Author Talk & Book Signing: Lora Chilton, 1666: A Novel
Join the Westmoreland County Museum for an evening with author Lora Chilton as she shares the story behind her historical novel, 1666: A Novel.
Thursday, November 19, 2026
6:00–8:00 PM
Westmoreland County Museum, Historic Courthouse
A member of the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, Chilton draws on tribal oral history, colonial records, and extensive research to tell a story of survival, resilience, and the enduring strength of Patawomeck women.
1666: A Novel imagines the experiences of Patawomeck women following the violence and enslavement inflicted upon their community in 1666. Through their stories, Chilton brings attention to a chapter of Virginia history that has been remembered by the Patawomeck people for generations.
The Patawomeck story also connects to Westmoreland County’s early history. In the seventeenth century, Westmoreland County included land that later became part of Stafford County, where Patawomeck communities lived. The tribe’s history includes interactions with Westmoreland’s colonial leaders and courts, as well as the survival of its people and traditions through generations.
Chilton will discuss her book, her research, and the history that inspired her writing. Copies of 1666: A Novel will be available for purchase in person, and the author will sign books during the event.
We hope you will join us at the Historic Courthouse for this opportunity to meet Lora Chilton and learn more about the history and enduring legacy of the Patawomeck people.
