Richard (Dick) Cheatham, a descendant of John Rolfe and Pocahantas, will provide a “Welcome to the Virginia Colony” to attendees at the National Genealogical Society banquet at the NGS Conference in the States & Family History Fair on Friday 18th May 2007 at the Richmond Marriott Hotel.

Appearing in the character and dress of John Rolfe, Cheatham, a 14th generation descendant of John Rolfe and Pocahontas, will provide the same welcome that John Rolfe would have given to new arrivals to Jamestown. Rolfe will talk about many of the important events that preceded their arrival and about many of the important individuals who played a part in the founding of Jamestown in 1607 and during the next several years. At the end of his presentation, he will answer questions that John Rolfe would not have been able to answer.

The year 2007 marks the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, established by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1607. John Rolfe was the savior of the English colony - the failing experiment at Jamestown which became “America.” The marriage between John Rolfe and Pocahantas created an eight-year period of peace between the English and Powhatans - known as the “Peace of Pocahantas” - saving perhaps hundreds of lives. John Rolfe was also a member of America’s first democratic parliament in 1619 called the General Assembly.

Richard (Dick) Cheatham, a native of Richmond, Virginia, is founder and director of Living History Associates. A graduate of Virginia Military Academy and a school teacher, museum educator and television reporter, he has appeared on the BBC and The Learning Channel and has been interviewed on Entertainment Tonight and the Voice of America in addition to many other TV and radio stations. Dick’s interest in history flows directly from his strong and broad interest in ideas - why people do what they do.

Further information on the NGS Conference in the States & Family History Fair can be found at the NGS website at: www.ngsgenealogy.org

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