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Historic
Bolivar Materials To Be Donated To U.Va. In Honor Of Jefferson-Era
Connection April 11, 2002-- In 1827, a young Venezuelan named Fernando Bolivar came to the newly opened University of Virginia to enroll in classes and began a long and still-growing link between Latin America and Jefferson’s University. Bolivar was the nephew and adoptive son of Simon Bolivar, the great hero of South America’s wars of independence. A descendant of the illustrious Bolivar family will donate historic family papers and artifacts to the University in a celebration of the U.Va.’s venerable Latin American heritage Saturday, April 13, Jefferson’s birthday. The manuscripts include important letters, journals and other documents of Fernando Bolivar as well as volumes of published materials related to Simon Bolivar. Luis Fernando Bolivar of Caracas, a great-great-grandson of U.Va.’s first Latin American student, will present the gift in a luncheon at noon at Alumni Hall. The luncheon is sponsored by U.Va.’s Bolivar Network, an organization of alumni of Latin American origin. (See reservation information below.) The Bolivar nephew came all the way to Virginia because of his deep admiration of Jefferson, according to U.Va. Spanish professor Gustavo Pellon, who has researched U.Va.’s Bolivar connection. Because of financial difficulties Fernando Bolivar stayed only for a brief period, but he always treasured his days in Charlottesville and wrote about them in his memoirs. The Fernando Bolivar manuscripts are especially important because he had a long diplomatic career after leaving U.Va. The gift also includes 14 bound volumes of published documents related to Gen. Simon Bolivar and South American independence, as well as silver service items. Pellon, who has researched the close Bolivar-University connection, will present a keynote address at the luncheon. The manuscripts will eventually be housed in U.Va.’s Special Collections Library. Portraits of Fernando Bolivar and his celebrated uncle hang in U.Va.’s Spanish language house, Casa Bolivar. The luncheon is open to the University community and public. The cost is $20 ($5 for students), payable at the door. Please RSVP to Laurinda Morgan at (434) 243-9040 or lgm5z@virginia.edu. For additional information, contact Assistant Dean of Students Pablo Davis at (434) 924-7133 or pablo@virginia.edu. Contact: Bob Brickhouse, (434) 924-6856 |
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FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Contact the Office
of University Relations at (434) 924-7116. Television reporters
should contact the TV News Office at (434) 924-7550. |
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