Sowing Seeds of Intellect: The Work of Anna Gambold. Guest Lecture by Emily Baker

The Vann House will be hosting guest speaker Emily Baker, who will be presenting the work of Moravian Missionary Anna Rosina Kliest Gambold, and her relationship with the Cherokee people. "Mother Gambold" lived and worked in Springplace from 1805-1821. She was a practicing botanist, farmer, teacher, missionary, healer, wife and friend.

Emily Baker joins us from the Old Salem Museum & Gardens in Winston-Salem, NC. As the Programming Coordinator for Humanities, Medicine & Science, she is unique for her insight on the relationship between the Moravians and Cherokee here at Springplace. Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn Springplace history from an expert on Moravian History.

Anna Gambold was born at Bethlehem, PA in 1762. She had a long and progressive life ministering and helping the Cherokee people before her death in 1821, she is buried right here on the Vann Plantation in our God's Acre Cemetery. From 1805 to 1821, Anna served as the primary author for the Springplace Mission Diaries, while teaching, healing, farming, and writing. Anna Gambold is an unsung hero in women's history, being one of the first female American botanists. In March of 1819, Anna wrote an article for the American Journal of Science and Arts where she cataloged the flora found along the nearby Conasauga River. She identified many species of native plants that were used by the Cherokee for medicine, food, dyes, and other purposes.

After the lecture, we will hold a brief viewing of the Historic Vann House.

Regular admission rates apply. Friends of the Vann House receive free admission.