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Alexandria, MBA | History + Culture | Researcher + Storyteller

@exploringwithalexandria

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During my visit to First Baptist Church Bermuda Hundred in Chester, Virginia, I talk with Rev. Townes to learn about the church’s rich history and how it came to bear the name “Bermuda Hundred.” What I discovered was a powerful story deeply connected to the landscape and people who came before us.

Rev. Townes also shares the difficult history of the surrounding area, which was once home to one of the largest enslaved auction sites in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It serves as a sobering reminder of the lives forever changed here and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.

Join us as we explore a place where faith, history, and remembrance intersect.

Be sure to subscribe, share, and help us continue preserving the stories that shaped our communities.

#HistoryBeforeUs #VirginiaHistory #BlackHistory #ChesterVA #BermudaHundred

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During my visit to First Baptist Church Bermuda Hundred in Chester, Virginia, I talked with Rev. Townes to learn about the church’s rich history and how it came to bear the name “Bermuda Hundred.” What I discovered was a powerful story deeply connected to the landscape and people who came before us.

Rev. Townes also shares the difficult history of the surrounding area, which was once home to one of the largest enslaved auction sites in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It serves as a sobering reminder of the lives forever changed here and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.

The full interview will be available soon on the History Before Us YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe, share, and help us continue preserving the stories that shaped our communities.

Thanks for the connection @exploringwithalexandria

#HistoryBeforeUs #VirginiaHistory #Enslavement #ChesterVA #ChurchHistory

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Rev. Townes shares the story of one of the oldest, if not the oldest, schools established for African American children in the Bermuda Hundred community of Chester, Virginia. It’s another powerful reminder that our history is all around us, if we’re willing to look and ask questions.

I can’t wait to share the full interview with you soon on my YouTube channel, History Before Us. Be sure to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you don’t miss it when it drops. (Chesterfield County⁠, Va) @chesterfieldhistoricalsv

#historybeforeus #history #historicsite #historylover #sharestories

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Looking forward to July 4 Weekend as much as we are? ⭐

Plan ahead before you arrive! From do’s & don’ts to transportation, parking, and everything in between, we've got what you need to make the most of your visit. Check out ColonialWilliamsburg.org/July4 for the full event schedule, special programs, FAQs, ticket information, and more.

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments below ⬇️

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During my visit to First Baptist Church Bermuda Hundred in Chester, Virginia, I talked with Rev. Townes to learn about the church’s rich history and how it came to bear the name “Bermuda Hundred.” What I discovered was a powerful story deeply connected to the landscape and people who came before us.

Rev. Townes also shares the difficult history of the surrounding area, which was once home to one of the largest enslaved auction sites in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It serves as a sobering reminder of the lives forever changed here and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.

The full interview will be available soon on the History Before Us YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe, share, and help us continue preserving the stories that shaped our communities.

Thanks for the connection @exploringwithalexandria

#HistoryBeforeUs #VirginiaHistory #Enslavement #ChesterVA #ChurchHistory

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The dilapidated building behind me is the Bermuda Hundred Elementary School for African Americans, located in Chesterfield County, Va. The original building was constructed 🪚🪓🪵 in the 1800s.

Shout out to Reverend Townes for the tour. Thank you @exploringwithalexandria for the connection!

#history #historybeforeus #historicsite #vahistory #historical

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CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH AT PLEASANT VIEW

Join us for an afternoon of history, community, and youth-centered activities at the historic Pleasant View School.

Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Pleasant View School | 18431 River Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832

This public event will explore the history and significance of Pleasant View School while celebrating Juneteenth through interactive activities and community engagement.

Event Highlights:

• Brief history and discussion on the significance of Pleasant View School
• Special video presentation featuring community voices and stories connected to Pleasant View
• Youth-centered Juneteenth activities
• Arts and crafts
• Prizes and interactive engagement opportunities
• Special guests connected to the history of the site may be invited to attend

Special invitation extended to youth, local families, church communities, and community members interested in local history and culture.

Come celebrate history, heritage, and community with us!

Hosted by the African American History Committee of the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia

#juneteenth #blackhistory #localhistory #chesterfieldva #community

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June Events! Mark your calendars!

Sat. 2nd – Community Lecture
“1976-2026: The Museum, 50 Years of Collecting and Preserving Chesterfield History” with CHSV librarian, Liess van der Linden-Brusse
11am – 12pm at the Chesterfield County Museum
FREE to the public but please sign up through Chesterfield Parks and Rec activity page which can be found in our b1o

Sat. 6th - Research and Collections
Genealogy Workshop
1pm – 4pm at Historic Trinity Church
FREE to the public

Fri. 19th – Special Event
Juneteenth Celebration with the African American History Committee of CHSV
12pm – 2pm at Pleasant View School
FREE to the public

Fri. 26th – Walking Tour
Historic Courthouse Green Tour
10am – 11am 6813 Mimms Loop, Chesterfield
$8 Admission and please use sign up through Chesterfield Parks and Rec activity page which can be found in our b1o

Sat. 27th – Community Lecture
“Peter Francisco: Revolutionary Patriot” with Carelyn Sheppard, a DAR member
12pm – 1pm at Magnolia Grange
FREE but please use sign up through Chesterfield Parks and Rec activity page which can be found in our b1o

And a reminder to catch our current exhibit while you can! Visit the Chesterfield County Museum for “Quilts of the Past: Memories & Traditions” until July 31st!

#chesterfieldva #chesterfieldcounty #localhistory #museums #dar

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You don’t really know Wilmington, until you experience it with us WilmingtoNColor Heritage Tour, the 90min ride around downtown Wilmington that will change your life.

We’ve watched people who were born and raised here sit on that bus and say, “I never knew this.”

And we’ve watched visitors leave feeling like they’ve been connected to this city their whole life.

A native becomes a tourist.
A tourist becomes a native.

this isn’t sightseeing, this is understanding, this is connection, this is truth.

🚍 It’s Not Just A Tour, It’s A Time Machine.
All you gotta do is bring the people, we’ll bring the history
🎟️ Seats fill up fast 💨 so lock yours in now:
www.WilmingtoNColor.com

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HISTORICAL MARKER DEDICATION CEREMONY

Join us for the reveal of a state historical marker commemorating the history of the First Baptist Church Bermuda Hundred and the legacy of the trading of enslaved Africans on the site.

Recognize the importance of this site on
SATURDAY, MARCH 28th at 11am.
First Baptist Bermuda Hundred
Chester, VA

#chesterfieldva #bermudahundred #blackhistory #africanamericanhistory #localhistory

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WRITING IS INSPIRED.
On a Friday morning, bright colors, full sun, and on the property of Mr. Taliaferro.

He was Elizabeth Wythe’s father.

George Wythe’s father-in-law.

The man who built a townhouse on the Palace Green and gave it with life rights as a wedding present to George and Elizabeth.

We now know it as the most original building in @colonialwmsburg - and it’ll show up on most of my customized tours. For many ties to Colonial Virginia, the Revolutionary period, and even the man whose vision restored CW into what’s currently the largest living history museum.

Thank you Mr. Taliaferro.

#historyblogger #historyblog #inspiration #inspiredbyhistory #historocplaces #americanhistory #historytour #historybuffsunite #learninghistory #walkingtour #curatedtravel #linkstohistory #workcation #beinginspired

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Only 250 days until the 250 year anniversary of the United States of America 🇺🇸

From 1776 to 2026: our story is still being written.

Get ready to celebrate, reflect, and make history together! Now is the time to reconnect and see why there’s no America without Virginia.

America. Made in Virginia.

#America250 #VA250 #virginia250 #americamadeinvirginia

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