Although the coronavirus pandemic may have slowed some of the progress in restoring an old home and creating a historic village, members of the local Patawomeck tribe have a bright outlook on the future. Theyâre still working on the property adjacent to Duff McDuff Green Memorial Park in Stafford County, and hope to reveal the new cultural center to the public next year.
âThe dream is still there, itâs still alive. Weâre moving forward every day,â said Minnie Lightner, the tribal councilâs administrative assistant.
Even with the challenges, significant progress has been made.
âWith this COVID, weâre running about eight months to a year behind where weâd like to be,â said Lightner, who hopes to have the tribeâs Colonial-era village and museum up and running by fall 2021.