Originally part of Henrico County, Chesterfield was established in 1749. The Chesterfield County courthouse area was the training center for our soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
Chesterfield County has issued a 1.6 million dollar budget cut from Parks and Recreation. Mike Golden, Director of Chesterfield Parks and Recreation has proposed a budget cut to The Board of Supervisors, to include closing our historical sites. This would take effect this year at the end of their fiscal year of June 30th, 2010.
Volunteers, with a handful of paid employees, run the Chesterfield County Historical Society. Those employees will be unemployed after June 30th. Many of them have worked there for several years. According to Diane Dallmeyer, Director of Chesterfield Historical Society, “They are not shutting down the historical society, but closing the buildings and tours in which we operate, it goes much deeper.”
Castlewood Plantation, built in 1817, home of The Historical Society, Magnolia Grange, and The Chesterfield Museum are among the locations scheduled to close. These building alone contain numerous antiques in which they are proposing to store with mothballs.
The Historical Society runs countless school tours throughout the year, programs, and speakers. They also cater to home school programs and The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. All of this will be shut down.
On a grander scale this will affect Eppington Plantation and the tours of the Midlothian Coal Mines. (There are many out there that do not even realize that the Midlothian Coal Mines, are the first coal mines in the United States) to name a few. The Rockwood Park Nature Center will close; senior and adult programs and all outdoor programs will be cut.
From Diane Dellmeyer, “Next year is the 150th Commemoration of the Civil War.” “Chesterfield County has 26 Civil War sites, how will we promote it if we are not here?”
This brings upon us another question as to what does Chesterfield County have to offer in tourism? When Magnolia Grange closes, so will the gift shop. Chesterfield has no welcome center, no gift shop and no programs to offer. What will be the draw to Chesterfield County for tourism?
Another group has offered proposals to open its historical sites to the Paranormal Community. Will Chesterfield County entertain the idea of the spirited history?
What can you do? Let the Board of Supervisors know that it is important to you. Contact them directly. (http://www.chesterfield.gov/content2.aspx?id=7721) Make a donation to Chesterfield County Historical Society. They are 501C3, tax deductible and go directly to The Historical Society and not Chesterfield County. (http://www.chesterfieldhistory.com)
Chesterfield County apparently does not show a great deal of interest in our history. Ironically, local businesses go through strict stipulations set by Chesterfield County to maintain the “historic look” of the Magnolia Grange area. So is it fair to close Magnolia Grange?
This is my history, your history, your children’s history and your grandchildren’s history. You CAN make a difference!
Comments
I may not have grown up here, however the Historical Points in this area is one of the main factors to me staying here. In an area this rich with Historical Landmarks and culture, One would think that this would be a major selling point on the area. As I said before this was a MAJOR factor in my moving to Chesterfield. I just hope that some one can bring to light what a mistake this is before it is too late and the Damage is done!!!
This is such a shame...I am most certain they could come up with a better way. They seem to forget, if it wasn't for those historical sites, they would not be there today.
This is horrible.. I grew up visiting these places for field trips throughout school. Itd be a shame to let children not know about the history here. Couldnt of said this any better! :)
Thisn is what makes history alive for children. History books in school are boring,. This makes them understand. My thing is what can people getting together do to help this? Places do silent auctions and more. I understand the County not having a lot of money and sadly I have not seen too many people visit these places as they should.
Things like this are happening all over the country. It's sad but, it takes people in large numbers to make noise then something can be done! Keeping our history is part of who we are as a society.
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