Longwood Symposium: The River Nile to Natchez

How one Ostrich egg shaped history!

Join us on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM for an afternoon of discovery at the Longwood Symposium, where we explore the layers of history, preservation, and storytelling that make this unfinished octagon a living landmark. This year’s program honors the vision of James McHenry Wade, former Longwood Curator, and celebrates the people, objects, and stories that continue to bring Longwood to life.

Explore the adventurous journey of Dr. Rush Nutt and his son, Rittenhouse Nutt, down the Nile, his journals, and how he ingeniously brought cotton seeds into the U.S. inside ostrich eggs — forever changing Southern agriculture.

THIS EVENT IS FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR RESERVATION BY CLICKING HERE,
THEN ‘BOOK NOW.’

Program Schedule:
2:00 PM — Welcome & Opening Remarks
Dona-Marie Geoffrion, Manager, Longwood
Honoring the legacy of James McHenry Wade and the vision behind this symposium.
Regina Charboneau, Former President of the
Pilgrimage Garden Club
James Wade, a Gift to Longwood.

2:15 PM — Living at Longwood
Presenter: Marsha Colson, President,
Pilgrimage Garden Club
Marsha shares her memories of growing up within Longwood’s walls while her parents served as caretakers — a rare, firsthand glimpse into life inside one of Natchez’s most iconic homes.

2:45 PM — Furniture of Longwood,
Presenter: Ruthie Coy, Parliamentarian &
Historian, Pilgrimage Garden Club Executive
Board
Learn the fascinating story of Longwood’s furnishings, much of which came from the Williams family’s Ashburn estate. Ruthie explores the craftsmanship, preservation, and meaning
behind these treasured pieces.

3:15 PM — Vee’s Bees
Presenter: Viollette Shepherd, CEO/COO
Discover how an unexpected bee infestation in 2024 was transformed into an opportunity for preservation and sustainability. Meet the wrangler, Vee, who safely re‑homed Longwood’s bees — and learn how their honey now sweetens
our gift shop offerings.

3:45 PM — Ostrich Egg & Journal Presentation
Special Speaker: Mimi W. Miller, Executive
Director Emerita, Historic Natchez Foundation
Explore the adventurous journey of Dr. Rush Nutt and his son, Rittenhouse Nutt, down the Nile, his journals, and how he ingeniously brought cottonseeds into the U.S. inside ostrich eggs — forever changing Southern agriculture.

4:15 PM — Finial Exhibit Opening —
Memorializing James McHenry Wade
Presenter: Joette Maroski, Manager, Longwood
Learn the story of Longwood’s iconic dome finial — from its dramatic fall in the early 1900s to its fiberglass replacement in the early 1990s — as we unveil an exhibit dedicated to James McHenry Wade

4:45 PM — Closing Remarks & Reception
Terrel Williams, MD, President Elect, Pilgrimage Garden Club
Wrap up the day with reflections, conversation,
and light refreshments.