Renowned American Artist Palmer Hayden will be honored at Widewater State Park on Feb. 1, 2020 at 2 p.m. 

This celebration will include the unveiling of a Virginia Department of Historical Resources marker during Black History Month.

Mr. Palmer Hayden painting

Palmer Hayden was born Peyton Cole Hedgeman in 1890 in Widewater, Va. It is theorized the name Palmer Hayden came about as a result of a mistake on his military registration, possibly from a Sergeant in WWI that mispronounced his birth name.  The other theory was that a mistake was made on a letter of reference and he decided to keep the name.  Most of his paintings depict African American life with a particular fondness for the legendary John Henry. He also painted beautiful landscapes and seascapes that are full of color and imagination.

Another Baptism scene by Mr, Hayden (not the one at Oak Grove Baptist Church)

Most of his work is in art galleries like the Smithsonian American Art Museum and The Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles, but one particular painting can be found in the Historical Oak Grove Baptist Church in Stafford, Va. Mr Hayden was a member of this church founded in 1873, his family are still members there today. The painting he donated is a color painting of a baptism in what is thought to be a nearby creek. Aquia Creek possibly?

Many community members, Friends of Widewater State Park, and park staff pulled together and worked very hard to make this day a reality. Please join them in celebrating Palmer Hayden’s life and his major contribution to the art world.

The dedication will start at Widewater State Park’s Visitor Center.  It will be followed by a short walk to the historical marker for the unveiling. Guests will be invited back to the Visitor Center for light refreshments.

Both pictures of Palmer Hayden's art are proved by the US National Archives and Records Administration
 

Sunset on Aquia Creek

Widewater State Park is located on a peninsula where Aquia Creek and the Potomac River meet  - 101 Widewater State Park Road, Stafford, Va. 
For more information on the park, please click here or call 540-288-1400