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Eat, Drink, Quoit and Be Merry

One of the great things I hear people say when they visit Richmond is how much they like the bountiful history all around them. It stands tall through the architecture that holds together numerous homes and buildings in the city, and it's underneath our feet on the sidewalks and roads we travel every day.

However, part of the reason we have such rich history in the present is due to the preservation efforts of organizations such as the Historic Richmond Foundation (HRF) . HRF, through numerous restoration projects, has been instrumental in saving hundreds of historical structures in the city.

On Thursday night, the HRF is offering any Richmonder who has a strong dedication and passion for preserving the history of their city, the chance to join in on the efforts.

From 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21 at Blackfinn Restaurant and Saloon , the HRF will host a luau-themed kick-off event and membership drive for its Quoit Club (pronounced "kwo ? it"). Quoit Club is an organization that began in 1994 and which is dedicated to supporting HRF in preserving Richmond's unique architectural and historical heritage through tours, social activities, educational programs and preservation projects.

"It's going to be a great time and definitely a lot of fun," said Elizabeth White , development assistant for the HRF.

"We're inviting past members and prospective members who have shown an interest this summer, and anyone who's really interest in seeing what we're about. We recruit roughly 140 members every year."

The name for the organization dates back to Richmond's popular 19th-century horseshoe-like sport that, in the words of it's most famous member, Chief Justice John Marshall , "met on genial Saturdays to eat, drink and otherwise make merry," as stated on the historicrichmond.com .

But as far as the present is concerned, eating, drinking and merry-making will very well continue, but the club's mission goes much further.

For both the young and young-at-heart professionals, the Quiot Club will offer members the chance to participate in a wide variety of activities, all geared towards the history and preservation of Richmond.

Quoit Club's season begins in September, lasts through May and includes eight events specifically created for its members. Benefits of the $75 non-member and $65 member fee include exclusive tours of historic sites normally closed to the public, guest speaker lectures and invitations to special HRF receptions and events.

Programs already set for the 2008-2009 season include the remembrance of founder Chief Justice John Marshall by learning to play the game of Quoits at the John Marshall House in September and a Haunts of Richmond Tour and reception at the Poe Museum in October.

Come winter, members will catch a behind the scenes look at Richmond's newly renovated Capitol in November, followed by a tour to the very historic Richmond-Randolph Lodge No. 19 , with a reception at Zuppa in January.

Can't wait until Thursday night to sign up for the Quoit Club? Visit historicrichmond.com and download a membership form, but of course, make sure you come for the drinks and fun from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug 21 at Blackfinn Restaurant and Saloon .

For more information, visit historicrichmond.com  or call (804) 643-7407.