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History Lunch and Learn: Parish and Power: Religion and Government in Colonial Virginia, September 17, 2026 12:00PM

Event Summary

From November 12, 2026 12:00PM to December 11, 2026 12:00PM
History Lunch and Learn

Additional Details

History Lunch and Learns are designed to bring the community together for free discussions, featuring local and regional history speakers, covering a variety of topics related to the Virginia Beach History Museums, Hampton Roads, Virginia, and our nation. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lunches to enjoy during these discussions.

All Lunch and Learns are free and will take place at the Lynnhaven House Colonial Education Center: 4409 Wishart Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23455. 

Advanced registration is highly encouraged but walkups are welcome!

Call 757-385-5100 for assistance. 

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Item details

Date

September 17, 2026 12:00PM

Description

History Lunch and Learn: Parish and Power: Religion and Government in Colonial Virginia
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026
Noon
Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center
4409 Wishart Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

More than a place of worship, the colonial Virginia parish was the foundation of community life. Long before there were public schools, social service agencies, or modern local governments, the parish cared for the poor, apprenticed orphaned children, maintained moral order, and played an important role in the administration of justice. Vestries levied taxes, oversaw public welfare, supported education, maintained roads in some communities, and worked alongside county courts to address the needs of the colony. This lecture explores how the parish became one of the most influential institutions in early Virginia, shaping not only the religious lives of its people but also their legal, educational, and civic experience.

John Ericson began his time at St Luke's Historic Church & Museum as a docent in 2013. Over the years he researched the history of the site, rewrote the guided tour, and helped to develop the narrative of the movement towards religious freedom. In November of 2024, he was made the interim director and in March 2025 was named the executive director. John holds a B.A. in history from Roanoke College (1985) and a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (1989). John married Oneita Jamerson Ericson 40 years ago. They have 3 sons and reside in Hampton, Va.

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