Thomas Jefferson, who is seen in Williamsburg regularly, will travel to Chesterfield for an appearance.

Having Colonial Williamsburg in fairly close proximity to Chester is a real treat for local history buffs, but for those who want to enjoy the fun without having to make the drive, a new option is on the horizon. The Chester Patriots group will be hosting a visit from Williamsburg re-enactors on July 10, featuring Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry.

Event organizer Ralph Carter explains, “These are interpreters from Colonial Williamsburg. What they’ll do is give a monologue about themselves, their accomplishments, and teach about history. Then they’ll open for a question-and-answer session and dialogue with the audience, staying in character the whole time. They’ll take you back to their time period.”

One of the aims of the Chester Patriots group is to educate its members and the surrounding community on the Constitution and the Founding Fathers. “The Founding Fathers were all about the Constitution and their vision for this nation,” explains Carter. “We couldn’t get better guys here – they’re really excellent.”

Carter had seen William Barker, who portrays Thomas Jefferson, in a program before. “I called Colonial Williamsburg to get in touch with Jefferson, and he was the one who asked me questions!” Carter says. “He wanted to know what we were doing and why, as the re-enactors prefer not to get into politics. Once I explained our purpose, he was more than happy to come. He was the one who suggested bringing Patrick Henry!”

Although the Chester Patriots group is seen as a political one, Carter stresses that the re-enactors’ visit is a non-partisan event that’s about education and entertainment, not political sympathies, and invites all interested community members to check out the event.
“For those who attend, I think it’s going to be a really great time,” says Carter. “If you don’t come, I think you’ll be missing a very special event.”

As the re-enactors will be performing in the public meeting room of the county administration building, seating will be limited to 150.

Tickets will be distributed for the event and require a $6.50 donation. “The re-enactment is first-come, first-served, and once the first 150 tickets are gone, they’re gone,” Carter says. Tickets can be purchased online at the Patriots’ website, wst-chester.com, at the bookstore page; or by visiting Carter’s Power Equipment, located at 4807 W. Hundred Rd.

The Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry Re-enactment will be held July 10, with doors to the meeting room opening at 6 p.m. and the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meeting room is located at the county administration building, 10001 Iron Bridge Rd.

For more information about the event or the Chester Patriots group, contact Ralph Carter at 334-7697 or visit wst-chester.com.

ereel@villagepublishing.com | 751-0421

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