Photo Gallery: August 6th Loudoun Quakers, Abolition, and the Underground Railroad event

Aug 28

Photos are in from this month's special event, Loudoun Quakers, Abolition, and the Underground Railroad event in Lincoln, Virginia. We had an amazing turnout of over 120 guests - I'm pretty sure there wasn't a place to park in the whole village! Inside the 1817 Goose Creek meeting house our guests were treated to several talks: Carolyn Ungar spoke on the history of the congregation and the meeting house, Eric Larson visited from the Loudoun County Courthouse to talk about using court documents to research slavery, and Dr. A. Glenn Crothers of the University of Louisville described the role played by Loudoun Quakers in the Abolitionist movement.

Following the talks guests were able to explore the 1815 Oakdale school and the Quaker burying ground before heading to Springdale for refreshments. Springdale was built in the 1830s for prominent Quaker leader Samuel Janney, and it once housed a school and a Civil War hospital. The home is currently the site of the Springdale Village Inn, a Bed & Breakfast. Guests explored the house as well as the exquisitely landscaped grounds. A huge thanks to the Goose Creek Friends and the Springdale Village Inn for making the event possible! Thanks also to Chuck Pellerin for sharing his wonderful photographs!

1765 Meeting House

The 1765 Stone Meeting House, adjacent to the burying ground

Oakdale School

The 1815 Oakdale school, built to serve the town's Quaker and African-American communities

Oakdale School

The interior of the 1815 Oakdale school. The Goose Creek Freinds continue to use the schoolhouse to this day.

1817 Goose Creek Meeting House

The 1817 Goose Creek Meeting House was the location for the afternoon's talks.

Dr. Glenn Crothers

Dr. A. Glenn Crothers of the University of Louisville, speaking on Northern Virginia's Quaker communities and thier role in the abolition movement. Dr. Crothers is author of Quakers Living in the Lion's Mouth.

Full House

Dr. Crothers spoke to a packed meeting house. Over 120 people were in atendence, with some visiting from as far away as Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Dr. A. Glenn Crothers

Eric Larson

Eric Larson, Historic Records Manager at the Loudoun County Courthouse, followed with a short presentation on using court records to research the history of slavery.

Springdale

Following the talks guests enjoyed a reception at historic Springdale, once home to prominent Quaker leader Samuel Janney. The home is now operated as the Springdale Village Inn B&B.

Springdale

Guests were free to explore the interior of the home, which once housed a girls school in the years before the Civil War.

Springdale

During the Civil War the home was used as a makeshift hospital for the wounded on both sides. In recent years Springdale has been lovingly restored to its 19th century appearence.

Springdale

Guests were also free to explore the exquisitely landscaped grounds of the Inn (and visit with the chickens and ducks!)

Springdale

MHAA Public Programs Coordinator Travis doubled as the bartender for the event, providing snacks and refreshments.

Springdale

We enjoyed our day in Lincoln immensely and we hope all of our guests did as well! A special thanks to the Goose Creek Friends and Springdale Village Inn for making such a memorable day possible!