John and Lydia Peale are long-time supporters of the humanities and the efforts of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.  Lydia has served on the VFH board since 2000.   The Peales are also VFH Humanities Associates, contributing non-restricted dollars that are applied to areas of the organization’s greatest needs.

When asked why they support the VFH, Lydia explains, “As the world grows more and more technologically focused, we need to hold on to what humanizes us, our shared journey through that which makes us think as well as feel.  I am most impressed by the genuine efforts of the VFH to take the humanities to all the people of Virginia.”

“We need to hold on to what humanizes us”

John and Lydia are involved with serving their community through volunteer work with many worthy organizations.  Lydia is a former school teacher and a current member of the Fluvanna League of Women Voters.  Along with her involvement with three book groups, Lydia volunteers with her church in a variety of programs, sings in the choir, and volunteers as Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA) Ombudsman (advocate for residents) at a local nursing home.

John, an avid reader, fills his time with a range of academic pursuits, including his field of study, religion.  Recently, he has been studying Christianity in China, Chinese history, culture, and language.  John is a world traveler who has visited 51 countries.

Married for 45 years, John and Lydia have three children and four grandchildren.