Menokin: Re-Imagining A Ruin

06/07/2026

“Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”

250 years ago today, Francis Lightfoot Lee’s older brother Richard Henry Lee introduced the Lee Resolution for Independence into the Second Continental Congress. This document paved the way for the Declaration of Independence, which the two brothers later signed.
The resolution called for the colonies to declare independence from Great Britain, create foreign alliances, and devise plans to form their own union.

Image Courtesy of U.S. National Archives


Town of Warsaw, VA Virginia is for Lovers Northern Neck National Heritage Area

06/05/2026

Meet our summer interns, Nora and Becca!

Nora (pictured right) serves as our Research and Interpretation Intern, and is an Anthropology and History double major at William & Mary. During the school year, Nora works in the library’s Special Collections, helping to rehouse historic materials using preservation techniques to ensure long-term protection.

Becca (pictured left) works as our Communications Intern. Also a student at William & Mary, she is majoring in Anthropology and Environment & Sustainability. At school, Becca serves as a Communications Assistant for the College of Arts & Sciences, researching and writing stories that highlight notable events, faculty, and students.

This summer, Nora will be researching and creating an updated plant guide of the flora present on Menokin’s grounds, along with producing other educational materials. Becca will assist in documenting progress on the Glass House project and creating digital content for blog posts and social media.


Town of Warsaw, VA Virginia is for Lovers Northern Neck National Heritage Area

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

The deadline to register for this year’s Fairy House Competition is June 15!
Learn more about the competition and registration here: https://www.menokin.org/fairyhouse


Town of Warsaw, VA Virginia is for Lovers Northern Neck National Heritage Area

06/01/2026

Kayak season starts this month as well as our summer hours! June-October, we’re open for guided tours Wed-Sun, 10AM-4PM.
Rent a kayak for $15/hr per person or our special 4-hr rental for $45/person!
You can also join a guided paddle with a group, 2 hours of exploration for only $25/person! Check out our website today for rentals or booking a guided paddle (now available!):
https://www.menokin.org/kayak

Town of Warsaw, VA Virginia is for Lovers Northern Neck National Heritage Area

05/29/2026

The Menokin ruin is a hard hat area due to ongoing construction. Entry inside the ruin is greatly restricted and will vary to ensure visitor safety. That doesn't mean guided tours are over, however---consider visiting us to learn more about what is happening at Menokin and see this work in real time!
Visit Menokin: https://www.menokin.org/plan-your-visit


Town of Warsaw, VA Virginia is for Lovers Northern Neck National Heritage Area

05/27/2026

Peter Harding, formerly enslaved in Northumberland County, was one of many black Revolutionary War refugees who permanently settled in Nova Scotia. He, along with his wife, Kate (or Catherine) Harding and their son Ebenezer lived in Shelburne, Nova Scotia with Peter’s occupation being listed as a laborer. Typical work as a laborer would include clearing land, woodcutting, and hunting.
Fleeing to British lines was a risky endeavor, but many took their chance to gain their freedom. There were others who settled in Nova Scotia who came from the Northern Neck including Nicholas Forde (King George County), Jacob Watson (Richmond County), & William (Westmoreland County).

Check out our online "Finding Freedom" exhibit to learn more NNK stories of self-emancipation during the American Revolution and beyond: https://www.menokin.org/selfemancipation-2026

Image: “A Black Canadian Wood Cutter at Shelburne, Nova Scotia” (1788) watercolor sketch by Captain William Booth
Source: Library and Archives Canada / W.H. Coverdale Collection of Canadiana Manoir Richelieu Collection / c040162k


Town of Warsaw, VA Virginia is for Lovers Northern Neck National Heritage Area

05/24/2026

We hope to see you at Stratford Hall's "Virginia Resolved" event, June 6-7! Menokin will be tabling on the 7th showcasing a shingle-making demonstration. Stop by to see the craftsmanship involved as you enjoy the weekend of fun.
You can learn more about the event here: https://www.stratfordhall.org/virginiaresolved/


Town of Warsaw, VA Virginia is for Lovers Northern Neck National Heritage Area

05/22/2026

The roof (or what was left of it) has been removed from the ruin! All pieces have been tagged and are being stored in our barn next to the Visitor Center. In future years, with the help of restoration carpenters, we will rebuild this northeast roof section and put it back on top of the house. For now, with the roof removed and interior wood joists and slats also removed and stored, the Dominion builders will continue making repairs to the north and east walls. Without the roof, we’ve added bracing to the exterior walls to ensure stability during work.
Construction at the ruin this year makes the site a hard hat area. That means guided tours inside the ruin will be greatly limited. Visitors will still be able to observe the outer perimeter of the site and see work underway in real time. Consider visiting us!

Our 2025-2026 extensive work on the ruin has been made possible by a generous grant from the VA 250 Preservation Fund and from Menokin donors. We couldn’t do this without you. Thank you!
Dominion Traditional Building Group

Town of Warsaw, VA Virginia is for Lovers Northern Neck National Heritage Area

05/21/2026

A photo of the Remembrance Structure. Designed by REID Architecture and built in 2018, the Remembrance Structure sits atop the archaeological footprint of an 18th century enslaved dwelling. Archaeology conducted in the early 2000s found artifacts like ceramic fragments, buttons, and glass that indicated human habitation in the area. Two other archaeological footprints of dwellings, dated to the 19th century, were also found. Their locations are marked by the flagstones on the ground.

The Remembrance Structure acts as a memorial site for Menokin’s enslaved individuals and families who labored here. We’re continuing to uncover their stories today.


Town of Warsaw, VA Virginia is for Lovers Northern Neck National Heritage Area