1960-1961

Organization of Peninsula Youth String Orchestra, co-sponsored by the League and the Peninsula Symphony Orchestra. Held Confederate Ball for annual benefit to coincide with Civil War Centennial. That evening, our “Civil War Pictorial Guide to the Virginia Peninsula” booklet was introduced. Booklet called “Thumbnail Sketches”, containing vital statistics of each member.

1961-1962

Children’s Theatre Committee produced “Peter Pumpkineater”, written by Mrs. M. Quincy Holt, and trouped to 13 schools. Bargain Shop relocated at 111 – 33rd Street with League office upstairs. Public Affairs Committee worked with Provisionals on Community Planning Survey.

1962-1963

Volunteer Bureau made part of Peninsula Community Services Planning Council. “Peter Pumpkineater” trouped to remaining 17 schools. New play, “Peer Gynt”, was written by Mrs. M. Quincy Holt and Mrs. Howard V. Clayton. Children’s Theatre purchased trailer for hauling scenery. Youth String Orchestra promoted its first member to the Peninsula Symphony Orchestra.

1963-1964

First Spring Provisional Course given. Gratifying response of members of U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to copies of our Civil War Guide. Bargain Shop contributed $4,500 to Community Trust Fund. Project Finding Committee investigated Remedial Reading Program and a Junior Nature Museum. Unanimous approval of membership given to work with the Warwick Rotary Club to organize community steering committee to found a Junior Nature Museum. Approximately 275 volunteer hours given by our League on three “Polio Sundays”.

1964-1965

Final plans made for Junior Nature Museum and Planetarium. Successful Follies netted over $9,000 toward our commitment to Nature Museum. Art Show and Sale held with the innovation of judged marine exhibit sponsored by the Mariners Museum. One of the goals of Youth String Orchestra, obtaining instruction in public schools, realized this year. Bargain Shop turned over $3,500 to Community Trust Fund. Benefit Ball netted $1,900.

1965-1966

Junior Nature Museum and Planetarium become reality. Mr. Brad Hawkins was its first Executive Director. Antiques Show and Sale held and League realized profit of $2,500. Children’s Theatre prepared new play, “Little Red Riding Hood”, and began trouping it to Peninsula’s elementary schools.

1966-1967

Peninsula Nature Museum and Planetarium opened doors in November. Joint meeting held with Junior League of Norfolk with Mrs. Dulaney, Director of Region XI, as guest speaker. Antiques Show held for second year. Art Show opened for 14th year. Children’s Theatre closed trouping project and established Peninsula Junior Arts Series.

1967-1968

Peninsula Junior Arts Series opened first of four professional productions. First Annual James River Juried Art Exhibit held with Donaldson Hoopes and Valfred Thellin to select paintings. Conference on Community Services brought people and agencies together. Bargain Shop brightened up. “Highlights” shown in new format. Public Relations published brochures. Provisionals rotated through three placements. We celebrated our Twentieth Anniversary Ball.

1968-1969

Bargain Shop relocated and renamed Bargain Bazaar and facilities expanded. Financial support for Peninsula Junior Nature Museum and Planetarium. Peninsula Junior Art Series and Youth String Orchestra came to an end. JRJ continued to grow in quality and enlarge in scope. Last year’s Conference on Community Service followed this year by “Second Look” series. Community Research conducted Transportation and Communication Survey. Project placement brochure. New administrative year from June to June and complete revision of Bylaws were other steps forward.

1969-1970

The School Volunteer Program was established as a project to begin in the fall. Publication of interagency newsletter. “Peninsula Pinpoints” began. Newport News Community Child Care Center officially accepted as League project. JRJ again successful and gained increased community support. Arts Committee chairman secured permanent gallery in First and Merchants Bank building for JRJ and Junior League Purchase Awards. Community Research Committee co-sponsored seminar on Environment. Environmental Committee established.