The Executive Director of the Stratford Hall Plantation, Col. Tom Taylor, welcomed the class of 2002 to Stratford.  The Colonel opened the sessions by outlining the history of the  Robert E. Lee Memorial Association , the funding group of the plantation and seminar.   The essence of Stratford Hall, is composed of three concepts.  It is a living memorial, a working farm and a contributor the the economy of Westmoreland County.  Second, the house itself represents the stark elegance of the strength of Stratford.  Finally, the Lee Family was a band of patriots and fought to create this country.

    He acknowledged the contribution of the enslaved African Americans , at Stratford quoting a Payne family member who said, "The Lees are a famous family, but we made them great."