Lee-Jackson Day in Virginia

Today, 12 January 2007, the Commonwealth of Virginia officially recognizes Lee-Jackson Day. It is a statewide holiday and most of the Commonwealth's offices will be closed. Virginia has recognized the day as a memorial to one of her favorite sons's, Robert E. Lee (born 19 January 1807), since 1889. In 1904, the legislature added Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's birthday (born 21 January 1824). Virginia is one of seven states which recognizes Lee-Jackson Day as an official holiday. The others six are: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.

On a related note, I just saw this announcement at the Lee Chapel and Museum site:

CLOSED
"Lee Chapel and Museum will be closed January 22 through March 4, 2007. The auditorium will be repainted during this time and will reopen March 4; however, the museum level will remain closed until June 1 to permit the installation of a new exhibition. We appreciate your patience and understanding."

I hesitate to be critical of the fine folks at Lee Chapel, but can someone please explain to me why the museum would choose to close for 4 months during the year of Lee's 200th birthday?!?!?! I would suspect that sites related to Lee would see an increase in tourism during this time; assuming, of course, that they're open! It would appear that someone did not think the timing of this new exhibit through very carefully. Strange.