Dr. Todd Arrington

“The people must know before they can act, and there is no educator to compare with the press.”

~Ida B. Wells, 1892.

Image: Public domain.

‘I can’t believe this is what I get to do every day’: Jamestown Rediscovery welcomes new executive director Todd Arrington succeeds James “Jim” Horne, who spent 10 years as Jamestown Rediscovery’s president and chief officer before retiring last summer.

www.dailypress.com/2026/03/13/i...

My media conquest of Virginia has begun.

a man with a ring on his finger says fair in sign language ALT: a man with a ring on his finger says fair in sign language

That is a very fair point.

Yesterday it was 85 and sunny at @jmstownrediscovery.bsky.social. Today it snowed.

Mother Nature, I’d like to speak to your supervisor.

historicjamestowne.org/visit/tours-...

Tons of great programs and events happening at @jmstownrediscovery.bsky.social in 2026!

Home - Reconsidering Bacon’s Rebellion Event

2026 may be America 250, but it's also Bacon's Rebellion 350! Preservation Virginia and several important partner organizations are hosting a great series of programs exploring Bacon's Rebellion this year.

Learn more at baconsrebellion350.org!

Not bad scenery for the drive into work at @jmstownrediscovery.bsky.social.

I will go with this from now on!

A beautiful drive off Jamestown Island at the end of the day today. Not a bad place to work!
@jmstownrediscovery.bsky.social

My official headshot as the new Executive Director of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation (@jmstownrediscovery.bsky.social). I think the angle makes me look like I’m starting to lose my hair a little, but otherwise not too bad.

Thanks for the heads up! I’m looking forward to working with William and Mary! I’m used to humidity, thankfully.

Thanks very much!!!

Thank you!!!

Thanks!!!

Thanks! Been decades since I lived in Virginia, but it’s been an amazing homecoming so far.

Thank you!

It’s so incredible that’s it’s almost surreal to be here. Thank you!

Thanks!!! I’m cracking a whole case of Diet Pepsi to celebrate.

Still happy to talk Garfield and “Death by Lightning” anytime, though!

Thanks!!! I miss the NPS but this is gonna be great!

Thanks, @brewdude2112.bsky.social! I’m excited. Miss you all, though.

I hope you enjoyed/are enjoying/will enjoy it!

I'm excited to share great job news: I started this week as Executive Director of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation (a Preservation Virginia site)! Everyone has been very kind, welcoming, and, thankfully, patient this week.

Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America.

“Death by Lightning” fans on @netflix.com: James Garfield became President of the United States on 3/4/1881. Interested in how he came to the presidency?

If only there were some excellent, peer-reviewed book that explained it.
kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700636037/

Image: Architect of the Capitol.

Wonderful human, wonderful parent, and had the potential to be a wonderful president.

Part of my “teams that no longer exist” collection. You’ll see a few others in there as well.

I went to graduate school at @unlincoln.bsky.social!

James A. Garfield National Historic Site reopens after weekslong closure After 53 days of closure, the James A. Garfield Historic Site in Mentor has officially reopened. Although the National Park Service unit’s Visitor Center remained open to the public, “Lawnfield” it…

I spent 15 years at James A. Garfield NHS in Ohio. I love that place, the history, & the people. Park Ranger Allison Powell (in this photo) is still one of my closest friends.

I'm so happy & proud they got this important project done! I visited last week and got a sneak peek...and it looks great!