By Elsie Meyers

On Sunday, June 26, the Patrick Henry Auxiliary members were honored at an appreciation luncheon by the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation.

The Appreciation Luncheon took place at the Drug Store Grill in Brookneal and was given by the Red Hill staff and board members. The Patrick Henry Auxiliary provided guided tours and living history demonstrations to school children and visitors during special events and group tours. “They are the heart of Red Hill,” said Chief Operating Officer Hope Marstin. “We could not do what we do without them.”

The Patrick Henry auxiliary was formed in 1982 to support the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation in its endeavor to educate the public about Patrick Henry. The auxiliary is comprised of volunteers who love showing and telling children and adults about Patrick Henry and 18th century life. The Living History program at Red Hill is designed to educate school children about the life and character of Patrick Henry as well as teach them skills that were needed during the 18th century.

Some of the interpretive activities the docents perform include blacksmithing, pottery, hearth cooking, colonial medicine, spinning and weaving, flax to linen and tin punching.

The Patrick Henry Auxiliary makes and sells boxwood wreaths as an annual fundraiser and sponsor the Patrick Henry Oratory Competition at the National Speech and Debate Association Tournament. They also host the luncheon for the naturalization ceremony and Christmas Open House at Red Hill.

At this year’s appreciation luncheon, officers were sworn in. Officers included Fran Wydner, vice president; Dona Selig, treasurer; Lynne Curley, secretary and Jean Elliot, president.