LANCASTER — With the Saturday, March 9, official launch festivities complete, the Northern Neck Hidden History Trail is now ready for exploration.
Two events were held at well-known historical sites—Historic Christ Church and Stratford Hall—to celebrate those that made Northern Neck history in addition to the hard work of many in getting those stories into the hands of residents and visitors alike through the use of technology.
In his opening remarks, local historian Charles Sydnor quoted Confucious who said, “Study the past if you would define the future.” He said those words were echoed in the trail’s materials which stated, “illuminating shared legacy, igniting brighter futures.”
The shared legacy is told through sites and significant events throughout the counties of Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland and King George. Visitors to the website can build their own itinerary based on location or interests, choosing from 15 places that can be explored in addition to stories of prominent people and historic events that can be perused. Also at the website, a QR code can be scanned to access the augmented reality version of historical sites.
Co-founder and program director Alva Jackson recognized cousin Dr. Evelyn Treacle-Moore “the family historian” and brother Robert Jackson as the other co-founders of the project.
“The inspiration for the Hidden History Trail came out of learning our family history and all the surnames that were part of our history like Carter, Sydnor, Nickens, Payne, Ball, Veney, Haynie and Lee. It emphasizes the fact we are part of a community and share a common goal.”
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine also shared comments through video in which he said the “innovative, digital experience would provide a new perspective to the centuries of history within the Northern Neck of Virginia. It will serve to uplift the untold history of Virginia’s tribal communities and people of color and will also invite the community to reflect together on the past, present and future.”
Treakle-Moore said there is still “lots of history to be explored and to be added. The trail is not to be set in stone. It is one that is growing.”
The project was funded through the Macedonia Community Development Corporation (MACorp). The trail can be accessed at nnkhiddenhistorytrail.org.
