Date: October 11, 2023
Telling the story of the past is at the heart of our Historic Bicentenary. We are seeking to tell the whole story – a story that does not simply focus on the dominant culture, but includes the myriad voices and roles of other cultures. Telling the whole story depends on keeping the record, making sure there are documents, and collecting narratives while people are alive.
A partnership between the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church and Virginia Theological Seminary has been a gift. We have provided a home for these vitally important records. We have attracted other collections of papers. And we have a growing number of oral histories. It is extraordinary work.
Today we have a panel discussion about the collection. In the afternoon, we are blessed to have Ms. Julieanna Richardson to address us in a plenary. And tonight, over dinner, we will hear from Bishop Gayle Harris. This promises to be an exceptional day. I look forward to seeing you at these events.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary