In 2020, the Historical Society received a grant from the Richmond Conservation Studio in partnership with the Virginia Association of Museums to conserve its portrait of Emeline Trent Tinsley.  Gifted to the museum in 1962, this portrait of Emeline was in need of serious repair.  The paint was cracked and actively flaking around and in her face, the varnish had discolored, and the canvas was loose with visible stretcher marks.  Thanks to Richmond Conservation Studio, this important piece in Roanoke’s history is safe again!

Emeline was the daughter of Capt. Thomas Trent Jr. and Martha Holland Trent, a prominent Appomattox family.  She married Benjamin Talbot Tinsley, who owned a large portion of Big Lick, including Mill Mountain, in the 1840s-60s.  He built Elmwood Plantation, and the home was used as the public library from the 1920s-1960s.  Peyton Terry, Roanoke’s first millionaire and entrepreneur, bought the land and home from Tinsley in 1869.

Portraits of Emeline’s family reside in the collection of Colonial Williamsburg, and the companion piece to these, painted in 1837 by itinerant artist Samuel Taylor, is in the collection of the Historical Society.

Portrait of Capt. Thomas Trent, Jr.

Portrait of Martha D. Holland Trent