James was a slave in Virginia when the American Revolution began. Wanting to earn his freedom while helping the new country, he volunteered for the Revolutionary Army, with the promise of his freedom at the war’s end—if the Americans were victorious. He was assigned to work for the young and brilliant French commander who was…
Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave Ona Judge
In traditional biographies of the Washingtons, the subject of slavery rarely comes up, or, if it does, it is given a paragraph or perhaps a chapter to explain the “peculiar institution” as it related to the first First Family. There is nothing like a personal story—a slave’s personal and true story—to get a deeper perspective…
Westmoreland County’s African American History
Westmoreland County’s African American history dates back to the 17th century. During the earliest years, both slaves from Africa and white indentured servants were imported to the Northern Neck (the land between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers) to work on farms and plantations, with African slaves becoming more prevalent over time. 17th Century – The…
Hartwood History
Beyond the I-95 Corridor Drive out Route 17 north from Falmouth, past the strip malls, the shopping centers, and the subdivisions, and you’ll find that as the roadside gets less crowded, the scenery becomes more historic. In the 18th century, this corridor was more a place for pioneers than for fancy plantation owners, though there…
Your Library Can Help You Get Through Tight Times
When a regular paycheck isn’t on the horizon, it’s good to know that your public library can lift your spirits with free entertainment, while also providing opportunities to advance your skills and find future employment. Check out these no-cost options online or in one of our many branches: Free wifi and free computers - to…
Stream 5 Fine and Fiery Romantic Films with Kanopy
Love is in the air, and these Kanopy streaming videos capture it on film. Watch the YouTube trailers or clips below, and make a date with a romantic classic Please note: On Kanopy, you receive 10 play credits per month to use. As soon as you click “play” on a movie, a play credit is deducted. Once a movie is played, you have…
Getting Started with eBooks and eAudio
Did you get a shiny new device over the holidays - or have you had one for a while and not explored many of its possibilities? Are you a reader - or a listener? Use your gadget to bring books to you, anytime and nearly anywhere. There are never any late fees because books return…
The Longest Night – Observing the Winter Solstice
The winter solstice takes place on the shortest day - and longest night - of the year. In 2018, the winter solstice will happen at 12:15 p.m. on Friday, December 21, in the Washington D.C. area. This site will help you find the exact day and time of the winter solstice in your area, as well…
The Good Doctor Was a Spy: The Lively Times of Robert Wellford
One of Fredericksburg's leading citizens was either a patriot or a traitor, depending on whether you favored coats of Tory red or Revolutionary blue. Robert Welford, who went on to become a distinguished doctor in Fredericksburg as well as President Washington's choice for Surgeon General, began life April 23, 1753, in the town of Ware…
Union Church of Falmouth: The Power of Preservation
When the storm destroyed Union Church’s roof in 1950, there wasn’t much to be done about it. It had not been used since 1935, after all, and rebuilding a church requires a committed congregation. But churches are centers of the community, and, during its lengthy, active history, Union Church was established as an important part…
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