Group appreciates MC hospitality

Letter to the editor
Published: July 31, 2008

Editor:

On behalf of the Germanna Foundation, we express our sincere appreciation to the Madison County Historical Society and other Madisonians who participated in hosting Germanna guests on Friday, July 18.  This first day event is part of an annual three-day Germanna Reunion for descendants of German families.

Gov. Spotswood settled his 1717 German Colony on Route 3 between Culpeper and Fredericksburg where the first colony had settled three years earlier.
In 1726 the westward movement brought many of these families to the Hebron Valley and the Criglersville, Wolftown and Ruth areas of present day Madison County.

The 44 passengers on the large tour bus, from all over the country, not only saw the land of their ancestors and heard their stories, but had an opportunity to mingle with Madisonian distant cousins. The bus was allowed on private property for viewing the land and, where necessary, select groups of visitors were taken to their ancestors’ sites by vans driven by Madisonians. 

Madisonians provided the food at Hebron Lutheran Church where guests were officially greeted by Supervisor Robert Miller and Co-President of the Historical Society Bill Scholten.  More Madisonians were on hand to visit with the guests, show pictures, clippings, ledgers, etc. before hearing a presentation in the sanctuary.  Historical society volunteers showed the many exhibits at the Arcade museum, led tours at the Kemper Residence and (its adjacent) law office.

The tour members later visited the county library where they purchased maps and browsed the history room.

The day’s activities were greatly enhanced by the abundance of local assistance throughout the day.

To each one of you we say thank you for your gracious hospitality.

Marc Wheat
Arlington
President
Germanna Foundation