Curious History Walking Tours

05/03/2024

05/01/2024

04/17/2024

See you tonight at 7pm at 7 Rooftop Bar on Commerce Street!

🎰 Beautiful Weather + Curious Trivia + Bourbon & Cigar Night - tonight at 7 Rooftop!

We’re feeling lucky to have such a great night ahead! Grab your crew and join Kathleen and Gail of Curious History for Curious Trivia at 7 PM! Plus, Pap's Cigar Company will be with us from 6-9 PM. Beer specials, bourbon features, and the best views! Don’t miss out on the fun - see you at 7! 🌆💡⁉️🥃🔥

04/09/2024

“One of my postcards depicting beautiful historic landmarks in Lynchburg, Virginia.
The Monument Terrace and Courthouse civic landmark, is a block-long series of stairs and terraces on axis with the city's 1851 Greek Revival courthouse. It was constructed in
1924-25 to honor those Lynchburg citizens who fought and died in World War I. Designed by Lynchburg architect Aubrey Chesterman, the steps traverse the city's steep Courthouse Hill and provide pedestrian access between Church and Court Streets. Prior to the construction of the present steps, in 1882 a plaza, stone stairs, and a fountain-all designed by August Forsberg-replaced a dirt path. A year later, a statue of a fireman was added to the fountain to commemorate five firefighters who lost their lives in 1883. Today, the Terrace's richly articulated design also includes monuments to veterans of the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War Il, and campaigns in Korea and Vietnam. Three additional markers commemorate civic milestones.

Chesterman's Beaux-Arts design comprises ten stair sections (totaling 141 steps) and nine terrace landings featuring limestone balusters, detailed brick paving, stone retaining walls, granite steps and foundations, monuments, and statuary. Charles Kecke's sculpture The Listening Post (often referred to as the Doughboy) was installed in 1926 at the base of the stairs in memory of veterans of World War l, replacing the statue of the fireman in Lynchburg. “

- C. Weiss

03/26/2024

Come see us!!

These hosts really know how to bring the most! Join us tomorrow night for another installment of Curious Trivia with Kathleen & Gail from Curious History! Whether you’re flying solo or with a crew, expect competition, cool prizes, and beer specials. Don’t miss out!

03/20/2024

While on an expedition in Africa in 1904, an American explorer purchased a Pygmy boy named Ota Benga from slave traders and brought him to the U.S., where he became part of the “African village” at the St. Louis World’s Fair. After the Fair ended, Ota was hired by the Bronx Zoo to work as a caretaker, but as public fascination with him grew the zoo began to “exhibit” him, leading to controversy and protests. In response to the criticism the zoo turned Ota over to Reverend James Gordon, who placed him in an orphanage in Brooklyn.

In 1910 Gordon sent Ota to Lynchburg, Virginia, where he lived with Gregory Hayes, president of Lynchburg’s Virginia Seminary. While a boy in Africa, Ota’s teeth had been chiseled into sharp points, as part of a traditional Pygmy ritual. Rev. Gordon had Ota’s teeth capped and had him dress in conventional American clothing. While attending school he was tutored in English by the poet Anne Spencer. Eventually Ota got a job working in a to***co factory.

Ota’s dream was to return to his home in Africa and he believed he was nearing his goal. But when World War I broke out, travel to Africa became impossible, and he became deeply depressed.

On March 20, 1916 Ota Benga built a ceremonial fire in the woods, broke the caps off his teeth, and killed himself. He died one hundred and eight years ago today.

03/17/2024

An early Edwardian woman taking a mirror selfie with a Kodak Brownie box camera in 1900.

This was the fourth most liked picture on the History Season Instagram page this year.

03/05/2024

It's "Way Back Wednesday" and this week we're showcasing not just one photo, but a link to the News & Advance clippings file for Dunbar High School.

Photos and clippings from the 1950s-1970s are being digitized by Jones Memorial Library from files kept by the newspaper.

You can view all of the Dunbar clippings here:
https://digitaljones.omeka.net/items/show/703

Not all clippings display a date. To find dates and other information, use the Excel index located on the first page of the link.

02/13/2024

Join us for a Bustin' good time!

02/06/2024

Annie Bannister met Edward Spencer when they were both students at the Virginia Theological Seminary in Lynchburg. They married in 1901 and Annie took a job as a librarian. The Spencers had three children, their son Chauncy becoming a noted aviation pioneer.

While continuing to live and work in Lynchburg, Annie became deeply involved in the Harlem Renaissance. After she began to publish her poetry, an editor recommended that she use the more formal “Anne Spencer” as her pen name, and that is how she is remembered today.

Anne Spencer published 30 poems during her lifetime, and she became the first black woman and the first Virginian to be included in the Norton Anthology of Modern Poetry. Her home in Lynchburg is now preserved as the Anne Spencer House and Garden Museum.

Today is the birthday of Anne Spencer, born on February 6, 1882.

Ah, how poets sing and die!
Make one song and Heaven takes it;
Have one heart and Beauty breaks it;
Chatterton, Shelley, Keats and I—
Ah, how poets sing and die!

01/03/2024

Guess what?? We’re hosting trivia once a month at 7 Rooftop Bar downtown! Compete for prizes, have some fun, enjoy a rich variety of categories (not just history themes!) and show off your smarts! Bring your friends and your brain power for a curious night of trivia! See you next Wednesday at 7pm!