Springfields' Memoirs

All of us have secrets and stories to tell; these memoirs, collectively, comprise our human history. Letters, diaries, and historical documents memorialize life stories and record legacies for future generations.

Every once in a while, through an extraordinary set of circumstances, the past collides with the future of a person and a place and they become inextricably intertwined. Such is the case in the histories of several families who called Springfields home, and the juxtaposition of the lives of these families thus presents a challenge.

Architect Gail Babnew, inspired by her love of history and her aspiration to discover stories untold, accepted the challenge, dedicating the last ten years of her life to researching and writing the unique and fascinating history of lives intertwined at her home in Gordonsville, Virginia. Called Springfields, it is one of the state's most historic and beloved farms.

"Springfields' Memoirs" is a delightful documentary on the farm's history from the eighteenth to the twenty-first century. It chronicles Springfields' origin, establishment, and chain of title, as well as the mysteries, legacies, and legends left behind by those who previously lived on or visited the land, including generals, explorers, industrialists, and US presidents.

Comprehensive, compelling, and full of surprises, "Springfields' Memoirs" is a must read for anyone interested in history or historic preservation, particularly those with Old Dominion roots.