Come out and “meet” Gen. Andrew Lewis, the colonial hero who twice secured Virginia’s freedom, on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Salem Museum.
The immersive event “General Andrew Lewis: Colonial Hero Day,” features live re-enactments of the Battle of Mount Pleasant and Dunmore’s War. Mingle with Fincastle Company actors outfitted in attire from the late 1700s, complete with weapons, tools and general supplies. Wander the museum’s five floors of galleries filled with exhibits devoted to the general and his contribution to American independence, including 350 years of Roanoke Valley’s history.
The event, which is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free and open to the public, thanks to the support of generous sponsors, the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission and the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to experience the past for one day and realize how different the settlers’ way of life was compared to how we live today. There are so many things we don’t even think about in terms of how they survived day-to-day life,” said Garrett Channell, director of the Salem Museum. “Traveling by horse and buggy, protecting a wood home from fire, using tools to cook over a fire, buying materials and sewing clothes — it will all be on display. Visitors can just immerse themselves in the colonial lifestyle.”
Channell said actors interpreting historical figures will interact with visitors throughout the day. In fact, Channell, who also is a Fincastle Company actor, will be portraying Gen. Lewis himself. He welcomes all questions, too.
“I’m honored to be able to re-create the character and educate people on General Lewis’ many accomplishments,” he said. “He is the one who gave Virginia self-rule and allowed us to be free. I hope to be able to convey how important he was to our history.”
Gen. Lewis was also a close friend of George Washington and distinguished himself first by leading his troops to defeat the Shawnee warriors at Point Pleasant (present day West Virginia) during Dunmore’s War. Also during Dunmore’s War, considered a precursor to the Revolutionary War, the general was able to secure the Virginia colony’s western border. He was later tasked with driving the last royal governor, Lord Dunmore, out of the state.
Have a few days to explore? You’ll find plenty to do in downtown Salem. The quaint city features 16 restaurants, boutique hotels, multiple antique shops and dozens of historical markers including the East Hill Cemetery, Old Courthouse, Old Post Home and the Great Road, to name a few. Otherwise known as Main Street, the Great Road also once served as the main conduit for settlers heading west during the pre-Revolutionary days and beyond.
“General Andrew Lewis: Colonial Hero Day” takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 7. For more information, please visit salemmuseum.org.
