Called "a brilliant gem in the theatric crown," Eliza Arnold Hopkins Poe, the birth mother of Edgar Allan Poe, was a highly-acclaimed and talented stage actress before her death from consumption at the age of 24. This program includes original songs and monologues from Eliza’s vast repertoire to tell her brief story of tragedy and triumph. Cheryl Van Ornam will accompany Ms. Poe on the piano.
$12 General / $9 Ages 7-15 / FREE 6 and Under
Any Liberty or Death tour ticket is $2.00 off with your Eliza Poe ticket purchase (Today Only).
Debbie Phillips is a lifelong native of Chesterfield County who has been interpreting history through her living history programs and tour guide services for over 15 years. With a degree in history, Debbie has worked for St. John's Church Foundation, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia, and currently serves on the board for the Parsons' Cause Foundation. Debbie is very passionate about bringing history to life for audiences of all ages, and is the owner of History Lives, LLC. She and her husband have two wonderful sons and two crazy cats.
Cheryl Van Ornam is the organist at First Baptist Church on Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia. She is fascinated with the history of Virginia, because her husband’s ancestor is Edmund Pendelton, and her husband's great-grandmother's parents were married in Richmond in 1863. Her career as an organist and accompanist have taken her to Canada, Europe, Kenya and across America. She and her husband have four young grandchildren. In her spare time, she sews quilts for them.
House Rules for Historic St. John’s Church
We encourage masks but they are no longer required.
Seating is first come, first served.
There is no food, drink, gum, candy, strollers, backpacks or firearms permitted inside the church.
Bags larger than 16 x 16 x 8 are prohibited inside the church. Any and all bags are subject to inspection. Please leave backpacks and bags inside your vehicle as we have no place to store them.
