Smithfield Plantation to host official gubernatorial portraits
Today, Delegate Joseph Yost announced the opening of a new exhibition at Historic Smithfield Plantation in Blacksburg called “The Preston’s of Virginia – A Gubernatorial Family.”
There are four Governors with direct ties to the family; James Patton Preston (1816-1819), John Floyd (1830-1834), James McDowell (1843-1846), and John Buchanan Floyd (1849-1852). As part of the exhibition, the official portrait of each Governor will be brought up from the State Capitol building in Richmond and displayed in the Drawing Room of the plantation house.
The first of these, John Floyd, was brought up on July 27th and will be on display through the month of August, followed by James McDowell in September, and John Buchanan Floyd in October. Smithfield, as part of its collection, has a copy of a portrait done by Gilbert Stuart in 1794 of James Patton Preston.
Speaking on the exhibit, Delegate Yost said “This is a great opportunity to highlight the Preston’s family leadership in Virginia and everywhere. The Prestons are one of the true political dynasties in America with members including Delegates, Senators, Governors, Congressmen, US Senators, Secretaries, Generals and much more.”
“This is the first time that the Governor’s portraits have been loaned out for an exhibit” stated Delegate Yost “And, I think it’s fitting it was done to recognize this family and their contributions to the Commonwealth and Nation.”
Delegate Yost is a volunteer and member of the Board of Directors of the Smithfield-Preston Foundation, the operating body of Historic Smithfield Plantation.
Historic Smithfield Plantation is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 1pm-5pm.
Submitted by Del. Joseph Yost.
No Comments »
No comments yet.
RSS feed for comments on this post.
