2014 Olde Towne Scottish Walk. Happy Hogmanay!

Flag bearers at the start of the Olde Towne Scottish Walk.

Each New Year's Eve, people from all around eastern Virginia, come to Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia for the annual Scottish Walk. Modeled after Scotland's Hogmanay Festival, a day when townspeople honor their community and merchants and offer blessings for prosperity in the coming year. The procession includes  locals, family, friends and visitors led by pipe-and-drum bands. The participants gather at the corner of  Queen and Washington streets and march through the historic streets of Olde Towne ending at the High Street Landing where all  join hands and sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

Some of our Scottish youth carries the banner for the Scottish
Society of Tidewater,Virginia. 

The Story Behind the Music: ‘Auld Lang Syne’

Many people are familiar with ‘Auld Lang Syne’ yet few may actually know what 'Auld Lang Syne' is all about.  Of course, many people will instantly associate the words with "Scotland" or perhaps ‘New Year’.  Some people consider it to be an international expression of friendship, fellowship and hope.  Others perceive it to be a simple song, presented at the conclusion of a social gathering, remembering the past and re-affirming the importance of our future, and those important to us.  Of course ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is ALL of these things! 

Carrying the colors.

"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish poem that was written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song.  It is well known in many English-speaking (and other) countries and is often sung to celebrate the start of the New Year at the stroke of midnight.  Canadian band leader Guy Lombardo is often credited with popularizing the use of the song at New Year’s celebrations in America, through his annual broadcasts on radio and television, beginning in 1929. The song became his trademark.

The Rampant Lion/The Royal Arms of Scotland.

Kilts and tartans.

and Lassie too!

Ready to march through historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia.

Waiting for the rifle salute that starts the Scottish Walk.

Susan Healey. The grand lady!

The Scottish Society of Tidewater.

The procession though Olde Towne begins.

Walking along Washington Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia.

Happy New Years to all!

Photos by Joe Elder.

The Commodore Theatre Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence

The Commodore Theatre in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia.

The Commodore Theatre will celebrate 25 years to the day that it re-opened as the restored Commodore Theatre with a new vision of first-run movies and fine dining, the first such cinema-eatery in the country.

The Commodore Theatre was recently named one of the "10 greatest dine-in theaters in America" in a Motion Picture Association of America publication (2014) and one of America's 7 Best Movie Theaters of Food Lovers," in a 2013 issue of Bon Appetit Magazine.

Originally built in 1945, the Commodore is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and on the Virginia Landmarks Register, for it's architecture, decor and rich history.

The public is invited to stop by the theatre between noon and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21 to celebrate with friends of the theatre. Commemorative cakes and other refreshments will be available. A brief recognition ceremony will be held from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m..

The theatre will be showing National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation," starting December 19 through December 24 which also premiered 25 years ago in 1989.

For more information, call the theatre at 757-393-4383 or visit the Commodore's website at www.commodoretheatre.com  

The 2014 Historic Olde Towne Holiday Home Tour

Friday, December 12, 2014 from 5-9 pm
Saturday, December 13, 2014 from 2-8 pm

Visit historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia for a weekend full of holiday events. The Historic Olde Towne Holiday Home Tour will again be a two-day event with seven Southern homes decked out with Christmas spirit. Ticket holders may tour either day or split the seven tour stops between the two days.

The historic Hill House is part of this years
Olde Towne Holiday Home Tour.

This Years Olde Towne Homes Open for the Holiday Home Tour include:

106 London Street

221 North Street - Historic Hill House

339 Court Street

340 court Street

329 Court 

497 North

506 Hampton Place

Live music will be playing throughout the tour celebrating the traditional sounds of the season and historical vignettes are part of the entertainment at some of the homes, including a colonial dance demonstration and recollections by a 19th century sea captain. Refreshments will be served at the Hill House including hot wassail for purchase. And don't miss the commemorative merchandise for this year's tour by local artist Karen Goins, also on sale at the Hill House (221 North Street).

The Historic Olde Towne Holiday Home Tour this year is held in conjunction with the Annual Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival. Launched in 1998, this festival has become one of Portsmouth's signature Holiday Season events. It is a musical tribute to the spirit of the Holiday Season, enlivening the historic High Street corridor with performances, children's activities, re-en-actors in period attire and strolling characters. This event offers a musically packed day for visitors to Olde Towne Portsmouth featuring choral groups from regional schools as well as performances by established recording artists. http://www.portsvaevents.com/december_2014.html

Tickets for the Historic Olde Towne Holiday Home Tour are $20 per person and can be purchased at the event, at many Olde Towne business locations and also online. For more information, ticket locations and online ticket sales go to: http://www.otcl.org/Events.html  or call 757-235-2608.

This holiday event is sponsored by the Olde Towne Civic League, The Olde Towne Business Association the City of Portsmouth and the new Portsmouth Kroger's Marketplace.

The Olde Towne Antiques to Flea Market- A treasure Trove to Be Discovered

"Great Finds of All Kinds"

The popular "Antiques to Flea Market’ is held the first Saturday of each month, in historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia. Browse through an eclectic collection of unique and antique wares. With over 60 dealers and vendors exhibiting, bargain hunters and serious collectors will discover a great selection of antique and estate furniture, architectural antiques, china, silverware, art and prints, sporting gear, musical instruments, books and ephemera. There are even hand-made crafts and toys, as well as decorative accessories and flea market items of all types and one-of-a-kind items priced to sell. Held inside the Middle Street garage located on the corner of Middle and London. 

You will also find during the December Antiques to Flea Market all types of vintage and antique Christmas decorations and unusual Christmas gift items for the hard to find eclectic collector in your life! 

The  Olde Towne Antiques to Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month.

The Olde Towne Antiques to Flea Market opens at 10am til 2 pm. Come early for best selections! http://www.oldetowneportsmouth.com/ 
757-339-1876

Sponsored by the Olde Towne Business Association.

Welcome to The Mermaids' Porch Bed & Breakfast

The Mermaids Porch Bed and Breakfast is located in the heart of historic Olde Towne Portsmouth.

Get a taste of history at this circa 1898 Queen Anne Victorian home, the new Mermaid's Porch Bed & Breakfast is located in the heart of Olde Towne Portsmouth's historic district.

Sip a glass of wine at their complimentary wine and cheese afternoon social hour. Full, three course breakfast is prepared daily with a changing menu so you won't be served  the same main dish each day (unless you request it). Local meats from Smithfield and fresh produce from the Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market will be used in preparing these delectable dishes when available and in season.

The dining room of the Mermaids Porch B & B.

The B & B amenities include a living room with working fireplace (and a cord of firewood for those chilly winter nights). The room is filled with Victorian era antique furniture and accessories. The adjacent parlor room offers cable TV and a variety of board games for home-style entertainment. An upright piano is also available if you choose to play a song or two. Enjoy sitting in brick-paved private courtyard for relaxing, reading a book and dining Fresco. Also, the beautiful Greenwich Park is located just across the street on the adjacent Olde Towne corner. The property is decorated throughout with art and furnishings purchased by the innkeeper during here years of worldwide travel during here naval career.

The Mermaid's Porch Bed & Breakfast is conveniently located just a short walking distance to the Historic High Street corridor where you will find an abundance of fine dining and pubs, antique shops, art galleries

The High Street corridor is located

just a short walking distance away 

offering an abundant selection of 

pubs and restaurants, antique shops, 

art galleries and unique shops to 

choose from.

and unique stores, the famous Commodore Theatre and four museums including the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, the Children's Museum of Virginia and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. Enjoy changing art exhibits at the Portsmouth Arts & Cultural Center that also holds free music venues the first Friday of each month. The Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market is held each Saturday (from early spring through December) It is also just a few blocks away from the Portsmouth Visitors Center and the  North Street Ferry landing that takes you to downtown Norfolk.

About the Innkeeper

Dawn Richardson is a retired Navy Supply Officer who has traveled the world during her career. She was a restaurant manager prior to going into the service and has a Bachelors Degree in Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management from Purdue University. An exceptional chef and caretaker, Dawn will delight you with southern hospitality and a warm embrace for the weary traveler.

Enjoy sitting in brick-paved private courtyard for relaxing, reading a book and dining Fresco.

Here's the details

The Mermaids' Porch Bed & Breakfast
497 North Street (on the corner of North & Dinwiddie)
(757) 673-3790

email: dawn.richardson.usn@gmail.com

http://www.mermaidsporch.com/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mermaids-Porch-Bed-and-Breakfast/715652278499887

http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/va-portsmouth-themermaidsporchbedandbreakfast-page.html

http://hamptonroads.com/2014/11/welcome-mermaids-porch-bed-breakfast

The Olde Towne  experience has been treasured by visitors the world over-an opportunity to shop our fine antique shops, visit our galleries and unique specialty stores, enjoy excellent dining, both indoors and out in one of our many fine restaurants and pubs. Discover all of the magic yourself.
Discover Olde Towne Portsmouth!

The Historic Olde Towne Holiday Home Tour Interview to Air on "Portsmouth Now"

Rob Lauer and Rebecca Larys  discuss the upcoming Olde Towne Holiday Home Tour

Rob Lauer, Producer &  Host of  "Portsmouth Now" on PCTV--Cox Channel 48/Fios Channel 39 interviews Rebecca Larys, a director of the Historic Olde Towne Holiday Home Tour discusses the upcoming holiday season event. Rob and Rebecca stand in front of The Mermaids' Porch Bed & Breakfast slated to open this Friday. The Mermaid's Porch is located at 497 North Street (corner of North and Dinwiddie) and is one of seven featured homes open for this years home tour decorated for the holidays.  The Historic Olde Towne Holiday Home Tour will be open this year Friday, December 12th from 5 -9 pm and Saturday, December 13th from 2- 8 pm. Enjoy live music and historic acted vignettes. Tickets are $20.00 and are available now at The  Portsmouth Visitors Center,  6 Crawford Pkwy., the Portsmouth Arts & Cultural Center, 400 High Street,  The Coffee Shoppe, 300 High Street, Little Shoppes on High, 425 High Street, Way Back Yonder Antiques, 620 High Street and on line at http://www.otcl.org/Events.html.

Tickets will also be available each Saturday up to the event at the Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market is located at the northwest corner of High Street and Court Street (opposite the Visual Arts Center) and runs west along High Street and north along Court Street., http://www.portsmoutholdetownefarmersmarket.com/  Tickets will also be for sale at the Antiques to Flea Market held the first Saturday in December inside the Middle Street Garage. http://www.oldetowneportsmouth.com/ You can also purchase your tickets the day of the event at any of the seven houses open for tour.

This is Portsmouth, Virginia's Holiday Signature event weekend and the Holiday Home Tour runs in conjunction with the 17th Annual Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival, Saturday December 13 from Noon - 6 pm. Launched in 1998, this festival has

become one of Portsmouth's favorite Holiday Season events. It is a musical tribute to the spirit of the Holiday Season, enlivening the historic High Street corridor with performances, children's activities, re-enactors in period attire and strolling characters. This event offers a musically packed day for visitors to Olde Towne Portsmouth featuring choral groups from regional schools as well as performances by established recording artists.  http://www.portsvaevents.com/december_2014.html

The December "Portsmouth Now" episode will air 6 times a week throughout the month of December. For more information, visit http://www.otcl.org/Events.html  and  http://www.portsvaevents.com/december_2014.html

Buy your tickets now!

The Historic Olde Towne Holiday Home Tour is brought to you by the Olde Towne Civic League, The Olde Towne Business Association and the City of Portsmouth, Virginia.

The 34TH Annual Olde Towne Ghost Walk

The spirits of the Olde Towne Civic League have been putting on our spook-tacular Ghost Walk for over 30 years. This year’s Ghost Walk is on Friday, October 24, 2014, with tours leaving at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. from Trinity Church graveyard.

Guides carrying dim-lit lanterns will escort you through the
brick-covered walkways of historic Olde Towne Portsmouth.

The walk begins in the Graveyard of historic Trinity Church, where you will start your ghoulish journey by learning about real horror stories from Olde Towne Portsmouth's past. You are then swept away to the front steps of Portsmouth's old Court House where you will be transported back in time to the age of Jack the ripper, the Victorian era. A guide, carrying dim-lit lanterns will then escort you through the brick-covered walkways of historic Olde Towne.

The ghost of Portsmouth's founder, Colonel William Crawford.

 There, you and your guests will need to decide a direction to follow. Each route offers eight stories from our sometimes troubling past reenacted by performers upon the antique porches of our authentic period homes. As we say here in Olde Towne...you can't make these stories up (or something close to that) and believe you me, the more outrageous the story the closer to the truth it gets!

You will be transported back in time to the
age of Jack the ripper, the Victorian era.

Once your tour is complete, your attendant will take you to Cider Park located on Middle Street where a cauldron of hot witches brew, a concoction similar to apple cider is served to help shake off the the old cobwebs! Relax and enjoy featured music and meet the giant tree man...We Are Groot!!  For more information, visit their website at: http://portsmouthghostwalk.com.

The 44th Annual Seawall Art Show Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA

The 44th Annual Seawall Art Show at Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA's  waterfront.

Show dates and Hours:August 23rd and 24th, 2014
Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm

Virginia's historic seaport, Olde Towne Portsmouth is the place to be this weekend as we host the 44th Annual Seawall Art Show with some 90+ juried artists participating. As in previous years, expect to find a little of everything, from wood carving to oil paintings, handwoven clothing to art glass, fine jewelry to pottery, and more.

With more than 30 years experience showcasing juried fine arts and fine crafts on the Portsmouth waterfront, the Seawall Art Show draws large crowds of art buyers to this prestigious event. With the assistance of the Portsmouth Museum and Fine Arts Commission, it is an all volunteer run show. Show proceeds always go to support the arts in Portsmouth.

The Seawall Art Show begins at the High Street basin (Ferry Landing)

Aside from works for sale, the show also features a student art show, entertainment, and a selection of food vendors too. Artists vie for thousands of dollars in awards gathered from exhibitor fees. The show is run by volunteers, and is supported by the Portsmouth Museum and Fine Arts Commission

Admission to the show is FREE. Street and city garage parking is also free on the weekends.

Best parking is the Water Street garage (on Water Street just off High at the riverfront) and the Middle Street garage (behind the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum).

For more information about this annual event, visit their website at 2014 Seawall Art Show. 

expect to find a little of everything, from wood carving to oil paintings, handwoven clothing
to art glass, fine jewelry to pottery, and more.

Don't forget to support Olde Towne Portsmouth's fine merchants and restaurants. The downtown

district begins at the riverfront and up the High Street corridor to Effingham Street. Peruse through some of Hampton Roads best antique shops, unique boutiques and one of a kind specialty stores. Take a break from all of the event shopping and enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner in one of the regions best restaurants, taverns and sports bars located here in Olde Towne Portsmouth .Lot's off outdoor dining opportunities too! Shop, dine and experience Olde Towne Portsmouth!

Reck on the Road: Portsmouth outdoor art

Olde Towne Portsmouth is all about public art. From ever changing exhibits displayed at the Portsmouth Arts & Cultural Center both inside the main galleries to the large sculptures displayed in the courtyard, art of all types and medias are here. Now the art movement has spread to our downtown streets covering once plain walls with painted murals and ugly electrical boxes with local themes. Olde Towne Portsmouth is a haven for outdoor art and new art gets added each year. Take a look at Portsmouth public art through the camera of Chris Reckling.

Chris Reckling of WAVY TV featured some of that art this week in this edition of “Reck on the Road.”  Just click on the arrow to watch the video.

Surf’s Up: An Exhibition

On Display in the Ridde Sports Gallery through September 28, 2014

Surf’s Up: a current art exhibition at the
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. 

Surf’s Up: a current art exhibition at the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame features several artists original works of art, focusing on the ocean, waves, and surfing. The common thread that runs through this exhibit is that most of the artists are inspired by their respect for the sheer power and energy of a wave. This group exhibition will include a variety of fine art, painting, and photography. Artists include Matthew Haddaway, Reba McConnell, and Ed Obermeyer. Admission $7.

Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum

206 High Street

Portsmouth, VA

757-393-8031

http://vshfm.com/news-events.php

A Restaurant With A View

757 Crave on the Harbor offers panoramic views of
Norfolk, Virginia's waterside and the Elizabeth River.

By Joe Elder
A recent article in the Virginian Pilot titled "Fresh food - and air: The best outdoor eats in town" written by Holly Van Auken, July 11, 2014, features places around Hampton Roads to get your eat and drink on- outdoors, that is. Here the reporter has selected some of the best. Included of course are some of the most likely candidates and those with ocean views top the list. A surprise entry- well, not so surprising to us, is 757 Crave on the Harbor. 757 Crave is located at the Tidewater yacht Marina here in Olde Towne Portsmouth and features exceptional panoramic views including downtown Norfolk's waterside and a wide expanse of the Elizabeth River and the marina too. Diners from this focal point typically are drawn to the hardworking tugboats maneuvering around, piloting large container ships as they travel down the river, and occasionally, views of naval vessels from submarines to aircraft carriers!  You will also see a barrage of personal yachts of all types and sizes passing by. That is because 757 Crave is located next to the "0" mile marker of the Intracoastal waterway. Enough about the views.

757 Crave on the Harbor is located at Tidewater Yacht
Marina, Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia.

The main reason that people frequently visit 757 Crave is because of their unique, delicious food entrees offered breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is also a favorite place to meet with your friends for drinks and live music on Thursday nights and Sunday afternoons. 757 Crave is also a short walking distance from weekend music events, so take in a great music act and then chill out on the deck at 757 Crave on the Harbor! You can visit portsvaevents and peruse through the schedule of upcoming events.

757 Crave on the Harbor
10 Crawford Pkwy., Portsmouth,
757-966-7919
www.757cravers.com

The Amazing History of Hill House, Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia

Imagine, if you will, a family gone for an afternoon stroll about the neighborhood and never returning home. Such is the appearance of the Hill House Museum, an early 1800's English basement home, completely furnished with its original family belongings left in place.

This is the phenomenal story of Hill House in Portsmouth in The Hampton Roads Shows’ brand new summer Historic Homes Series. Inspired by the New York Times bestseller, “Empty Mansions” by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr, which tells the story of Huguette Clark and her family. PORTSMOUTH, Va. 

The Hill House is located at 221 North Street in historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia. The house is open for tours Wednesdays from Noon—4 p.m. or by appointment. Admission is $5.00 per person. For more information, visit the Historic Hill House website at:   http://www.hillhousemuseum.org/index.html
Give them a call at 757-393-0241. Thank you Hampton Roads Show for featuring this remarkable Olde Towne mansion!

Tastes of Appalachia Features Regional Food and Music at the Commodore Theatre

Chef Susi Gott Seguret prepares foods of the Appalachia.

Saturday, May 3, 2014
12:45 - 3:00 pm
at the Commodore Theatre
421 High Street
Portsmouth VA.

Award winning chefs Dale Hawkins and Susi Gott Seguret will discuss approches to preparing foods of Appalachia with a multi-course lunch will be held at the Commodore Theatre located in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia. Music about Appalachian food and drink will be performed by Dr. Katie Hoffman on vocals and Brett Tiller on the banjo. This event will highlight the exhibit "Changing Appalachia" at the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center just across the Street.

Chef Dale Hawkins discusses foods of the Appalachia.

To make reservations or for more information please visit the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center Gallery Shop or call 757-393-8453. Tickets are $10.00 for balcony seating (does not include lunch) and $45.00 in the dining area which includes lunch. Beverages are extra.

Here is a link to the article 'Taste of Appalachia' offers sampling of regional music and food at Portsmouth's Commodore Theatre written by Virginian-Pilot reporter Lia Russell: Taste of Appalachia.

She-Crab Soup- Mannino’s Italian Bistro is Hard to Beat

According to a recent blog written by the Virginian Pilot’s food reporter Lorraine Eaton, expect tough competition in this year's East Coast She Crab Soup Classic. Crews last year from 19 restaurants toted urns and crab and vats and crab claws and ladles and squirt bottles of sherry over to the Oceanfront for the annual East Coast She Crab Soup Classic held at the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

Mannino's Italian Bistro in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia.

There were thin soups and soups you could stand a spoon in. There were soups flecked with carrots and soups with ribbons of onion. Two soups were served with a crab claw garnish; one came with a sweet potato biscuit. Some were hot, some were not.

"This is serious competition, people." Lorraine wrote. " Mannino’s Italian Bistro has been the team to beat in past years. As a judge, I can attest to the fact that not a single chef around here is conceding the title and the competition remains fierce.”

We agree. As a lover of all things delicious, there are few things that stands out from the pack than Mannino's she crab soup and Olde Towne residents and visitors know it.

Another food review written after the 2013 East Coast She Crab Soup Classic by George W. Culver stated: "the huge lump crab they put in their soup is as big as your thumb. Seriously. The soup is served with large pieces of crab and a sweet creamy soup with great mouth feel." This soup won first place in both the critics and the peoples choice awards!

And what is equally as sweet as Mannino's she crab soup is that you can dine at Mannio's Italian Bistro here in Olde Towne year round and order their award winning soup as often as you want. Mannino's Olde Towne is located at 606 High Street, Portsmouth, VA. 757-966-7522. Mannino's Italian Bistro Website.

CHANGING APPALACHIA: CUSTOM TO CUTTING EDGE

Changing Appalachia: Custom to Cutting Edge will be on  display at the
Portsmouth Arts & Cultural Center through July 6, 2014.

Folks are fascinated by “things Appalachian” but many people know little about the culture.  Old stereotypes about the region still persist with many people still associating the mountain region too strongly with log cabins, snake-handling, moonshining, and poverty.  These have been elements in the culture, but they are

only a small part of a more interesting and nuanced whole.

The goals for this exhibition are to help dispel many of the stereotypes and introduce visitors to the realities and riches of Appalachian life.  It will highlight something about mountain culture that has often been ignored or, at worst, denied:  the Appalachian penchant for assimilation of new ideas and innovation on old ones.  The exhibition will focus on the diversity of the region in expressive culture, race, ethnicity, and the politics of culture.

The exhibition will be at the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center through July 6, 2014. For more information, call 757-393-8543.

The Portsmouth Arts & Cultural Center is open:·
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. · Closed Mondays

400 High Street, Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth Arts & Cultural Center

An Enslaved Woman and her Dressmaker Daughter

April 24, 2014
At the Commodore Theater
421 High Street
Portsmouth, VA
(757) 393-6962
Doors open at noon
Lunch may be purchased from noon-12:45
Talk begins at 1:00 p.m.

Historian, Kathleen Curtis Wilson will tell the story of an exceptional African American family in Appalachia

Historian Kathleen Curtis Wilson

Virginia and explain what is known and not known about skilled enslaved women and the importance of new discoveries in the field of African American studies.  Her presentation includes photographs of textiles made by Lizzie Bolden, photographs of her mother and father, members of her family and other freed slaves living and working in Bath County.

Historians have long underestimated the importance of the skills that enslaved individuals possessed because there is no body of work to study.  That is especially true in Appalachia.  In the world of textiles and clothing, it is accepted that many skilled slave artisans spun thread and wove cloth, stitched slave clothing from coarse fabrics, did the fine (but tedious) finish quilting on their mistresses’ showpiece quilts, or were hired out as dressmakers, earning money for their masters and sometimes saving enough from their earnings to purchase freedom.  However, there is little physical evidence of these skills to support further scholarship.  Since slave-made textiles have traditionally remained with the master’s family, historians have had no way to authenticate the original maker of a quilt, bedcover, or other piece of cloth that has only a vague provenance.

Elizabeth Morris Bolden, Lizzie, lived in Warm Springs, VA all of her life.  She and her husband hand one

Lizzie's quilt, Warm Springs, Virginia

daughter, Alice.  What makes her story worthy of historical documentation are the textiles she leer behind, evidence of her skill as a seamstress and her status in the community.  Five textiles have passed from mother to daughter along with remembrances of Lizzie’s life and details of her sewing career.  At a time when African Americans in Appalachia had few opportunities for more than unskilled employment, Lizzie had her own business as a dressmaker for clients in the community. Lizzie’s great granddaughter, Perlista Y. Henry, will be at the presentation to answer questions at the end of the talk.

Kathleen Curtis Wilson is a Fellow at the Virginia Foundation of Humanities, Charlottesville, VA.  A renowned authority on Appalachian crafts, Wilson is craft section editor for the Encyclopedia of Appalachia. As an Appalachia textile historian, Wilson has been documenting, photographing, and writing about regional craft traditions for more than 25 years.  Currently she is working on her first novel, The Fabric of Wishful Thinking.

The talk is being held in conjunction with the exhibit Changing Appalachia: Custom toCutting Edge at the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center. This program is sponsored in part by the Commodore Theater, Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, the African-American Historical Society of Portsmouth and the Thomson Family Foundation of Minnesota.

Olde Towne FirstEvents Features Opening Reception, Free Music & Much More!

Thank goodness spring has finally arrived and has luck has it, good weather for this weekend’s Olde Towne Portsmouth FirstEvents. Held the first full weekend of each month, Olde Towne Portsmouth's business community and the City of Portsmouth Museums offers free concerts, events and activities including the Olde towne Antiques to Flea Market, free museum admissions, an exhibit opening and a lot more. Here’s a listing of some of the events available to you during April’s Olde Towne Portsmouth FirstEvents weekend!

Friday, April 4

Concert In the Courtyard - Free Music Series

5PM - 8 PM

Celtibillies & Good Foot Dance

Enjoy music in the courtyard from the Celtibillies & Good Foot Dance. Presented by the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center and PortsEvents. Admission is free as part of our First Weekend programming series. Corner of High & Court St. , 393-8543

Friday, April 4

Changing Appalachia: Custom to Cutting Edge

Opening Reception: 5PM – 8 PM

Drawing from an abundance of natural resources from the Appalachian region, artists and artisans adapt the heritage of mountain culture by assimilating new ideas and innovating on the old to create dynamic craft and visual art.  The exhibit offers maps, photos of the region, paintings, glass, textiles, ceramics and baskets to showcase the diversity of the region.

Admission is free as part of our First Weekend programming series.

Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center

Olde Towne Antiques to Flea Mark

Saturday, April 5

Olde Towne Antiques to Flea Market

10AM - 2 PM

Held inside the Middle Street Garage, corner of London and Middle Street.

Great finds of all kinds! The Olde Towne Portsmouth Antiques to Flea Market is this Saturday. Antiques to Flea Market Visit the Olde Towne Portsmouth Antiques to Flea Market the first Saturday of each month and hunt through the eclectic collection of unique and antique wares. With over 70 dealers and vendors exhibiting, you will discover a great selection of antique and estate furniture, architectural antiques, china, silverware, art and prints, sporting gear, musical instruments, books and ephemera, hand-made crafts and toys, as well as decorative accessories and flea market items of all types and one-of-a-kind items priced to sell. Free Admission & Free Parking.

Olde Towne Business Association

Don't forget that Olde Towne has some of the best antique shops, art galleries and specialty stores anywhere in Coastal Virginia and beyond. Great shops and nurseries for your spring gardening too! Top it off with a delicious meal in one of Olde Towne's chef-owned and run restaurants. Make a day or a complete weekend of it and discover what Olde Towne has to offer!

Bank of America MuseumsR on Us

Saturday, April 5th  9 AM - 5 PM

Sunday, April  6th  11 AM - 5 PM

The Children's Museum of Virginia is proud to participate in the Museums on Us® program sponsored by Bank of America, which provides cardholders FREE access to some of the nation's finest arts, cultural and educational institutions during the first full weekend of every month. For details, visit  http://www.childrensmuseumva.com/bank-of-america-museums-on-us.html

Family Fun and Activities at The Children’s Museum of Virginia:

221 High Street

757-393-5258

www.childrensmuseumva.com

Saturday, April 5

Noon - 4 PM

Nano Day at the Children's Museum

Participate in experiments check out interactive demonstrations and meet the scientists who bring this cutting-edge technology to our everyday life.  Your eyes will be Huge after seeing these activities about this small-scale science!  Co-hosted by Norfolk State University. Included with museum admission. Free for members.

Treehouses - Look Who's Living In Trees!

On display NOW – May 17 at the Children’s Museum of Virginia

Spend some time hanging out in the trees. Immerse yourself in an indoor tree house and explore first hand who lives in trees. This traveling exhibit is on loan from Sciencenter- Ithaca, New York and was developed by EEC! The Environmental Exhibit Collaborative. Included with admission. Free for members.

Saturday, April 5

2 PM at The Commodore Theatre

421 High Street

The Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center Presents STORIES & SONGS: Appalachian Ballads and Ballad Books

Book-signing and Presentation with Sharyn McCrumb, Katie Hoffman, and Jack Hinshelwood

In coordination with PACC’s Changing Appalachia exhibit, the Commodore Theatre will host award-winning Southern writer, Sharyn McCrumb, who is best known for her Appalachian Ballad novels including many New York Times Best-Sellers such as The Ballad of Frankie Silver, She Walks These Hills, The Ballad of Tom Dooley, and St. Dale, winner of a Library of Virginia Award. McCrumb will be joined by Katie Hoffman and Jack Hinshelwood for a discussion on ballads and ballad books. To make reservations or for more information, please visit the Gallery Shop at 420 High Street or call 757-393-8543.

Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center

Crackerjacks and Grand Slams

10 AM - 5 PM

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and Lightship Portsmouth Museum

2 High Street on the Portsmouth, Virginia Waterfront

757-393-8591

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

Come and discover the history of baseball in Portsmouth!  Did you know Portsmouth had its own Cubs team?  Who were the “Truckers” and how did they get that name?  Come on “in-ning” and enjoy crafts and activities celebrating a true American pastime.  Admission is free as part of our First Weekend programming series.

First Sunday Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch

Enjoy liesure Sunday dining in one of Olde Towne's exceptional restaurants. Olde Towne Portsmouth has become well-known for it's selection of outstanding dining establishments.  Call your favorite Olde Towne Restaurant today for details!

Click here for a list of Olde Towne Portsmouth restaurants