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The Blog
Welcome to our blog—a place where stories, history, and community come together. Here, we share insights, updates, and discoveries that highlight the rich heritage and ongoing preservation efforts of Port Royal. From behind-the-scenes looks
at restoration projects to spotlights on local landmarks, artifacts, and events, each post is designed to inform, inspire,
and connect. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious visitor, or a dedicated supporter, our blog offers a
deeper look into the people, places, and moments that shape our community.
Meet Trish Parker, Board Member Historic Port Royal, Inc
Trish Parker was born in Richmond, Virginia. She began her career in education the Caroline County Public Schools in 1973 as a seventh-grade teacher. In 1984, she was selected for a staff development position , mentoring other educators. In 1987, she met and married local photographer Joe Parker. Two years later, they welcomed their son. In 1990, she left staff development in Caroline County and resumed teaching seventh grade in Fredericksburg. After forty rewarding years o
Meet Dr. Antoinette Carter Jenkins, Board Member Historic Port Royal, Inc
Dr. Antoinette Carter Jenkins has dedicated her career to supporting the enrichment of people and organizations as an educator, human resource and organizational development professional, and researcher. She possesses over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector and academia. She recently represented our community as regional director for a statewide initiative to strengthen our emerging workforce through internships. In that capacity, she led the Rappahannock Work an
Meet Matt Hood, Board Member of Historic Port Royal, Inc
Matt Hood contributes his time and expertise to both the Building Committee and the Events Committee of Historic Port Royal. He enjoys historic preservation and bringing people together while helping protect and celebrate the architectural character that makes Port Royal unique. Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Matt developed an early curiosity about the world beyond his hometown. While studying abroad at the University for Foreign Students in Aix-en-Provence, Fra
Meet Bob Giles, Board Member Historic Port Royal, Inc
Bob Giles and his wife, Faye, divide their time between the Richmond area and historic Port Royal. He is a financial adviser and Executive Vice President at Davenport & Company, where he has served since 1967. From boyhood, Bob has maintained a keen and abiding interest in history, architecture, and archaeology. That lifelong passion has translated into decades of active involvement in historic preservation. Since the late 1980s, he has worked to protect and promote Virginia’
Meet Carolyn “Cookie” Davis, Past President Historic Port Royal, Inc
Carolyn “Cookie” Davis has been with Historic Port Royal since its establishment in 1995. She served as its President for four terms (eight years) until 2023. She received her B.A. in History from Mary Washington College in 1965 and her M.A. in Elementary Education from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1976. She devoted 35 years to education in Caroline County, serving as principal for the last 10 years of her career. She maintains community ties through her volunteer
Meet Selene Ulfers, Treasurer Historic Port Royal Inc
Selene Ulfers (Board Secretary for Historic Port Royal) currently lives in Historic Port Royal but was raised on a small farm in Caroline County, Virginia and a sailboat in St. Augustine, Florida. She and her husband, Nathanael, are working to restore the Johnson House (original portion built in 1750) and are slowly filling it with as many books, antique woodworking tools, handlooms, spinning wheels, sewing machines, gardening implements, and balls of yarn as possible. They a
Meet David Duke, Treasurer Historic Port Royal, Inc
David Spencer Duke is the current Treasurer of Historic Port Royal. His professional background spans many years in the dynamic fields of sales and advertising, through which he has honed his skills in communication and outreach. His true passion lies in Virginia's rich history, particularly the colonial and Civil War eras of Port Royal. His commitment to preserving the town's unique heritage is a cornerstone of his involvement, and he is eager to share his enthusiasm with th
Meet William Guzik, Board Vice President
Bill Guzik serves as Vice President of Historic Port Royal and brings a lifelong passion for history, genealogy, and community service to the organization. Raised in Newport Beach, California, Bill’s early years were shaped by the unique setting of a coastal town where his elementary school sat directly on the beach (teachers would often let the kids out on to the blacktop to even watch the migrating whales)! Bill later earned a degree in History from the nearby University of
Meet Kerrie Holland, Board President of Historic Port Royal, Inc.
Kerri grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the youngest of three girls raised by an amazing single mother. Her love of history began early, thanks to her grandfather, who often took the family explore historic sites throughout the region. These experiences fostered a lasting fascination with the physical landscapes of the past and the people who shaped them. and. She developed a particular interest in the ways in which historic places connect present-day communities with ear
Meet Cleopatra Kay “Cleo” Coleman, Founder of Historic Port Royal, Inc
Cleopatra Kay “Cleo” Coleman is a respected educator, preservationist, and community leader whose lifelong dedication has profoundly shaped the cultural heritage of Caroline County and the Town of Port Royal. A native of Caroline County, she descends from a family with roots in the region spanning at least seven generations. She received part of her early education in a one-room schoolhouse before her family, like many others, was displaced in 1941 by the establishment of Fo
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