YORKTOWN — In time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown opens its newest exhibit, saluting a couple who embodied the American dream.
Opening on March 8 and running until July 27, Patrons & Patriots: The Legacy of Nick and Mary Mathews celebrates the lives and philanthropy of the late Nick and Mary Mathews, beloved Yorktown restaurateurs who, on the eve of America’s 1976 Bicentennial, donated the land for the Yorktown Victory Center, now known as the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation exhibit shares the story of Nick and Mary Mathews, natives of Greece who emigrated to the United States, met in New York City, and married in July 1942. They later moved to Yorktown, where they opened a lunch counter in 1944 that became Nick’s Seafood Pavilion, a Yorktown landmark that gained national renown.
Mariruth Leftwich, Senior Director of Museum Operations and Education, said, “What makes this exhibition unique for us is the ability to connect to people’s present and the memories they have — a bit of nostalgia.”
The couple wanted a legacy that was rooted in understanding democracy, freedom and the importance of Yorktown, explained Leftwich, “They were so much more than restaurateurs.”
Immigrants who came to Yorktown and settled, they believed strongly in the democracy and history of the United States while also cherishing their Greek culture.
Leftwich describes viewing a photo album given to the couple as a thank you from the Commonwealth of Virginia for their contribution to the bicentennial celebrations. The book shows images filled with Greek dancing, dress and food. They celebrated America by “celebrating all the cultures that have come to be part of America. The convergent of cultures,” said Leftwich.
The gallery will share their life and legacy in three segments, explained Senior Curator Sarah Meschutt, that explore how they came to Yorktown, how they adopted the American dream and their belief in democracy and community impact.
“It all adds up to a great success story,” Meschutt said.
Gifting almost all their worldly goods to the Foundation upon the death of Mary, the exhibit seeks to transport visitors back in time through artifacts and images reflecting the couple’s personal lives and professional successes, and rare objects that defined their iconic restaurant.
Visitors can learn about the couple’s patrons, from Elizabeth Taylor to John Wayne, and their patriotism, from free meals for servicemen to sponsorship of the U.S.S. Yorktown.
Awards and images highlight the couple’s many civic and philanthropic contributions to organizations that benefited from their benevolence. Recollections of friends, family and colleagues who personally knew them are recounted in an exclusive video that offers insight into the Mathews’ lasting legacy.
In the gallery, visitors are encouraged to emulate Nick and Mary’ patriotism and write a postcard of thanks to a servicemember, which will be delivered by the U.S.O.
The couple are buried on the grounds of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown overlooking the York River.
The special exhibition is included with American Revolution Museum at Yorktown admission. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive complimentary admission to the museum with proof of residency.
