The July 17-19 Germanna Conference and Reunion was a smash hit!  All who attended were rewarded in multiple ways.  Remembering the expression, "sharper than a serpent’s tooth is a thankless child," Germanna descendants gathered to give thanks and to honor the legacy of ancestors unmet but not unappreciated.

When a society or a civilization perishes, one condition can always be found. They forgot where they came from. --Carl Sandburg

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July 17 -  Friday Tours

Report and photos of First Colony Tour coming soon.

To read the report and see photos of Second Colony Tour click here.

July 17 -  Rapidan Canoe Adventure

A group of 25 intrepid adventurers met at the Visitor Center where canoe partners and life vests soon accompanied the adventurers down a path to the Rapidan River.  After some instructions by Mr. Clore of Clore Outfitters, the group hit the river.

The mostly inexperienced paddlers enjoyed the beautiful scenery offered by the Rapidan River and while enjoying the new experience, all soon became aware of the excercise element of paddling.   After advancing quite some distance, everyone was very happy to park the canoes for awhile and eat some lunch.
 

A refreshing dip in the water for some and then it was back on down the river.  A few raindrops accompanied the travelers but not for long. The beautiful scenery, however, went every step of the way.

The principal task while paddling was to avoid the rocks and shallow areas which made the adventure both challenging and fun.  Even a capsized canoe could not put a damper on the fun all were having.  And as much fun as it was, the finish and some well-deserved rest were a welcome end to the adventure.  Memories were made that will not soon fade.

July 17 - Dedications and BBQ

Friday evening found the attendees at the Visitor Center where the new complex of trails was dedicated as the Russell and Joan Hitt Trails and further dedications were done at the Memorial Garden.  These dedications were then followed by a fun BBQ on the Visitor Center grounds.

  If there was anyone who didn't thoroughly enjoy themselves they kept quiet about it. 

Food and entertainment added to the rich texture of the gathering on Friday

The festivities continued Friday evening with meeting old friends, meeting new friends and soaking up the historic site where some German immigrants settled on the then frontier of Virginia almost 300 hundred years ago.  Darkness found many still gathered and only the prospect of an early morning start to the next day compelled departure.

July 18 -  Saturday morning - Vendor's Hall

A sunny Saturday morning greeted the attendees at the Culpeper Campus of the Germanna Community College.  The vendor's area offered many interesting explorations even before the session began.  Vendor's hall was at capacity as the seventeen tables acting as booths for the eleven participating groups were required to be set up so as not to block exits, stairs, hallways or office doors.  Elk Run Church Site Preservation and the Society for the Preservation of Culpeper History both brought displays for our viewing pleasure. 

The Orange County, Madison County, Rappahannock County and Shenandoah County Historical Societies as well as the Museum of Culpeper History brought books, maps, art, postcards and many other treasures for sale at their attractive dispays.  For the first time the Central Virginia Genealogical Society was also present with a similar assortment.  John and Eleanor Blankenbaker participated once again offering John's numerous and highly respected works on Germanna related topics. 

Trustee Kathy Ellis had her cousin paint plaques of Salubria and Hebron Lutheran Church which she offered at her booth along with jars of Hitt BBQ sauce.  Rounding out the selection was the Germanna Foundation booth offering the many Germanna publications, books, gift items and a popular new line of Germanna Gear.

July 18 -  Saturday Presentations

President Marc Wheat and Executive Director Frank Turnage launched the Saturday sessions with exciting remarks about the future of Germanna.  Great things are in the works and Marc and Frank are just the ones to lead the Germanna Foundation to new heights.

The other morning speakers included Barbara Vines Little, noted genealogist and Virginia historian who delivered highly instructional comments on how to better understand your ancestors as well as how to learn more about them.  George "Sarge" Durman kept everyone in rapt attention as he shared his vast experience in exploiting the internet in doing genealogy research. Perry Cabot, the guru of the Little Fork settlers, provided great detail on the history of the Little Fork. Fortunately, the presentations were recorded and will be available soon for purchase.

 Immediately after lunch, the attendees were treated to a fascinating account of the recent Germanna trip to Germanny by Trustee Katharine Brown.  Our German hosts were gracious as ever and provided the Germanna group with commemorative plaques. This report on the trip to Germany had attendees checking their calendars to insure their plans to be on next year's trip. A more detailed report on the Germany trip will soon be found on the Germany Trip page of this website.

Next on the agenda was the always captivating remarks of John Blankenbaker on the mysterious ship Oliver.  With the skills of a great storyteller, John transfixed the listeners with the amazing tale of the Oliver and the Germanna ancestors who survived the ill-fated history of that ship. John also served as the one who "rang the bell" to keep everyone moving with the deliciously packed presentations. Following John were superb offerings by Therese Fisher on how the Germanna settlers integrated with other settlers while Corlee Morris instructed on DNA and its role in genealogy research.  The last two presentations were by Craig Kilby on how to do court house research and Don Tharpe on the settlement at Germantown.

 TO ORDER RECORDINGS OF THE 2009 CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS, CLICK HERE

July 18 - Kids Kamp

 While the presentations were taking place at the Daniel Technology Center, the children of those attending were able to partake of the Germanna Kids Kamp at Salubria.  The varied activities of Kids Kamp included learning to play music like colonial style pipers well enough to do a presentation that evening.  The Kampers also made a quilt that was auctioned off that evening during the Salubria auction. The kids in attendance had a blast while their parents knew they were well-cared for. Dale Watkins with the assistance of Leta Sherquist made the day a fun-packed one for all the kids who participated.

July 18 - President's Club Reception

Germanna is only able to operate thanks to the generous support of those who donate their valuable time and hard-earned money to the Foundation.  As an expression of thanks, President Marc Wheat hosted a reception at the Culpeper Country Club to honor all those who are in the President's Club or above. 

July 18 - Dinner and Auction at Salubria

Saturday evening invited all to attend the dinner and auctin at the historic manor home, Salubria.  The opportunity for socializing with those who have come from far and near made this a warm evening though the weather was fantastic.  The Germanna Auction after the dinner saw some spirited bidding with all the funds going to the cause of helping in the upkeep of Salubria, the maintenance of the Visitor Center and other operating costs of the Foundation.  Special appearances by former presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson with patriot Patrick Henry and other colonial charcters added a special charm to the night.

 
The special contributions of Michael Frost and Russell Hitt to the Germanna Foundation were recognized by awards of special Clore rocking chairs. 

There were libations to assist in the relaxation of the evening and many, perhaps, were thus inspired to bid generously at that auction to assit in the mission of the Foundation. The historical characters were delightful and most engaging.  Those who attended were treated to a very special evening.

 
For a map of Salubria's location, click here
 

July 19 - Special Event at the Hebron Lutheran Church

A special service at the Hebron Lutheran Church on Sunday morning proved to touch all those who attended.  John Blankenbaker then shared his expansive knowledge of the history of the Hebron Church and its congregation, speaking in the church itself immediately after the service. To read the essence of John Blankenbaker's remarks, see his article "History of the Hebron Church" on the Premium Content page.  An old-fashioned picnic lunch followed which served to give all another opportunity to share some time together before we all parted our ancestral lands to return to our modern homes and lives while we attempt to express the appreciation merited by those who came before us.

For a map of the Hebron Lutheran Church location, click here

Check out the fun had at the 2008 Conference and Reunion!