The Germanna Foundation has scheduled three Fort Germanna Archaeology Site Public Access Days for Friday, July 2; Saturday, July 31 and Saturday, September 11. The events will run from 10 am to 3 pm with tours at 10 am, 11 am, Noon, 1 pm and 2 pm. Visitors will get the chance to see the […]
PRESS RELEASE- Historic Germanna Initiates Removal and Restoration of Iconic Weathervane
Historic Germanna Initiates Removal and Restoration of Iconic Weathervane
Locust Grove, VA - October 18, 2023 – Historic Germanna, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing Virginia's rich history, is embarking on an exciting journey to preserve a symbol of the past that has graced our visitor center for decades. On October 19th, 2023, the iconic copper ship weathervane adorning the Brawdus Martin Historic Germanna Visitor Center, was carefully removed from its post where it was set in 2000.
The decision to remove this cherished weathervane stems from the recognition of a pressing issue: a persistent leak in the roof caused by the continuous turning of the weathervane. The Visitor Center's architect, Doug Harnsberger, a Germanna descendant who generously donated the weathervane in 2000, made the insightful recommendation to safeguard the roof from further water infiltration by removing the cause. Harnsberger oversaw the copper ship’s removal and the temporary capping of the roof to prevent further water infiltration. W.A. Lynch Roofing removed the ship. The Charlotteville-based company has previously worked on Monticello, Highland, UVA’s Rotunda, and the Virginia Capitol.
Additionally, Mr. Harnsberger emphasized that “the fragile nature of the weathervane itself, needs delicate conservation work to ensure its preservation for future generations.” The weathervane was meticulously crafted after a 17th-century barque, a three-masted vessel that may have been similar to the ship that brought the 1714 and 1717 German colonists to Virginia. Harnsberger further stated, “This intricate metal object has become a treasured emblem of the historic journey of the German colonists to Virginia.”
Historic Germanna is taking this opportunity to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for the weathervane and explore options for its future display inside of the Visitor Center. Historic Germanna is committed to preserving the essence of this historic symbol by identifying an appropriate new location for it to be displayed to the public and the generations of Germanna descendants that cherish this icon of their family’s journey from Germany to Virginia. Careful consideration is being given to ensure that the weathervane continues to tell the story of Germanna's rich history.
With the leak in the roof now effectively sealed, Historic Germanna is actively exploring alternatives to top the Visitor Center with something that is both symbolic of the organization's mission and representative of the region's heritage. The weathervane's removal marks a significant step towards ensuring that Germanna's history remains accessible and intact for generations to come.
The public is invited to stay tuned for updates on this exciting preservation project.
Historic Salubria Public Access Day June 18
Join us on Friday, June 18, 2021 from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm as the Germanna Foundation hosts a Public Access Day event at historic Salubria Manor, located in Stevensburg, Virginia. Salubria was built circa 1757 by the Reverend John Thompson for his wife, Butler Brayne Spotswood Thompson (widow of Lt. Governor Alexander Spotswood) and […]
Germanna Program for National Genealogical Society Conference
Germanna Foundation Genealogists Cathi Clore Frost and Barbara Price have been invited to present at the National Genealogical Society 2021 Family History Conference. This is the major annual event of the prestigious NGS, founded in 1903 as America’s first genealogical organization and today one of its largest. Their presentation, Identifying the 1714 and 1717 Germanna […]
Honoring Veterans
On November 11, the Germanna Foundation honored America’s military veterans by holding a ceremony in the Memorial Garden on the Fort Germanna Visitor Center campus and ringing Germanna’s bell 21 times. Luminaries were placed in the garden marked with the following names and their military service provided by donors. We are grateful for veterans and […]
Germanna Foundation Germany Trip Webinar
Have you ever wanted to visit the village of your ancestors in Germany? Or are you someone who is interested in German history, culture, and cuisine? Have you been on a Germany trip with Germanna and want to reminisce about your experience? Have you thought about going and want more information? In this new webinar, […]
Germanna Foundation welcomes visitors to archaeological site on public access day
News article in the Orange County Review newspaper by Gracie Wilbanks: The Germanna Foundation held a public access day on Saturday, October 3, in conjunction with the 300th anniversary of the founding of Spotsylvania. The history organization hosted its annual public access day to Germanna’s archaeological digs sites, educational opportunities regarding colonial life and a […]
LtGov Alexander Spotswood reads 1720 proclamation announcing the creation of Spotsylvania County
On Saturday, October 3 in Locust Grove, Virginia, the Germanna Foundation held a Fort Germanna archaeology Public Access Day event which also served as the kick off event to the 300th anniversary of Spotsylvania County celebrations which will last to 2021. Historian and Historical Re-enactor Dennis Loba portrayed Virginia Lt. Governor Alexander Spotswood reading the […]
Fort Germanna Public Access Day Event with LtGov Alexander Spotswood – October 3
Join us for a Special Fort Germanna Public Access Day Event! In conjunction with the 300th Anniversary of Spotsylvania County in 2021, Lt. Governor Alexander Spotswood will be at the Fort Germanna Archaeological site to proclaim the formation of Spotsylvania County at 10:30am on Saturday, October 3, 2020. Visitors will get the chance to see […]
2020 Germanna Archaeology Wrap Up Webinar – Aug 20
Join us for the final hurrah of the 2020 archaeology season. This webinar will be moderated by Director of Archaeology Dr. Eric Larsen, who will be joined by Germanna archaeologist Kelly Arford-Horne and the 2020 interns. Discussion will revolve around findings, experiences, the future, and all things Germanna Archaeology. You will have the opportunity to […]
2020 Germanna Conference Recap
Executive Director Tim Sutphin reviews the Germanna Foundation’s virtual conference held on July 17 & 18, and announces the VERY successful fundraising challenge. Germanna had a very successful Virtual Germanna conference. For the first time in 63 years, we were unable to hold our Reunion/Conference in person, so we went online. We had 278 attendees […]
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