Photos by Angelica Ramos
Angelica Ramos
Contributing Writer
BLACKSBURG- Historic Smithfield observed its 250th anniversary this past weekend with an event packed celebration.
The 250th Commemoration of Blacksburg’s Historic Smithfield was themed “From Deep Roots, Forging an Inclusive Future.” The theme centered on telling the full story of Smithfield’s legacy. Completed in 1774, Smithfield predates the Declaration of Independence and thus the formation of the United States as we know it. Smithfield was the homestead of the Preston family who were influential in the history of the state of Virginia for decades, including establishing multiple universities across the nation that include University of Virginia and our very own, Virginia Tech. As Historic Smithfield was a colonial American plantation, its history, to this day, has a lasting impact.
The celebration debuted new informative placards around the grounds that explain the history of the place and are paired with videos that further tell the stories that Smithfield contains. For example, one of the placards tells the story of the Merry Oak, a tree in which the enslaved people of Smithfield held weddings, church, funerals and communed together on the property. Each placard has a QR code that links to a video further educating visitors.
The weekend started off with a Reunion Mixer at Smithfield Pavilion for descendants of the Preston family and community members. This was followed by a specially commissioned film by Chloe Shelton Films called “Showing the Roots of a Nation: The Smithfield Story.” Tours were held showing the grounds, gardens, the Smithfield House and the family cemetery where visitors can see generations of Prestons, including Susannah Preston, in their resting place as well as the resting place of Virginia and two other formerly enslaved people.
The Museum Store was open all weekend for visitors to shop, buy gifts and buy books written by descendants, like Dr. Kerri Mosley-Hobbs, and historians. Panels were held on the second day of the Commemoration with descendants of the indigenous people, the enslaved people and the Preston family discussing and recognizing their entwined histories at Smithfield. The eventful weekend also hosted a dedication of a project by the Daughters of the American Revolution and living history with re-enactors, blacksmithing forge demonstrators and a historic canon.
The commemoration weekend ended with a remembrance event at Solitude where they remembered all of the people and the histories of the past, including the indigenous and enslaved.
