Governor's Message
 

       May 12, 2007 was certainly a day to remember. That morning, over 1000 Society members and guests boarded buses and embarked on a journey from Williamsburg to Jamestowne Island for a program and wreath-laying ceremony honoring our ancestors. Peter H. Bryan, President-Elect of the Order of First Families of Virginia, welcomed the crowd from the Historic Jamestowne Stage on Jamestowne Island and then introduced the speakers. Rt. Rev. Claude Charles Vache, Bishop, Southern Diocese of Virginia, Episcopal Church (Ret.) made remarks, followed by Carter Branham Snow Furr, Esq., as President of the Order of First Families of Virginia. Richard A. Cheatham of Living History Associates Ltd. appeared as colonial settler John Rolfe, giving an entertaining speech welcoming the "new settlers." He gave advice on survival techniques and talked about his wife, Pocahontas. I spoke about the legacies of Jamestown.

      During the program, the replica ships "Susan Constant," "Godspeed" and "Discovery" sailed in the James River behind the Historic Jamestowne Stage, a very moving backdrop to our program.  A replica of Captain John Smith's shallop used by early settlers to explore the Chesapeake Bay landed on Jamestowne Island to re-enact the original landing of May 13, 1607.

       Following the program on the Island, Jamestowne Society members and guests returned to the Williamsburg Marriott for the luncheon meeting. I presented a silver bowl to the Michigan Company to recognize their Company's contribution of $3,810 to the 2007 Fund, which was the largest Company contribution received. Joyce Bockemuehl, Governor of the Michigan Company, received the bowl award. Linda Frazier of the Shenandoah Company generously donated the silver bowl for use as an award in this manner. The bowl will be engraved with the Michigan Company's name and then be housed at the Society Headquarters offices in Richmond.

      To acknowledge the formation of a new Company, I presented the Charter to the newly formed Nevada-Arizona Company to Martha Frances Wilson Gordon, Organizing Governor. The new company boasts 18 charter members.

       Before the 1000+ members and guests assembled, following lunch, Dr. James Horn, Vice President of Research and O'Neill Director of the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, spoke about Jamestown. He is well known for his recent best selling book, "A Land as God Made It: Jamestown and the Birth of America." He frequently appears on radio and television programs about early Virginia, and actively worked in planning events for the 400th anniversary commemoration. Dr. Horn has recently completed an edition of "Writings of Captain John Smith" for the Library of America. His receptive audience responded with a round of applause when he referred to the "Plymouth mythology."

        On the evening of May 12, members and guests gathered  for a formal banquet at the Williamsburg Marriott. During the procession of honored guests who would be seated at the head table, the Fort Eustis Army Transportation Command color guard presented the colors.  It was my great pleasure to then present, on behalf of the Jamestowne Society, to William B. Kerkam, III, President of the APVA, a donation of $26,000 to assist the APVA with the continuing preservation and archaeological projects ongoing at Historic Jamestowne. This impressive donation was made possible by the many generous donors to the 2007 Fund.

      Brig. Gen. Charles Danny McGuire, Chairman of the 2007 Commemoration Committee for the Society, was recognized for his hard work in planning the events of the weekend. Gen. McGuire then addressed the assembly, and made a toast. Following dinner, Gen. McGuire introduced the keynote speaker, the Hon. John O. Marsh, Jr., former Secretary of the Army and currently professor of law at George Mason University. He presented a patriotic address for the occasion to the more than 1000 persons present.

        The seamless perfection of these very large events is testimony to the hard work and countless hours of Gen. McGuire, his 2007 Commemoration Committee members, and Society Executive Director Kelly Carson Johnson, without whom these events would not have been possible. The Society has had a DVD made of the events of May 12, which makes a treasured keepsake. It's now available for purchase, and can be ordered at this time. (See details on the "Jamestowne Society Shoppe" page of this website for ordering information).  It's a good way for you to share the Jamestowne Society experience with others in your community who may be interested in joining the Jamestowne Society.

        It is an honor to serve as Governor of the Society, especially so at this historic time. We have a great legacy to remember and to share.

W. Harrison Schroeder, Esq., Governor
Governor of the Jamestowne Society

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