James Monroe Chapter President Instructs Class in Lifelong Learning on Genealogy and the American Revolution.

report by James Monroe Chapter President Charles Belfield

Lifelong Learning Class at Menokin. James Monroe Chapter President Charles Belfield is in the center, wearing his 18th century clothes.

     On Sunday, July 24th, Charles Belfield, president of the James Monroe Chapter, instructed a class for the Institute for Lifelong Learning sponsored by the Rappahannock Community College. In his class were 14 students from all over the Northern Neck. He led the class in finding their genealogy. Then they discovered ways to put that knowledge to work; putting together a family history to pass on to generations to come.  And discovering how joining Ancestry Societies such as the Sons of the American Revolution and the War of 1812 Society Of Virginia can bring new activities, new friends and lead to a more fulfilling life. Not to mention to preserve our family history and the history of our nation. The class was held at Menokin the home of Francis Lightfoot Lee, a perfect setting for such class. They were able to see displays of history of my family, dig into reference books and enjoy a skit Compatriot Belfield performs, portraying his family as well as a field trip to the Belfield Memorial Cemetery.