The JXN Project will host "The Skipwith-Roper Homecoming" on April 17-19, 2026 in Jackson Ward in Richmond, VA to celebrate the grand opening of The JXN Haus and Skipwith-Roper Cottage. The homecoming initiative will commemorate the life, liberty, lineage, and legacy of Abraham Peyton Skipwith, who is often regarded as "The Founding Father of Jackson Ward." Skipwith and notably became the first known Black homeowner in what would become the nation's first historically registered Black urban neighborhood in 1793, as well as one of the known first Black Richmonders and|or Virginians with a fully executed will in 1799. Additionally, Skipwith had notable connections to the traditionally recognized forefathers as a signer of the Declaration of Independence served as a witness for his legislative petition for freedom in 1785. As part of the grand opening, JXN will open the doors to his reconstructed cottage as a historic site and programming will include a trailer on the forthcoming documentary about his life titled "Declarations of Independence", which will air on PBS NPR VPM in June 2026. As another key event, JXN partnered with the Library of Virginia to curate an exhibition titled "House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History", which is on view through February 28, 2026. As part of exhibition programming, JXN and LVA will host a symposium on October 25, 2026 and more information is available here -- https://www.instagram.com/p/DPCNFpZD30R/.
