Nestled on the Western Branch of the Yeocomico River is the community of Kinsale. In fact, it’s been there 300 years this month, making it the oldest continuing community in the Northern Neck.

Established as a seaport by Virginia’s House of Burgesses in 1706, Kinsale has seen a lot of history. On Saturday, September 16, it will celebrate its own history on the village green.

How does a small community survive – and thrive – for 300 years?

“There’s a strong sense of community here, and was even back in colonial times,” said O.J. Hickox, Chairman of the Kinsale Museum Foundation, which is sponsoring the tri-centennial event.

O.J. is a relative newcomer to Kinsale, having grown up in south Georgia. But after moving here, he soon discovered that he had family roots in the area.

“Kinsale has always been a port, and today still is,” he said. “In colonial times a lot of tobacco was shipped out of here. Today farmer ship their corn to market.”

For a while Kinsale was a major stop on the steamboat lines between Baltimore and Washington. Today, Kinsale is a beckoning port of call for fisherman from up the river and yachtsmen around the world. All of that – and more – will be the object of the September 16th celebration.

“We’ll get started around 10 a.m. with arts and crafts and a wide range of exhibits and demonstrations that reflect on our history,” O.J. said.

For example, the Mattaponi Indian tribe will stage a living demonstration of what life was like in the region before European settlers arrived. Colonial re-enactors will demonstrate life skills, such as open hearth cooking, and surveying.

The Reedville Fishermen’s Museum will also have a presence, with its fleet in port and the newly-christened “Spirit of 1608,” the replica of John Smith’s barge, on display.

“We’ll have all kinds of music, from Celtic music to traditional African-American gospel. We want this celebration to include everyone who’s played a role in this community over the years,” O.J. said.

The day will be capped off with political speeches, a parade, and what O.J. promises will be a spectacular fireworks display over Kinsale Harbor. The event is free to the public.

Program for Kinsale Celebration

Present the lifestyles of the local population of the 1700s, via
Re-creation of an Indian village with Eastern Woodlands, Long House and associated artifacts and demonstrations.

A re-created 18th century outdoor hearth for cooking demonstrations
A blacksmithing demonstration
Re-enactors playing the part of Colonial-era hunters and back-woodsmen.
Ceremonies, dances, music, and other cultural demonstrations by all three major enthnic groups of the area; European, Native, and African.
Live period music: Traditional Gaelic and African – American music.

Present the working modus and implements of the watermen and farmers, via:

A visit by reproductions of historical working watercraft
Demonstrations of traditional fishing, crabbing, and oystering techniques, implements, and artifacts of local watermen.
Displays of antique farm machinery and implements, as well as antique cars and trucks of the early 20th century.

Local Artists and Artisans

Speeches/presentations/proclamations by appropriate state and county leaders

Food concessions by area food-service establishments

Parade

Fireworks over Kinsale Harbor

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