The Jamestowne Society
400 Year Commeration Day

May 13, 1607, three small ships dropped anchor off a small island and sent a party of men ashore. Thus it began:  adventurers came for riches and founded a country. It took time; there were many hardships to deal with and obstacles to overcome, but this intrepid group stayed, survived, and grew. They were our ancestors; we are their legacy.

400 years later, 1200 members and guests of The Jamestowne Society gathered to spend a day in commemoration of this venture. It was an extraordinary event, beginning with a bus ride to Jamestowne Island and a tour of the Jamestowne Island Visitor Center exhibit followed by a short walk to the Historic Jamestowne Stage area for the program and commemoration speeches.

Of special interest was the welcoming speech for new settlers given by Mr. Richard A. Cheatham, Living History Associates, Ltd., as John Rolfe. He regaled the group with tales of survival, and told of the life of his wife, Pocahontas. Replicas of the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery were seen sailing in the James River behind the stage during the program. A replica of a shallop used by early settlers reenacted the landing of May 13, 1607. It was truly awe-inspiring.

The group then moved to the churchyard for a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of Benjamin Harrison 1, ancestor of Jamestowne Society Governor, W. Harrison Schroeder. The morning ended with the Council of our Society meeting at the monument of John Smith within the walls of James Fort, the reading of a proclamation honoring our ancestors, and the muster of those attending the island program.

There was still time to view the archeological site where much has been found to provide more information on the lives of our ancestors, also, the replica of the fort. Then it was back to the buses for the short ride to the hotel for the luncheon and dinner activities.

What made this day so memorable for me was having my family together to participate in this once in a lifetime event. Words cannot describe the emotions and pride in heritage we shared during this special day.

Zandra Baker, Governor, Michigan Company, The Jamestowne Society

Click on Jamestowne to view the slideshow of the May 2007, 400 Year Celebration. The slideshow will open in a new window. Close the window to return.