 Richmond, VA 23221-0170 /232210170705/

Board of Directors Education Advisory Council Executive Director Robert Bluford, Jr. President Dr. Mathias Bergman Christopher K. Peace F. Claiborne Johnston, Jr. Randolph-Macon College [email protected] Vice President & Secretary David W. Fuller Treasurer Dr. William Bosher Deputy Director of Resource Richard E. Bartell Virginia Commonwealth University Development Robert Bluford, III Missy Minton David B. Bradley Jenny Cote [email protected] Robert B. Giles Historical Author Barbara-lyn B. Morris Mark Greenough Contact Us Kenneth M. Perry Virginia State Capitol For general information or questions, G. Everett B. Reveley please contact: Robert F. Strohm Jennifer Hurst Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2111, Harry J. Warthen, III Preservation Virginia Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116 Phone: (804) 730-3837 Advisory Board June Lehman Tommy P. Baer St. Catherine’s School Dr. Virgie M. Binford To join our email mailing list, please visit Dr. Charles F. Bryan, Jr. Kay Peninger www.historicpolegreen.org and find the Hugh Gouldthorpe St. John’s Church Foundation tool in the lower right hand corner. Ivor Massey Jr. Martha D. Newell Nora Wheeler Search for “Historic Polegreen Church Sumpter T. Priddy, Jr. Hanover County Public Schools Foundation” on Facebook W. Taylor Reveley, III Follow us on Twitter @Polegreen Rev. Jack Sadler Dr. Jamelle Wilson Professor C. Jan Swearingen Hanover County Public Schools

HISTORIC POLEGREEN CHURCH FOUNDATION