Henricus ready for 2007
By Shariq Torres CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Page Dowdy/Chesterfield Observer Re-enactors (from left) William Sykes, Dennis Farmer, Fred Scholpp and Michael Bell from the Citie of Henricus Militia don period clothing during a past year's Publick Day at Henricus Historical Park.

With the upcoming quadricentennial this year at Jamestown, the Citie of Henricus is planning events to take advantage of increased tourism to Virginia.

Publick Day, a free event where the public is invited to Henricus Historical Park, will be held in May this year to coincide with the arrival of the Godspeed at the park. The Godspeed is a 17th century replica of an English sailing ship that recreates the moment settlers first arrived in the New World. By the time the ship docks at Henricus, it would have already been on a tour of the James River, from Alexandria to Richmond. Henricus' acting site director Paul McKee said there will be military reenactments, Virginia Native American activities, historical children's games and storytelling. Gov. Tim Kaine and his cabinet, the board of supervisors and state dignitaries are expected to attend the event.

Usually, Publick Day is held in the fall. Amanda Davis, the coordinator for Chesterfield 2007, said the county expects to draw a larger crowd than in previous years because of the anniversary.

"It's really hard to estimate [the number of attendees] because in the past it's been for the people in the county. This year we're hoping for the best," Davis said.

Henricus began preparing for the 2007 festivities last year by adding a reconstruction of Mt. Malady, the first English hospital in the New World, and several "yehawkans," traditional dwellings of the Appomattox Indians.

The historical park also plans to open a new exhibit in April called "Art and Royalty in the Age of Prince Henry." The exhibit will feature portraits of King James and Prince Henry, for whom Henricus is named, brought over from England.

"We're really excited about this," said Pauline Mitchell, vice chairman of the Henricus Foundation. "We're getting help from the Virginia Historical Society in mounting the exhibit."

Additionally, the foundation will host seminars on colonial life, Pocahontas and early trade with Virginia's Native Americans. Many of the events, Mitchell says, are still in the planning phase.

Sir Thomas Dale founded Henricus four years after Jamestown. The settlement existed 11 years before Powhatan Confederation raids destroyed it in 1611. Despite its short-lived history, the settlement can boast the first English hospital, the first chartered university, the first private ownership of land, and the development of free enterprise.

Henricus Historical Park has planned several events through the spring and summer:

Apr. 9-13 - River Camp Campers will fish, hike and explore the wetlands of the James River while learning about the river's impact on Virginia's history and economy. Campers will also spend time in the recreated Indian village and English settlement of the Citie of Henricus. For ages 8-12. The fee is $125 per child. The deadline for registration deadline is Apr. 2. May 19-20 - Publick Day May 19-23 - Godspeed Landing Be a part of the 21st annual celebration of the founding of the 1611 Citie of Henricus and the 400th anniversary of America. There will be demonstrations of 17th century medical practices, military reenactments, Virginia Indian activities, storytelling and hands-on activities provided by many Richmond region museums and organizations. This is a free event. June 25-29 - Camp Pocahontas At Camp Pocahontas, children ages 6-10 learn about the life of Pocahontas and the culture of the Powhatan tribes. Activities will include traditional Native American craft s, storytelling, games and nature walks. The fee is $125 per child. The deadline for registration is June 12.

For more information about these events and others, call 706-1340 or visit www.henricus.org.