Local author, acclaimed historical preservationist to speak about Anne Spencer

One advantage of being located in Lynchburg is our proximity to many important historical sites, which means we also have connections to many local history makers—such as Anne Spencer, the well-known Harlem Renaissance poet who made her home just a few miles from the Randolph College campus.

Lessons Learned from a Poet's Garden

Featuring Jane Baber White

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 15
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Alice Ashley Jack Room, Smith Memorial Hall

On Wednesday, Randolph College will highlight its connections with Spencer by hosting Jane Baber White for a discussion of Lessons Learned from a Poet’s Garden, her recent book that details the process of bringing Spencer’s home and garden back to life as a museum. That 28-year restoration has attracted attention and praise from around the world.

The restoration process also unearthed many remarkable connections between Spencer and R-MWC. For example, Randolph College’s campus is surrounded by a red brick wall, which replaced a wrought iron gate—and that gate is now found in Spencer’s garden. White will discuss those connections and other lessons learned in the restoration process.

White is a lifelong resident of Lynchburg and has a passion for gardens and historic sites. She has led a number of restoration projects and received local, regional, and national recognition for her work at the Old City Cemetery, where she was director for 27 years.