Events

Historian and author, Jane Conner, will be giving a Power-Point presentation for the Stafford County Historical Society about “The White House Gardens.” The program is free of charge and open to all visitors. It begins at 7:30 p.m. and is held in the Board of Supervisors’ Chambers in the Stafford Administration Building.

This event (Nov 15) has been cancelled due to the weather.  The Widewater presentation by Beth Daly will be rescheduled for a future date. 

The Stafford County Historical Society will hold its annual member Christmas party on December 20, 2018.  The party will be held at the Rowser Building and begins at 6:30.  We ask that everyone bring a dish to share.

The society will provide drinks, cutlery, plates, etc.

We hope to see you there!

Rowser Building
1739 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Stafford, VA 22554

Directions

It will be a time-line presentation, talking about Widewater from prehistoric times to present day – ending with the new Widewater State Park.

The speaker is Dr. Brad Hatch is a lifelong resident and native of White Oak. Taking an interest in history, archaeology, and other “old stuff” from a young age, he eventually attended the University of Mary Washington and graduated in 2007 with a degree in historic preservation. Brad then attended the College of William and Mary, earning a Master’s degree in historical archaeology in 2009. He then briefly left the Commonwealth to pursue at Ph.D. at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, which he achieved in 2015. His dissertation research focused on the Potomac River Valley of Virginia in the 17th century. He is currently employed as the Archaeology Division Manager at Dovetail Cultural Resource Group in Fredericksburg. Brad’s research interests include the archaeology and history of agriculture and rural life, identity, community, politics, ceramics, and faunal remains. Though focused on 17th-century Virginia, Brad has worked on sites dating from the deep prehistoric past to the 20th century throughout the Middle Atlantic. He also has a strong interest in traditional crafts and, as a member of the Patawomeck tribe, has started to research the history and traditional construction techniques of eel pots.

John J. Hennessy, chief historian and chief of interpretation at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, began his career with the National Park Service at Manassas NB a very long time ago. He is the author of dozens of articles and essays and of three three books, For the past 24 years, his ofice has been at historic Chatham. His topic tonight:  The Fitzhughs and Chatham.

With Rick and Jerrilynn MacGregor

Members and guests only.

With Connie Hilker

With Ben Williams

With Don Pfanz

Clarissa (Clara) Barton was a pioneering American nurse who founded the American Red Cross. She was a hospital nurse in the American Civil War. After the First Battle of Bull Run, Barton placed an ad in a Massachusetts newspaper for supplies; the response was a profound influx of supplies. She worked to distribute supplies, clean field hospitals, apply dressings, and serve food to wounded soldiers in close proximity to several battles, including Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. Barton helped both Union and Confederate soldiers.

Buy gifts from the SCHS store in the lobby of the Stafford County Administration Building.  The 2019 ornament will be available as well as cranberry-colored throws which have been out of stock for some time.

Members Only

With Kate Roberts

Kate Roberts, archeologist for the Quantico Marine Corps base, will discuss life in Northern Stafford before the 1942 government condemnation.

With Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor

Professor (UMW) Lauren McMillan, a member of the Tribe Patowomecke, will talk about a dig at Aquia with her students . The PowerPoint presentation will show artifacts they found during the dig.

*** CANCELLED *** All events and community programs and classes held at County facilities are currently canceled.

With John Hennessy of the National Park Service

*** CANCELLED *** All events and community programs and classes held at County facilities are currently canceled.

With Frank O’Reilly of the National Park Service.

*** CANCELLED *** All events and community programs and classes held at County facilities are currently canceled.

Members and guests only.

Please bring a covered dish/dessert to share.

Please join Stafford County at a special plaque dedication ceremony in honor of Irma Clifton on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Shelton’s Cottage.

Parking is available across the street at the Historic Port of Falmouth Park, 401 River Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22405.

More information is available at this link – https://staffordcountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3205

Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue, Scott Mayausky, will be presenting a status update on the proposed Stafford County Museum.

This will be our first presentation in over a year due to COVID-19.  Masks will be required to be worn to attend.  We hope to see you there!

IMPORTANT NOTE:  In addition to our featured presentation, we will ask those in attendance to vote on the revised by-laws and the merger of the Stafford County Historical Society and Stafford Museum Foundation.

Today’s use of Aquia Creek for recreational boating and fishing is only a footnote to over three centuries of commercial activity.  John Smith explored and mapped Aquia Creek in 1608 and as early European settlers spread through coastal Virginia, the land along Aquia Creek was some of the first to be patented.

Recognizing the potential of the creek, in 1680 the Virginia Assembly ordered the establishment of a town on what is still called Brent’s Point.  By 1734, the location of the town had shifted about seven miles upstream.  Containing an official tobacco warehouse, stone wharf, houses, taverns, and assorted businesses, the town of Aquia was an important international shipping point until c.1800.

The tall ridges that frame the creek are comprised of a useful sandstone called Aquia freestone.  Functioning as an industry from the mid-seventeenth century until the 1970s, the stone was used for architectural purposes throughout America’s east coast and was chosen for use in Washington, DC’s early public buildings.

Also on the creek was Coal Landing, which was the primary shipping point for Accokeek Iron Furnace (c.1721 to c.1760) as well as for numerous freestone quarries.

The Union army used Aquia Creek for the delivering of supplies and personnel during the Civil War.  After the peace, business on the creek quickly resumed and until the 1930s, hundreds of sailing and steam-powered vessels plied the creek, picking up all manner of products and delivering merchandise for sale in Stafford’s country stores.

On Thursday, June 17 local historian Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor will present to the Stafford County Historical Society a Powerpoint program about the history of Aquia Creek.  The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. in the George L. Gordon Administration Center.  It is free and open to anyone who is interested in learning more about this long-important tributary of the Potomac River.

With Frank O’Reilly of the National Park Service.

Our annual member’s picnic is August 19 at 6:30 p.m.  We will meet at the Rowser Building located at 1739 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Stafford, VA 22554.  We will meet in Room B.  This is the one nearest the kitchen.

Please bring a dish to share.  Paper products, plastic flatware, ice and drinks will be provided.

We have some surprise entertainment scheduled for you.  You wont want to miss it.

See you there.

John Hennessy, chief historian at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, will talk about the history of Chatham during the Colonial and Revolutionary periods.

Stafford County Museum and Cultural Center in collaboration with Stafford and North Stafford Rotary Clubs will host the first annual Via Colori Stafford street painting festival to celebrate the arts and the creative process.  This is a 2-day family-friendly regional festival to witness dozens of artists create original artwork using street painting chalk.

Courthouse Road Commuter Lot

Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

The 2021 Virginia Genealogical Society’s Virtual Conference is open for registration.

The Virginia Genealogical Society, established in 1960, boasts a nationwide membership dedicated to four primary goals: to promote and foster family history, education and research; publish genealogical information; provide educational opportunities; share accumulated knowledge.

Includes talk by Beth Daly.

Note:  The park charges a $7 per car fee.  Scott Mayausky has offered to drive the county van, which holds about 15 people.  A ride in the van will be available on a first come basis.  Please email us at info@staffordhistorical.org if you’d like to have a spot reserved for you.

Members and Guests Only

The Christmas party will be held at the Rowser Building, Room A.  It begins at 6:30 PM.  The SCHS provides napkins, plates, cutlery, and beverages. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share.  

Jerrilynn Eby and Rick MacGregor will talk about George L. Gordon, Jr. for whom the Stafford County Administration Center is named.

Lt. Col. Thad Hartman will talk about the SAR’s patriot grave marking project. They recently came and marked William Waller’s grave at Concord.

with Dave Muraca

With John Hennessy

On May 19th, Stafford County Historical Society will host Dr. Lauren McMillan to present “Shell Masks and Anthropomorphic Objects among the Patawomecks”:

The word Patawomeck loosely translates as “trading center,” underscoring the importance of trade to the people and region. Through an examination of shell masks, which traveled from the Gulf Coast to eastern Tennessee, before arriving at the ancestral village of the Patawomeck people on Indian Point in Stafford County, Virginia, I will focus on the time period right before and during European contact to discuss the cultural importance of trade to the Patawomeck people.

Dr. Lauren McMillan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Historic Preservation at the University of Mary Washington where she teaches North American archaeology and general preservation courses. Her main research interest focuses on Native-Anglo interactions during the early 17th century and the interpretation of Native Virginian history in the present. She is an honorary member of the Patawomeck Tribe.

Special thanks to the Patawomeck Heritage Foundation for sponsoring this presentation!

With Anita Dodd

Members Only – Join now for FREE! Please bring a dish to share.

https://stfhistsoc.wpengine.com/membership/

We regret that our scheduled presentation on memories of Hartwood Winery by Connie Hilker will have to be postponed for a future date.

Instead, Jerrilynn Eby will be presenting about the land record challenges following the Civil War. During their fourteen-month occupation of Stafford County, Union soldiers made at least two destructive raids on the courthouse and clerk’s office. They stole or destroyed about two-thirds of the county’s court records along with Stafford’s colonial seal and courthouse Bible. The impact of the loss of these records continues to impact landowners, researchers, and genealogists today.

Melisa Butler will share the history of her family’s 18th century Stafford farmhouse, Cedar Hill, and the people who have called it home.

Save the date! Our 2nd annual Via Colori Stafford! will take place September 24-25, 2022. Look for even more artists, entertainment, and fun!

About the Stafford Fair

The first annual Stafford County Club and School Fair was held at Stafford High School on October 21, 1922 for two days conducted by the School Board, and officers of the Fair; W.D Peyton, president; James Ashby, secretary & treasurer; V.B Perry, manager. The first fair also involved a school parade, marching from Stafford High School to the Courthouse. On October 18, 1929, it was reported that the Agricultural Department, directed by R.L. Reid, Hayden Silver and Grafton Greenlaw, was one of the best exhibits in years. They also held educational and domestic art exhibits inside the school building. The fair was cancelled in 1930 due to drought conditions and revived in the fall of 1931 by combining “Achievement Day” with the County Fair. At that time, it was reported that this fair would be the most notable of all county-wide gatherings. “It is designed for all the people and it is estimated that more people meet at it and intermingle in social pleasure than at any other event in the county’s annual history.” The Fair did not operate during WWII. It was revived in 1948 to be held for many years at the new Falmouth High School. In 1959, Mrs. Deichman former manager of the Stafford County fair and other officers of the Stafford County Fair were sought after to renew and organize the “area-wide” Fredericksburg Fair where Mrs. Deichman served as Treasurer.

Over fifty years of history had passed since Stafford held its own fair. Gordon Shelton stepped up to revive the Stafford Fair in the fall of 2010. In keeping with tradition, he held the fair in the fall on school grounds. The Fair, held at Mountain View High School for the first few year had quickly outgrown the field in front of the school and moved behind the Margaret Brent Elementary School in 2014.

At the new location, we were able to add a demolition derby and a tractor pull arena and make room for a temporary homemaking building, tents for the 4H and animals, pony shows, music concerts and more exhibits. In 2015, we held our first Miss Stafford County Pageant bringing our queen to the VAF competition.

The Fair continues to grow as a non-profit, volunteer organization. We are not supported by any government entity. We are in need of permanent grounds.

Each year we are able to promote agriculture, community spirit, family fun events, motor sports, home making contests, 4H competition, vendor’s, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, pony rides, and carnival rides, food and overall fun for everyone!

We are proud to have been able to provide the opportunity for Fire & Rescue teams to demonstrate and receive special training in the Jaws of Life recovery from automobiles.

We happily dedicate our time to the Stafford County Christmas Parade, which began in 2015 dedicated to Sheriff Charlie Jett and Clerk of the Court Barbara Decatur. In 2020, due to COVID, the parade location was moved to the fairgrounds. The parade is now held on the 3rd Saturday in December every year at the Fairgrounds.

Gordon Shelton, Fair Manager is honored to be on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of Fairs.

Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue, Scott Mayausky, will be presenting a status update on the proposed Stafford County Museum.

UPDATE: The event has been cancelled for Sunday, November 13th due to damage from the winds last night. We appreciate the support of the artists and everyone who visited the event on Saturday.

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A juried arts festival featuring the best of the best.

The Stafford Museum and Cultural Center is super proud to be bringing this premiere event to Embrey Mill. Free to attend and browse.

THIS IS A FAMILY FRIENDLY FESTIVAL

What better way to do your Christmas shopping than shopping at this event. As you stroll through the rows of tents where you will meet and be able to talk with the creators of sculptures, paintings, pottery, photography, one-of-a-kind jewelry designs, batiks, and much more.

This Festival offers a wide variety of mediums, styles, sizes, subject matters, and price ranges. There will be something that will appeal to everyone who attends.

​“History lives in Stafford!” You can visit a wide variety of attractions and combine your business or golf trip with off-the-beaten-track side-tours through history, local award-winning wineries and breweries, and a wide selection of shopping and arts.

November 12th 10am – 5pm
November 13th, 11am – 4pm

401 Coneflower Lane, (Embrey Mill), Stafford, VA

It’s a great outdoor space for social distancing and following safety rules to ensure the safety and well-being of our Exhibitors and Shoppers.

Connie Hilker will present a PowerPoint program about Hartwood Winery, Stafford County’s first winery. Connie has lived next door to the winery for the past 20 years and will share photos and stories of the early days of the winery.

The originally scheduled program on George Washington has been rescheduled for February 2023.

This presentation will be our first attempt at live streaming via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/StaffordHistory. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page. Given that this will be our first attempt, please be patient as there could be unplanned technical issues.

Members and Guests Only. The Christmas party will be held at the Rowser Building, Room A. It begins at 6:30 PM. The SCHS provides napkins, plates, cutlery, and beverages. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share.

Join us for the 2022 Christmas parade at 3pm on December 17th!

With Chris Hornung

Chris will talk about the world’s first heavier-than-air mechanical flight which was achieved by Samuel Pierpont Langley in Stafford County, Virginia on May 6, 1896. Langley’s accomplishment opened “the great universal highway overhead.” Chris will also talk about the Langley Flight Project to create an exact replica of Langley’s Aerodrome No. 5, the first aircraft to achieve heavier-than-air sustained mechanical flight.

This presentation will also be live streamed via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/StaffordHistory. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page.

Hollywood comes to Stafford! Learn about films made on location in Stafford from local actor, writer, and anthropologist Justin Sisk.

Then, enjoy light refreshments and a screening of the 1958 rom-com Houseboat, starring Cary Grant and Sophia Loren. Filmed in various locations in Virginia.

Grade 7-adult.

*Snow date: Saturday, January 28, 1-4:30

Sponsored by the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center in partnership with the Stafford County Historical Society.

Stafford historian and author, Jane Conner, will be the guest speaker for the Stafford County Historical Society’s monthly meeting on Thursday, February 16th. Her talk will be about the influence George Washington and his father have had on Stafford and the nation. The meeting will begin at 7:30 pm and will be held at the Stafford Administration Building in the Board of Supervisors’ Chambers. All are welcome.

Jane was instrumental in preserving Government Island. It took her 29 years and a speech before Congress to get the island on the National Register of Historic Places.

This presentation will also be live streamed via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/StaffordHistory. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page.

Donna Sayre of the DAR will speak on the many changes for military women over the years and highlight some of Stafford County’s present and past military women.

Donna is a native of Kentucky. She attended the University of Kentucky and proudly “Bleeds Blue.” She has had a career in the United States Navy, raising her right hand on Friday the 13th of November 1970 and is a Viet Nam veteran. She served in theatre aboard the Navy Hospital Ship Sanctuary.

After her Navy career, she returned to school and received additional degrees from The George Washington University in Health Care Administration, and the then Mary Washington College where she received additional bachelors and master’s degrees in Political Science and Public Administration.

Donna owns a technology consulting company where she uses her medical background to apply technology to medical practices. She has one daughter, Heather, who is a retired police officer for the city of Fredericksburg. She also has 5 granddaughters, ranging in age from 24 years old to 7 years old.

She has been involved in the United Methodist Church Lay Servant and Lay Speaking Ministry for over 25 years serving locally and on the District. She has been a resident of Stafford County for over 40 years.

This presentation will also be live streamed via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/StaffordHistory. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page.

with Joseph Cardello

This presentation will also be live streamed via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/StaffordHistory. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page.

with Daniel M. Chichester

This presentation will also be live streamed via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/StaffordHistory. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page.

Please join us June15, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. for our monthly meeting. Our speaker will be EUNICE E. Y. HAIGLER. After retiring as a Mental Health Professional working in every aspect of human services Eunice E.Y. Haigler has become a local historian, activist, advocate and the Community Liaison to former Commonwealth of Virginia State Legislator, Joshua Cole. Eunice specializes in Human Relationship Building and has diligently worked to eradicate racism by advocating for change, being a resource for education, instilling diversity awareness and understanding, and by improving information access.

Eunice’s advocacy and activism activities with the Virginia Organizing team has led to many changes in Virginia. When the Unitarian Universalist Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia wanted to become more racially diversified, upon reaching out to Virginia Organizing, the Race Coalition was organized. Out of that effort, Eunice looked for actions that would lead to sustainability and she discovered that it was the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth. However, Juneteenth was not a state or federal holiday. She set forth on a seven-year project to make Juneteenth a legal state holiday. This was accomplished on October 13, 2020, when then Governor Ralph Northam proclaimed Juneteenth a legal statewide holiday in answer to Mrs. Haigler’s years of hard work and prayers.

Joining Eunice will be her cousin Frank White reading a poem he wrote about Juneteenth.

This presentation will also be live streamed via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/StaffordHistory. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page.

The Stafford County NAACP will return to Colonial Forge H.S. for their 2nd Annual Juneteenth Commemoration and Celebration of June 19, 1865! So many participants are eagerly returning and many more are joining. It is promising to be quite a joyous, educational and fun-filled occasion so, please save the date and join us!!

Invite_ Participants Stafford NAACP Juneteenth

Members Only – Join now for FREE! Please bring a dish to share.

with Casey Clark. Casey will share insights about the various murals that have been completed throughout the county.

This presentation will also be live streamed via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/StaffordHistory. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page.

With Trip Wiggins.

This presentation will also be live streamed via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/StaffordHistory. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page.

with Terri Blanchette and Sue Henderson

This presentation will also be live streamed via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/StaffordHistory. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page.

with Terri Blanchette

We’ve all heard the repeating phrase “Your kids don’t want your stuff” – and to an extent that is very true. Each generation embraces only those aspects from the previous generation that resonates with them. BUT – there IS a way to work with that fact to help ensure you not only successfully transition the “stuff” of your history, but also help the next generation not regret their hasty decisions.

Terri Blanchette is an historian, writer, and heritage preservation specialist in the Virginia and greater Washington DC areas. She has a Masters in U.S. History with certification in Museum Studies and Archiving. She has written extensively for national history organizations, delivered numerous talks, workshops and seminars on preservation, and has researched and written corporate histories for some of Washington’s most prestigious firms. Her one-of-a-kind company, TimeSorters, LLC helps individuals and businesses to capture, organize, preserve and protect those things that make up their unique histories.

This presentation will also be live streamed via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/StaffordHistory. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page.

Members and Guests Only. The Christmas party will be held at the Rowser Building, Room A. The SCHS provides napkins, plates, cutlery, and beverages. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share.

NOTE THE NEW TIME THIS YEAR! We’ll be meeting on Sunday, December 17, at 2:00pm instead of an evening party in hopes that more members will be available to attend.

The musical is presented in three acts highlighting the journey of the civil rights movement under Dr. King’s leadership.

This event is sponsored by the Stafford County NAACP, Discover Stafford, and Stafford County Public Schools. Attendance is free to the public, however, registration is required due to limited seating.

We regret that due to the extreme cold weather that we will be cancelling our January program. This program has been rescheduled for October 17, 2024.

-Stafford Historical Society 

with Terri Blanchette

The new year is coming and with it we want Clean, Clear, Organized lives. But we are facing boxes, bags, piles and “stashes” of family history items in our attics, spare rooms, basements and storage units that we don’t have time – or know how – to “deal” with. Making it worse is the guilt and pressure we feel as these memories are being lost to decay with each passing year. Come to this informative talk and discover some basic steps you can take right now to easily organize and preserve all kinds of materials that we have in our homes and help ensure it will be clutter-free and safe for generations to come!

Terri Blanchette is an historian, writer, and heritage preservation specialist in the Virginia and greater Washington DC areas. She has a Masters in U.S. History with certification in Museum Studies and Archiving. She has written extensively for national history organizations, delivered numerous talks, workshops and seminars on preservation, and has researched and written corporate histories for some of Washington’s most prestigious firms. Her one-of-a-kind company, TimeSorters, LLC helps individuals and businesses to capture, organize, preserve and protect those things that make up their unique histories.

This presentation will also be live streamed via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverStafford. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page.

Join Executive Director Sue Henderson in a lively update and conversation about everything happening with the Museum as we move into 2024.

This presentation will also be live streamed via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/StaffordHistory. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page.

A celebration of student achievement and Stafford history! Sponsored by Stafford County Public Schools.

with John Reifenberg and Diane Ballman

Join John and Diane for a lively virtual tour through the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center’s archives.

John Reifenberg retired from 31 years with the National Park Service. He has been a volunteer and the Collection Manager at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center since 2011 to present. Lived in Spotsylvania County for 36 years.

Diane Ballman former Probation Officer and Disease Intervention Specialist (CDC) in Florida. Lived in Stafford County for over 25 years. Been a volunteer and Database Information Technology Specialist for the Center Rappahannock Heritage Center since 2008 to current.

This is an in-person presentation only!  We will not be live-streaming or recording this presentation.  Please be sure to mark your calendar and plan to attend in person so you don’t miss out.

with Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor.

Around 1758, Scottish merchant James Hunter commenced an iron manufactory a short distance up the Rappahannock River from Falmouth.  His business grew into what is arguably the largest manufacturing facility in colonial America.  During the American Revolution, Hunter was one of the primary producers of arms and supplies for Continental troops.  Despite his contributions to America’s independence, Hunter’s Iron Works, and its associated Rappahannock Forge, has been nearly forgotten.

Jerrilynn grew up in Stafford on the back of a horse and, as a teenager, became fascinated with the county’s history. Having spent her youth at Aquia Church (1757) and amongst several of the county’s old families, she heard the local oral history and eventually learned that little beyond oral tradition existed in Stafford due to vandalism by Union troops during the Civil War. In 1862 and 1863, the invading soldiers stole or destroyed many of the county’s court records and, as a result, traditional historians largely ignored Stafford and rarely even mentioned it in their books. In time, she began compiling information from the deeds, wills, court records, tax records, and newspapers that did exist, added to that the oral history, and tracked down other sources of information. Nearly forty years later, she is still researching her beloved Stafford County and publishing her studies so others might better appreciate the activities and families that made the county so special. Most of her research focuses on land tracts, mills, and industries, but she’s grateful for any tidbit that will help to develop Stafford’s unique story. She has published ten books about Stafford’s history.

Jerrilynn retired from the Prince William County Public Schools after working for 31 years as a middle school librarian.

Discover Stafford is pleased to be a sponsor of Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Summer Reading program for 2024. Children, teens, and adults can log their reading, complete activity badges, and write reviews to earn points that can be redeemed for prizes. For children and teens especially, Summer Reading is a vital way to beat the “Summer Slide,” which is learning loss that occurs each summer when kids don’t read regularly or participate in enrichment activities. Public libraries encourage young readers with rewards for reading, including milestone tags for minutes read and brand-new books when they achieve 1,000 and 2,000 minutes. Caregivers and other adults can model reading and participate in Summer Reading, too. Adults who reach 2,000 points earn a colorful mini notebook and pen set adorned with the perfect quote that pairs history and reading! Start your summer reading journey today at librarypoint.org/summer.

Be sure to attend the hundreds of no-cost library events for all ages, all summer long. Ranging from summer concerts to history lectures and animal visits, there’s something for everyone.

With Chris Hornung

Join Chris for an informative presentation on the Langley Aerodrome Experience featuring the Aerodrome No. 5 reproduction, interactive historical and educational programming, and a discussion on the process in bringing the attraction to fruition.

The Langley Aerodrome Experience is the cornerstone of the Langley Foundation’s mission to educate the public on Virginia’s rich aviation history, to encourage students to pursue STEM education and aviation-based careers, and to help attract new aviation-based employers and technology to Virginia and the Stafford County region.

The purpose of the project is to rescue a forgotten achievement in Virginia and U.S. history from obscurity and to use the retelling of its story to reconnect with our past, appreciate mankind’s ability to change the world for good, and to inspire us all to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to tackle seemingly impossible challenges.

Important Notes about this program:

• This program will be held at the Stafford Airport and not at the usual Stafford County Administration Center.
• This is an in-person presentation only!  We will not be live-streaming or recording this presentation.  Please be sure to mark your calendar and plan to attend in person so you don’t miss out.

Get ready to celebrate Juneteenth with Stafford NAACP in 2024 – a day of joy, reflection, and unity for our community!

Register for free tickets.

Join Greg Machi, Principal of Anne E. Moncure Elementary School for a presentation on its recently completed mural.

Greg Machi spent the first 26 years of his career with Stafford County Public Schools.  After relocating from Pittsburgh to Stafford County with his wife in 1997, he quickly became part of the community.  His wife is currently a first-grade teacher with Stafford County Public Schools and their three children all attended Stafford County Schools.

This presentation will also be live streamed via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/StaffordHistory. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page.

Join us at the Historic Rowser Building for a presentation by Stafford County Historical Society Keepers of the Knowledge recipients Jane Conner and Frank M. White.  They will talk about the Rowser Building’s unique history and give a brief walking tour.  Afterwards, we’ll gather for our annual Summer Social dinner.

Please bring a dish to share.  The Society will provide drinks and cutlery.

Not yet a member?  It’s easy and free to join.

With Jane Conner.

Join us for an informative presentation on Civil War artist, Alfred Waud, by Jane Conner.  Alfred Waud was an American artist and illustrator, born and raised in London, England. He is most notable for the lively and detailed sketches of scenes from the Civil War, which he covered as a press correspondent.  His drawings captured the war’s dramatic intensity and furnished him with a reputation as one of the preeminent artist-journalists of his era.

Jane Conner was the citizen most responsible for saving Government Island and was one of the leaders in saving Ferry Farm, George Washington’s boyhood home. Author of Birthstone of the White House and Capitol, Lincoln in Stafford, and Sinners, Saints and Soldiers in Civil War Stafford, she has donated all proceeds to the historical society’s museum fund. A five-time past President of the historical society, she also lectures extensively, serves on the historical commission and heads an educator committee which integrates Stafford history into Virginia’s Standards of Learning. A recipient of the National Conservation Award of the Daughters of the American Revolution, her congressional testimony was vital to national recognition of Government Island and her scholarship and activism to its establishment as a park.

This presentation will be recorded and posted to Facebook and the Discover Stafford “Past Presentations” portion of the events page.