LU New London Project Booklet

NEW LONDON PROJECT A Case For Support

Preserving Our Past, Building Our Future At Liberty University’s Department of History, we believe that history isn’t just memories and artifacts from the past—it’s a living legacy that shapes our present and future. Our commitment to preserving and celebrating history is exemplified through the New London Projects, where we delve into the captivating stories of Mead’s Tavern and the Bedford Alum Springs Hotel. These are two key historic sites in the New London, Virginia area that the Department of History has undertaken to restore and study.

These projects aim to provide students hands-on opportunities in archaeology, historical architecture, historical interpretation, and much more. For the local community, the projects tell a story of their identity, beginning with patriotic, revolutionary roots that were nearly forgotten, but now restored to memory, until we can restore it more substantially through the New London Projects.

Mead’s Tavern and the Bedford Alum Springs Hotel were acquired by the University in 2015 and 2018 respectively and are two of New London’s most significant historic sites. Both properties boast a rich history dating back to the 18th Century and stretching into the present.

Mead’s Tavern was a popular stop for travelers during the Revolutionary War. Just down the street, the New London Arsenal for the Continental Army and John Hook’s store operated on the grounds that the Bedford Alum Springs Hotel was later built, which became a popular resort destination in the 19th Century, attracting visitors from across the country.

This brochure will explain the importance of restoring and investigating these sites and invites you to support the Department of History’s New London Projects by donating today. Your gifts will help fund the restoration of historic sites, provide students with unique learning opportunities, and promote the preservation and rediscovery of local and national history. Your contribution will make a significant impact on the future of the Department of History and the preservation of New London’s rich history.

Mead’s Tavern A Portal to the 18th Century In colonial Virginia, where history and destiny merged, New London flourished. Mead’s Tavern, nestled in the heart of New London, whispers secrets from the past. This once “magnificent house” dates back to 1763 and witnessed pivotal moments in American history. Mead’s Tavern arose as a haven for weary travelers and impassioned revolutionaries who passed through its doors on their way to pursue their dreams. Standing next to the New London Courthouse, here verdicts may have mingled with laughter, and the promise of freedom hung in the air. Within the Tavern’s timeworn walls, stories converged, and destinies were etched. Later, in the early 1800’s this building became a girls’ school and was instrumental in the education of women in the area.

Our architectural study of Mead’s Tavern is a labor of love. Our team of researchers and Liberty University students meticulously peel back the layers of time. In its very foundation, our work discovered the oldest intact brick wall in Virginia west of Richmond. These passionate scholars are exploring every nook and cranny, unearthing forgotten narratives and artifacts as they excavate places like the basement and porch. From the sturdy beams overhead to the worn floorboards underfoot, Mead’s Tavern reveals its soul as a landmark of national history.

But our mission extends beyond exploration. Restoration is our driving force. We envision a revitalized Mead’s Tavern—a place where visitors step into history, where the echoes of the past resonate anew. With your support, we can create a museum in the west wing where visitors can physically step into the pages of New London’s history. In one room, we can see the 18th-century building methods. In another, visitors will be taken back to the early 19th century when the building was utilized as a girls’ school. And of course, history lovers will have the opportunity to experience the tavern as it was during the Revolutionary War.

Bedford Alum Springs Hotel Echoes of Elegance Nestled across the street and half a mile up the road lies the Bedford Alum Springs Hotel, an elegant edifice in the heart of New London. The grounds of this site are steeped in history. These precious acres hold vital clues about New London’s past and our nation’s heritage.

The story of the Bedford Alum Springs Hotel intertwines with the Revolutionary Era. John Hook, a Scottish merchant, laid the foundation for a sizable colonial store on these very grounds. His establishment served as a vital hub for the local community, providing essential supplies to settlers and travelers alike. Notably, Thomas Jefferson himself was a customer of Hook’s store, procuring goods for his Poplar Forest Plantation. During the Revolutionary War, the hotel’s grounds played an even more critical role. The New London Continental Army Arsenal operated here, supplying patriots with arms, provisions, and hope. Soldiers and freedom fighters gathered, strategized, and prepared for the fight against tyranny. The impact of their efforts and sacrifice is felt by every American still today.

In the mid-1800s, the Echols family assumed stewardship of the property. They transformed the humble abode into a fashionable retreat, attracting the elite of society. Visitors sought solace in the mineral-rich springs and reveled in the crisp mountain breezes.

Today, Liberty University’s dedicated team wields trowels and maps, unearthing the hotel’s past through meticulous archaeology. They excavate, classify, record, and preserve artifacts, piecing together the puzzle of history. But this endeavor is more than mere nostalgia; it’s a call to action.

By delving into these historical sites, we reclaim fragments of a forgotten past of New London, once lost from the annals of history. Our efforts create invaluable sources for future study—where no book exists, the earth itself becomes our textbook. And within the tenant house on this property lies the potential for an archaeology lab and classroom, bridging the gap between past and present.

Student Stories

Master of Arts in History ‘24 Graduate Student and Public History Assistant

“There’s a great impact that donors can make through giving to the New London Project...” “...not only with the preservation of history but also the fact that more students will come after me and build onto the research that I got to do and the research that people before me did. It’s something that’s constantly changing and constantly improving.

Working with history hands-on is so much more impactful for students than just reading about it in a book. They can get their hands dirty and see the different stages of history!

Especially considering that Mead’s Tavern is one of the oldest structures in central Virginia, I think it’s really significant that students get to interact with it on such a personal level. They get to talk with the archaeologists and get to touch and feel the history.”

Master of Arts in History ‘24 Graduate Student and Public History Assistant

“I first became involved in New London in spring 2020, when I did the Archaeology Intensive Course during spring break. I was excited because I wanted to do archaeology since I was little. It was like fulfilling a dream to get to go and dig in the dirt and find artifacts.

Through that, I learned a lot about what archaeology really looks like and saw how it can be used, even here in America.”

“There are many big plans and ideas for the New London project, and there’s so much potential for what you, our supporters, could do. The best part is that any of the resources that go towards the New London project go to a work in progress, that students like me will be able to participate in.”

“You’re contributing to student learning because they’re getting to engage in it; they’re getting to build exhibits and to see how a museum is built from the ground up.”

CRITICAL SUPPORT NEEDED

Legacy

Unlocking New London’s

New London harbors secrets of our nation’s birth. Within its soil lie echoes of patriots, whispers of liberty, and the promise of a vibrant future. Today, we are at a standstill—the New London Projects await restoration and excavation, and your partnership is the force needed to bring its history back to life.

Your Impact: A Ripple Across Time 1. Empowering Students: Your generosity fuels hands-on learning. Our scholars gain practical skills in historic preservation, architecture, and community engagement. They become stewards of our heritage.

2. National Contribution: By preserving Mead’s Tavern and the Bedford Alum Springs Hotel, you contribute to America’s narrative. You ensure that generations can view this history in person.

3. Community Revitalization: Restored landmarks attract visitors, boost tourism, and foster local pride. New London could thrive as a landing spot for history lovers from across the country.

Today, you can give by scanning the QR Code or by going to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. We would love to talk with you too! Please get in touch with Donna Davis Donald, Director of Public History Initiatives, by email at ddonald@liberty.edu or by phone at (434) 592-4061.

COMING SOON

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” –Winston Churchill New London Team Donna Donald, Director of Public History Initiatives Dr. Sam Smith, chair of the History Department Dr. Roger Schultz, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Randy Lichtenberger, Archaeologist Barry Rakes, Historic Architect, Preservation Consultant Liberty University Department of History Students Friends of New London YOU - Our Donors and Supporters

Thank You