A Love Story Woven Through History: Steward and Malanna Henderson's Fredericksburg Legacy

Photo by Karen Presecan

In the shadow of historic battlefields where key events have shaped America's story, Steward and Malanna Henderson have written their own remarkable chapter—a romance that seems predestined and a shared passion for preserving and telling the stories that have shaped our nation.

A Dream Decades in the Making

When Steward and Malanna first crossed paths at the Trail to Freedom Symposium at the Fredericksburg Library in April 2013, neither could have imagined how their lives would intertwine. Yet for Steward, there was an immediate sense of déjà vu.

"Immediately, when she approached me, I had a flashback to a recurring dream that I had as a teenager," recalls Steward, 72, who retired as a Senior Vice President and Area Manager from SunTrust Bank (now Truist Bank) before pursuing his passion for history. "Malanna looked exactly like the woman in my dream of over 47 years ago."

This extraordinary connection wasn't lost on Malanna either. "When Steward first told me I was the subject of his teenage dream, it sounded incredulous," she admits. "Later, I felt it was a sign that we were meant to be together."

Their courtship unfolded against the backdrop of America's most hallowed grounds, with a pivotal moment coming during a personal tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield that Steward gave Malanna in July 2013.

"Yes, I fell in love with him at Gettysburg," Malanna shares with a smile. "I had never met a man who possessed intelligence, good looks, kindness, and showed real interest in what I had to say. He took my opinions seriously. He was always a gentleman. Falling in love with him was the easiest thing I've ever done."

The couple, who recently posed for their magazine photoshoot in their wedding attire, embody a partnership built on mutual respect, shared interests, and a deep appreciation for history.

Keepers of History and Culture

Together, the Hendersons represent a formidable team dedicated to preserving and sharing history, particularly the often-overlooked stories of African Americans during pivotal moments in our nation's past. The pair even tied the knot at Historic Salem Church in a Civil War wedding. Their commitment invites us all to connect with our shared history.

Steward's connection to the Fredericksburg area runs deep. "I have been coming to the Fredericksburg area since the 1950s. My mother's family is from the Fredericksburg area," he explains. "The first Civil War battlefield I visited was Fredericksburg, and I remember standing on Marye's Heights, as a short little boy, and thinking I was standing on top of the world." 

After his banking career, Steward embraced his passion for history by becoming a Seasonal Park Ranger at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and a Battlefield Guide for the Battlefield Tours of Virginia. He co-founded the 23rd United States Colored Troops and is a member of Co. B 54th Massachusetts Volunteers, serving as a living historian and reenactor.

Malanna brings her own impressive credentials to their partnership. With a Bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Detroit and an MFA in Creative Writing from City University of New York, she has channeled her talents into playwriting, historical fiction, and performance. Her novel On the Wings of Freedom explores the Underground Railroad, and she's written and directed numerous plays produced in the Fredericksburg area.

Last fall, Malanna founded Somewhere in Time Productions, Inc., to produce original works from local playwrights. She's also a member of the Scandalous Women's Sewing Circle, a group of reenactors who deliver first-person narratives about historical figures who challenged conventions.

A Community Transformed

For both Hendersons, Fredericksburg represents a home and a community they've watched evolve and grow.

"I have witnessed a community of all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds come together for history and social events, and have fun and good dialogue," Steward reflects. "I have seen the change from a very segregated town in the 1950s to what it is today!"

Malanna, who moved to the area from Detroit via New York about 20 years ago, has similarly embraced the community. "Fredericksburg is small enough to get to where you want to go within 20 or 30 minutes (outside of rush hour), but diverse enough to offer a variety of restaurants, theaters, outdoor and indoor concerts, lectures, libraries, bookstores, museums, churches," she explains. "Moreover, I feel safe wherever I go."

Her involvement at St. George's Episcopal Church, where she participated in the Racial Justice and Healing Study Group for six years, exemplifies her commitment to fostering understanding. 

"What a tremendous experience it was to learn little-known facts about our country's history, the participants' opinions, and express my points of view," she says. "It was truly an educational adventure."

Sharing Their Gifts

The Hendersons' commitment to education and community service manifests in numerous ways. Steward has contributed essays to several Civil War books and local magazines and has appeared on C-SPAN3 discussing U.S. Colored Troops. He has given historical presentations to senior communities, churches, and schools, and even led Civil War tours of the Fredericksburg Battlefield for his senior citizen community residents.

Malanna has won awards for her plays and writing, including first place in the Golden Nib contest of the Riverside Writers Group in 2022. She is the group's vice president and has recently published works in their 2025 anthology. As a docent at Belmont, which she describes as "a gleaming gem on the hill," she shares her knowledge and appreciation for this historic estate.

Her talents also extend to music, occasionally performing as a featured jazz singer with "Jazz and a Mission," a charity entity that raises funds for local causes.

A Legacy of Love and Learning

When not immersed in their historical pursuits, the Hendersons enjoy the rich cultural offerings of their community, from summer music venues at Market Square and the Central Library to the Fredericksburg Collective Jazz night at Colonial Tavern. They appreciate local dining establishments like Harry's Alehouse, Capitol Alehouse, and the Clearwater Grill.

Family remains important to them, with visits to Philadelphia, the D.C. area, and California to spend time with their children, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. And they still hold a special place in their hearts for Williamsburg, their honeymoon location.

As they continue their journey together, Steward and Malanna Henderson represent the perfect blend of preserving the past while building a better future. Their shared passions, talents, and commitment to education and community service have enriched Fredericksburg immeasurably.

"Every year he's dearer to me than the last," Malanna says of her husband, summarizing a love story that, like the history they both cherish, only grows more valuable with time.

 
Through their writing, performances, educational efforts, and community involvement, the Hendersons ensure that the essential stories of Fredericksburg—including their own—continue to be told, preserving a legacy for generations to come.