The 2025 NNK250 Signature Speaker Series willstart on January 26, at 2:00pm at the University of Mary Washington’s Dahlgrencampus at 4224 University Drive, King George. UMW Dahlgren will host Dr. WoodyHolton from the University of South Carolina for a presentation entitled, ForcedFounders: Indians, Debtors, Slaves and the Making of the American Revolution inVirginia.

Forced Founders sheds light on a classic political question: whydid the owners of vast plantations, viewed by many of their contemporaries asaristocrats, start a revolution? In this provocative reinterpretation of one ofthe best-known events in American history, Dr. Holton shows that when ThomasJefferson, George Washington, and other elite Virginians joined their peersfrom other colonies in declaring independence from Britain, they acted partlyin response to grassroots rebellions against their own rule.

This event is free, like all events in theNNK250 Signature Speaker Series, and open to everyone. The Signature SpeakerSeries will continue monthly through May at locations in each of the five NorthernNeck counties. Financial support of the NNK250 Signature Speaker Series isprovided by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. Visit nnk250.us for more information.

The NNK250 Signature Speaker Series is anevent of the NNK250 Coalition, the commemorative branch of the Northern NeckNational Heritage Area (NNNHA). The Coalition was formed for the purpose ofplanning and facilitating commemoration of the 250^th anniversary ofthe American Revolution and is comprised of representatives from dozens oforganizations from throughout the Northern Neck.  The Northern Neck National Heritage Areacovers the Counties of King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond andWestmoreland, and is coordinated by the Northern Neck Tourism Commission. Forinformation on the NNNHA as well as itineraries suggesting experiencesthroughout the Northern Neck, please visit northernneck.org.  

Looking for something special for your sweetie for Valentine's Day?

A Valentine's Shopping Open House will be held at the Tavern's Heritage Arts Center Gift Shop between 10 am and 2 pm on Saturday, February 8.

You'll find an array of Unique, Hand-Crafted Gifts and cards, all created by local artisans and artists. See hand-woven towels and placemats, quilted items, hand-woven baskets, hand-crafted jewelry, original artwork, hand-spun and knitted lace shawls, hand-turned wooden bowls, hand-wrought iron ware, funky painted accessories, and more.

Enjoy Free Gift Wrap too. Artisans will be on hand in their studios. See hand-weaving, spinning, quilting, glasswork, and more.

Stop in for a special Valentine Lunch in the Tavern Café. It will be "Chocolate Heaven"! Specialty Handmade Boxed Chocolates will also be for sale.

For more information, call (804) 580-3377.

www.rappahannockfoundation.org