Following Their Hearts Connects Donors With JYF Community

“Follow your heart and do what you enjoy.”

For Joe Wesolowski, it’s not only his advice to others looking to contribute to the Jamestown Yorktown-Foundation but also his own reason for joining the giving community.

After retiring to Williamsburg in 2016 with his wife, Pat, Joe decided to give back to his new community by sharing his passion for history and woodworking. In looking for opportunities, Joe connected with the mission of JYF and decided to volunteer. Through the ship maintenance program, he assists with the maritime program’s various building projects. Eric Speth, director of Maritime Operations, shared that Joe recently “craft[ed] a beautiful and historically appropriate replacement for the Susan Constant’s belfry. “The program couldn’t function without the generous support of more than forty volunteers like Joe, who provided nearly 8,000 hours last year and shared their wide range of knowledge, skills and experiences.”

Through volunteering, Joe learned more about JYF and worked with, as he says, “great, friendly people devoted to what they do,” which inspired the Wesolowskis to expand their relationship by joining The Mathews Legacy Society.

A former finance director, Pat knows that although the foundation receives support from the state, “there [will] always be a need for additional funding” to sustain its work. Additionally, growing up in the Midwest, neither felt they were taught about the history of Jamestown and its impact on the founding of America, which they believe is important for everyone to know.

Through a planned gift to the sailing endowment, they are setting up support now that will help provide long-term sustainability and ensure JYF remains a space for visitors to learn about the complex history of America’s founding.

In following his own advice, Joe and Pat joined a community of JYF supporters and created a legacy. As they know, there are many ways to support and engage with the JYF community—what could that be for you?

To find out more about ways to give, contact Senior Director of Development Julie Basic at julie.basic@jyf.virginia.gov.

Juneteenth

JUNE 14 AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, join us 7-8:30 p.m. for a thought-provoking evening of history and performance exploring the precarious nature of freedom from 17th-century Jamestown to Juneteenth.

Reign & Rebellion Special Exhibition & Events

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 5 AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT & AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM AT YORKTOWN, experience a series of captivating public programs complementing the Reign & Rebellion dual special exhibition that spans the centuries to explore how the Stuart monarchy shaped the struggles and determination of all who converged in early Virginia.

‘Outlander’ Trivia Night

JULY 29 AT AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM AT YORKTOWN, take part in “Outlander” trivia, wear your favorite 18th-century outfit (kilts strongly encouraged ) and delve into discussions on how this TV series relates to historic events before and after the Stuarts reign.

Counter Cultures: Rebellion

SEPTEMBER 2 AT AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM AT YORKTOWN, explore rebellious ideas of the past and present and enjoy music, art and stories of “counter culture.” sponsored by

Liberty Celebration

JULY 4 AT AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM AT YORKTOWN, salute the 247th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a patriotic lineup of interpretive programs and artillery demonstrations to celebrate Fourth of July.

DIRECTOR’S SERIES

Dr. James Horn

SEPTEMBER 20 AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, join Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Executive Director

Christy S. Coleman and Dr. James Horn for an intriguing exchange on how the story of Jamestown has evolved over time with new scholarship.

Michael W. Twitty

OCTOBER 18 AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, join Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Executive Director

Christy S. Coleman as she hosts Michael W. Twitty for compelling conversation to explore how Twitty connects his personal roots through food.

Yorktown Victory Celebration

OCTOBER 14 AT AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM AT YORKTOWN, enjoy Revolutionary War exhibits, artillery firings, military programs and music to mark the 242nd anniversary of America’s momentous victory at Yorktown. Commemorative events continue on October 19 – Yorktown Day – with a parade and patriotic exercises in Historic Yorktown and Yorktown Battlefield.