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 Stay Connected
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| Grant Received |
Conservation Grant Received
Belmont has received a $5,000 grant from the Duff McDuff Green Jr. Fund of the Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region. The money will go towards restoration of the original Dining Room draperies and furniture left by the Melchers. This project will take several years and additional dollars to complete, and frequent visitors may notice a few items missing from the room for extended periods while the work is performed. But the results will give an even better representation of the Melchers decorative tastes and will preserve the furnishings for generations to come. |
| Staffer Receives Award | |
Dave Ludeker, Building and Grounds Assistant, received the University of Mary Washington's Staff Advisory Council "Couldn't Do it Without You Award"
In our nomination we wrote, "Dave has never said no and always comes through quickly and with skills that we all envy.
"He is a big reason Belmont can continue to look good and operate at such a high level. We couldn't do it without him."
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| Vegetable Garden |
 Jody Wilken (L) a Master Gardener volunteer, and Linda Juggins (R) Master Naturalist volunteer, have taken on the vegetable garden this summer. Thank you! |
| Special Visitor |
 Dr. Elizabeth Carmichael, whose picture at age two attending the Melchers' annual Easter Children's Party, was recently featured in the Free Lance-Star, paid us a visit in late May. Dr. Carmichael has fond memories of the Punch and Judy puppet shows that were staged in the house's main hallway. Thanks for visiting! |
| Preschool Palette | |
Preschool Palette is an early childhood program for children ages 3-5.
Paint Party! is June's theme.
We will read Karen Beaumont's I ain't Gonna Paint No More! and embrace free painting in the Education Classroom.
Listen to this book being read aloud. For more information, including the schedule through the rest of the year, visit our website.
Mon, June 6, 10-11 a.m.
Thurs, June 9, 10-11 a.m.
Thurs, June 23, 10-11 a.m.
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 At Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont, see the richly furnished country house and working studio of American Impressionist painter Gari Melchers (1860-1932) as they appeared in the 1920s. Explore the colorful formal gardens and wooded hiking trails of the artist's 27-acre retreat. Enjoy special exhibitions of the art of Melchers and his contemporaries.
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| Programs & Events | |
 | The Race, Country Fair
by Gari Melchers |
The Belmont Stakes at Belmont
Join the excitement as the 143rd Belmont Stakes is televised live in the Studio Pavilion. A casual BBQ buffet, wine and beer cash bar, and entertainment will round out the day.
Don't let this event come down to the wire - only four days left to buy your tickets!
Friends of Belmont/$40; Nonmembers/$50. Call Betsy Labar at 540/654-1848 for details.
 Summer Family Tours
Daily, except Wednesdays, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
This intergenerational experience allows visitors of all ages to engage in a guided tour of the historic house museum and art gallery spaces. Tours are customized to meet a family's needs and interests and are approximately one hour in length.
Up to two children are free with an accompanying, paying adult. Additional children are $5 each. Families can enjoy these special tours through Labor Day. The tour is free for Friends of Belmont. Prior registration for family tours is not necessary. After the tour, guests are encouraged to extend their experience by sketching outside or finding items in our outdoor scavenger hunt.
Woodland Walk
Sunday, June 26, 2 p.m.
Conducted by Virginia Master Naturalists, this informative walk covers a mile of trails in both woodlands and fields and touches on the historic ruins of Belmont's past. Please wear sturdy footwear. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Free |
| Summer Camps | | |
 "Classic Summer Crafts"
4 spots left
July 18-22
10 a.m. - noon daily
Grades 2-5
Spend a week at Belmont exploring classic summer camp art projects that will keep students outside having fun. From paper making and tie-dye to sun prints and painted flower pots, each day will produce a treasure to take home.
Instructor: Cathy Stikes
Cost: $70/members; $85/non-members
 "Mini Family Camp"
2 spots left
July 25 and 26, 10 a.m. - noon
All ages, students accompanied by adult
A two-day art adventure for children of all ages and abilities.
Children work side-by-side with their favorite adult to make homemade paper and sun prints featuring foliage from the Belmont landscape.
Instructor: Cathy Stikes
Cost: $35/members; $40/non-members
 "Belmont: Think Big!"
August 15-18
Grades 2-5, 10 a.m. - 12
1 spot left
Grades 6-12, 2 - 4 p.m.
10 spaces available
Students will be challenged to think expansively while they work on a mural project. An additional take-home project will round out this four-day camp. Small class size; all supplies are included.
Contact Education Coordinator Michelle Crow-Dolby at 540/654-1851 to register. Instructor: M.J. Bradley; Cost: $65/members; $80/non-members |
| Roots House Update | | |
Fannie Roots House Donors
In response to requests for assistance in acquiring supplies and materials to stabilize the Fannie Roots House, we have received donations from the following friends. Thank you all for your quick response!
Wayne Akers; Albert and Jane Conner; Anita L. Dodd; Annette E. Good and Hana Wielebinski; Ruth Coder Fitzgerald; Charles G. McDaniel; Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor; Bill Scaife; Stafford County Citizens Alliance; Stafford County Historical Society; Hal and Laura Stuart; Frank and Dorothy White.
Work Days
A Roots House volunteer work weekend is scheduled for June 4 and 5. If you would like to lend a hand please contact Beate Jensen at 540/654-1839.
Unfortunately, the Roots House project suffered an unexpected setback on May 12 when a truck veered off Washington Street and ran into the house's north wall. Repairs will be undertaken as soon as the University of Mary Washington reviews the incident.
On a happier note, Belmont Buildings and Grounds Preservation Supervisor Beate Jensen was presented in late May with a Stafford County Historic Preservation Award by the Stafford County Historical Commission. Recognized at a Board of Supervisors meeting, Beate was cited "For her diligence in promoting and organizing volunteer efforts for the restoration of the Fannie Roots House in historic Falmouth."
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| Art Workshops | |
 Unique Tees: SilkscreenSaturday, June 25 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Mixed Media Sculpture
Saturday, July 9
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Crash Course in Knitting
Saturday, August 13
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. All workshops are $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Visit our website for complete descriptions and registration information. |
| Thank You! | |
Thanks to all the hard-working docents who made this year's field trip season a success!
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Back row L to R: Jan Sokol, Liz Sudduth, and De'Onne Scott
Front row L to R: Jody Bly, Linda Burgess, Teddy Woods, and Kathryn Grant |
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Back Row L to R: Kate Logan, Liz Sudduth, Susan Prescott, and Alice Nuckols
Front Row L to R: Julie Olsen, Teddy Woods, and Gloria Chestnut |
Not pictured: Carla Abernathy, Marge Budzynski, Ann Keel, Judy Norton, Susan Prescott, and Cathy Stikes. |
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