Well, the annual Gala for Natchez Historical Society was one for the books. In spite of having to reschedule due to inclement weather, we had a huge crowd. The food was superb, as was the program about Virginia-born artist John Gadsby Chapman (1808-89), who painted the massive "Baptism of Pocahontas," installed in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in 1840.
Speakers Adam Erby and Lydia Mattice Brandt gave a fascinating program detailing Chapman's life and influences, and talked about Chapman's painting, Hagar and Ishmael Fainting in the Wilderness, which has hung in the Rectory at St. Mary's Basilica since the Civil War where it was taken to protect it from the invading Union army.
After the program, awards were distributed to several outstanding members of our community, some posthumously.
Receving awards were:
James F. Barnett Jr., historian and author for his work as site administrator of the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, as well as many other contributions to Natchez and its history.
Ser SeshshAb Heter-Clifford M. Boxley, for his tireless efforts to research and advocate for The Forks of the Road Slave Market.
Dr. Thomas H. Gandy (posthumously) and the Reverend Doctor Joan W. Gandy, both Natchez history preservationists who helped found and lead the Historic Natchez Foundation, and are recognized for the preservation of Henry C. Norman photographs and of historic images by Henry’s son Earl and other early Natchez photographers.
The MacNeil Family: Grace M. S. McKittrick MacNeil (posthumously) and daughters Elizabeth “Beth” C. MacNeil Boggess, Ph.D.; and Anne W.S. MacNeil, (collectively, the MacNeil Family) are recognized for their promotion of historic preservation through public service and civic leadership, community involvement, and philanthropy.
If you've never attended one of our programs, you're really missing out.
