07/19/2026
There are weeks that seem quiet from the outside. Then there are weeks like this one. The kind where every day brings another opportunity, another conversation, another reminder that the Land of Promise Project is moving forward.
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of spending time on a Facebook Live call with my friend, MJ Dickson, who will once again be hosting our Sage Paracon this October. This will be the fourth year MJ has traveled from England to Belle Grove. If you've never met her, she is a paranormal investigator, author, producer, and musician with an incredible passion for helping people better understand the paranormal.
This year's Sage Paracon, October 9–11, is shaping up to be our best yet. Joining MJ will be Jessica Chobot, John Zaffis, Richard Estep, John Sullivan, Kim Sage, and MJ. It's always one of the most educational and enjoyable weekends we host, and I can't wait to welcome everyone back to Belle Grove.
After our call, I hosted Afternoon Tea for two wonderful ladies.
One of them, KT, has been following Belle Grove for quite some time. She told me she wanted to introduce me to someone she believed I needed to meet. That person was KR. Sometimes you meet someone and within the first few minutes you realize they understand exactly what you're trying to accomplish. That was how I felt meeting KR.
We talked about Belle Grove, the Land of Promise Project, and where we are in the process. Before the afternoon was over, she had already shared several names of people she believes I should meet.
Those introductions could become important steps in this journey.
It reminded me once again that this project isn't growing because of one person. It's growing because one person introduces another... and another... and another.
Friday brought an unexpected change. We had prepared to welcome approximately 75 members of the Strother Family to Belle Grove. The Strother family established Millbank Plantation in 1669. William Strother married Dorothy Savage, whose father, Anthony Savage, purchased the 1,000 acres next to Millbank in 1670. Those acres would one day become Belle Grove. Linda and Valerie, our wonderful tour guides, were ready to welcome everyone. Unfortunately, their schedule changed at the last minute, and Belle Grove had to be removed from their itinerary so they could make it to their luncheon at Ferry Farm. While we were disappointed, many members of the family still stopped by throughout Friday and Saturday. It was wonderful to meet descendants of the families whose lives are forever connected to this land.
The rest of the weekend was spent preparing for another exciting milestone. For hours, I sat at my computer entering auction items, writing descriptions, uploading photographs, and getting everything ready. At 12:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, our 2026 Festival Online Auction officially opened.
This auction is incredibly important because every dollar raised will help support the James Madison Belle Grove Foundation and our two festivals—the 10th Annual Spirits Festival on September 12 and our first-ever Red, White and Bluegrass Festival on October 3. Those festivals, in turn, help us build the momentum and matching funds needed for the Land of Promise Project.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of our sponsors and donors.
I would like to sincerely thank our Sponsors and Donors
Featured Sponsor
Local Services
Bronze Sponsors
Country Rose Creations-Artistry in Wood
Fredericksburg Paranormal Research and Investigations
Pawtriot Dog
The Pirate Empire
Haunted Nights Paranormal Events
Annemarie Landry
Barbara Anderson
The Haunted Photographer
Donor
Pagan Meri.
Your generosity is helping us take another step toward preserving Belle Grove for future generations.
If you are interested in being a sponsor or donor, please email me at [email protected] as soon as possible.
As I look back on this week, one thought keeps coming to mind. Progress isn't always measured by huge announcements. Sometimes it's measured by a conversation over tea.
A new introduction.
A volunteer stepping forward.
An auction opening.
Or simply knowing that more people believe in the vision today than they did yesterday.
Thank you for continuing to follow this journey.
Your comments, your encouragement, your prayers, and your willingness to share our story are making a difference.
We're moving forward... one relationship, one opportunity, and one step at a time.
Please help us by sharing the Land of Promise Project group page and encourage others to join in!
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