OLLI at UVA is pleased to continue its partnership with Michie Tavern by offering an early Fall lecture-and-lunch series. Join us to learn, dine, and socialize in one of Central Virginia’s most beautiful historic settings! Virginians have long been known for their inventiveness, business acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit. One mile east of Charlottesville, along the gentle Rivanna River, the Charlottesville Woolen Mills, a textile enterprise with roots in the late 1700s, eventually grew into Central Virginia’s leading manufacturing firm. In the 1830s, Cyrus McCormick—a young mechanical prodigy from Rockbridge County—invented a machine that vastly improved the harvesting of wheat. Founded just prior to World War I, Monticello Dairy—thanks to its hardworking milkmen and vast array of wholesome products—blossomed into a much-beloved multi-million-dollar local business.

The lectures begin at 10:30 a.m. A question-and-answer period follows at 11:15, with lunch at 11:30. The fee for each event includes the lecture, and a colonial-style Michie Tavern lunch. Sign up early to attend one, two, or all three presentations. Rick Britton is an award-winning journalist & public historian who’s published scores of articles on the amazing history of the Old Dominion. He also teaches classes and conducts tours of historic sites.