"From Enslavement to Empowerment: The Story of the Belmead on the James"

"From Enslavement to Empowerment: The Story of the Belmead on the James"

An inspirational story and historical narration of how a former Virginia plantation transformed into two historic African American schools.

By John Plashal Photo

Date and time

Saturday, September 21 · 4 - 5:30pm EDT

Location

Light House Studio at Vinegar Hill Theatre

220 West Market Street Charlottesville, VA 22902

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

About this event

  • 1 hour 30 minutes

Join us at the Vinegar Hill Theatre on September 21st for an inspirational and educational experience that is symbolic of the beauty and the power of the human spirit. The Belmead on the James is a former plantation in central Virginia that ultimately transformed into a rural oasis characterized by a climate of intense intellectual, physical and spiritual growth for thousands of young African Americans over the course of seven decades. Made possible by the heiresses of the Drexel fortune, the life lessons learned by those that attended the St. Emma Military Academy and St. Francis de Sales School produced immeasurable moral values and guiding principles that have transcended generations of the alumni from both highly historic, but little known, schools - both of which were built on the grounds of a former Confederate General's plantation that once enslaved 130 individuals. This sharp juxtaposition of the property, made possible by a handful of saintly individuals, represents a monumental cultural achievement that deserves a permanent imprint on the continuum of African-American history.

PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO THE ROCK CASTLE GROUP, COMPRISED OF ALUMNI DEDICATED TO PROJECTS THAT PRESERVETHE LEGACY OF ST. EMMA MILITARY ACADEMY AND ST. FRANCIS DE SALES SCHOOL.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I park?

Street parking is available if you can find it. If not, there is paid parking at the Omni Hotel parking lot across the street.

Is the theatre handicap accessible?

Yes it is. Our guests with disabilities should notify the box office upon arrival. They will re-direct you to a separate door that offers ramp access to the theatre.

Can you recommend any nearby restaurants for those of us that want to grab dinner afterwards?

The theatre is adjacent to the Charlottesville Downtown Mall. A quick Google search will yield dozens of dining options within walking distance ,especially along Main Street.

Will concessions be available for purchase?

Yes they will. Popcorn, candy, soda, water, beer and wine will be available for sale.

What if I am interested in attending both of your presentations that day?

The "Stories of an Abandoned Virginia" presentation will conclude around 3:30PM. If you have tickets for both programs, you will not need to leave the theatre and then re-enter. You are welcome to stay put. A wristband will be issued for our "double feature" guests.

I am a St. Emma / St. Francis Alumnus and would like to attend this presentation.

It would be an honor to have you in attendance. Please contact me at "john@johnplashalphoto.com" to make arrangements for your visit.

What is the refund policy?

This is a non-refundable event. If you are a ticket holder and ultimately unable to attend the program, your $20.00 will be donated to the Rock Castle Group, for the benefit of the alumni of St. Francis and St. Emma.

What is the format of this program?

It is a visual presentation comprised of a historical narration and fascinating anecdotal stories delivered by John Plashal , a local public speaker and former tour guide of the Belmead on the James.

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John Plashal Photo

John Plashal is a Virginia based photographer, adventurer, professional storyteller and author of the popular photographic coffee table book, "A Beautifully Broken Virginia".