Patrick Henry, portrayed by Eric Monday, October 18, 1997 Photo: Desmond Kendrick

Courthouse Days

This two-day event celebrates the history of Martinsville and Henry County in the late 18thcentury. It begins with a colonial dinner in the historic courthouse, followed by period dancing demonstrated and taught by the Williamsburg Heritage Dancers. A host of children's activities with a historic slant are provided, among them lawn bowling, shuttlecock, writing with quill pens, making mobcaps and horn books, and 18th century etiquette lessons. Historical displays include artifacts and documents signed by the likes of Thomas Jefferson. Demonstrations of traditional crafts include woodcarving, spinning, quilting, and lace-making. Visitors may participate in a small archeological dig conducted by the Virginia Museum of Natural History. The festival concludes with a mock trial drawn from courthouse archives.

Originally submitted by: Virgil Goode, Jr., Representative (5th District).

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