Shenandoah Valley Archives Fair

The Handley Regional Library System is delighted to announce that it will host the 2023 Shenandoah Valley Archives Fair, an event that shines a spotlight on the rich historical resources held by archival repositories throughout the Shenandoah Valley region. This year’s fair will take place at the Bowman Library Meeting Room on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The Shenandoah Valley Archives Fair is a wonderful opportunity for genealogists, history enthusiasts, students, researchers, and anyone interested in the history of the Valley. This event provides a unique opportunity to engage with archivists from various institutions, gain insights into their collections, and discover how these valuable resources support historical research.

Event Highlights:

Ask an Archivist Q&A Panel – 11:00 AM
The fair starts with a panel discussion featuring six archivists from the Shenandoah Valley Region. Whether you’re seeking advice on archival research, curious about how archives acquire their collections, contemplating a career in archives, or simply interested in understanding the significance of those iconic white gloves, our expert panelists are here to answer your questions.

Panelists:
• Stephanie Gardner, Bridgewater College
• Tiffany Cole, James Madison University
• Laura Christiansen, Thomas Balch Library
• Kristin Noell, Massanutten Regional Library
• Melanie Garvey, Clarke County Historical Association
• Zach Hottel, Shenandoah County Library

The panel discussion will be moderated by Lorna Loring, Archives Manager at the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives, Handley Library.

Exhibitor Showcase – 11:30 AM
The Shenandoah Valley Archives Fair offers an impressive lineup of exhibitors who can provide a unique glimpse into their archival collections. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and engage with organizations dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Shenandoah Valley.

Exhibitor List:
• Augusta County Historical Society (Staunton, Va.)
• Bridgewater College, Newlen-Bradford Special Collections (Bridgewater, Va.)
• Clarke County Historical Association (Berryville, Va.)
• Eastern Mennonite University, Menno Simons Historical Library, EMU Archives, and Virginia Mennonite Conference (VMC) Archives (Harrisonburg, Va.)
• Frederick County Circuit Court Clerk (Winchester, Va.)
• George C. Marshall Foundation Research Library (Lexington, Va.)
• George Mason University Special Collections Research Center (Fairfax, Va.)
• James Madison University Special Collections (Harrisonburg, Va.)
• Laurel Ridge Community College Archives (Middletown, Va.)
• Massanutten Regional Library (Harrisonburg, Va.)
• Newtown History Center (Stephens City, Va.)
• Rockingham County Circuit Court Clerk (Harrisonburg, Va.)
• Rocktown History (Dayton, Va.)
• Shenandoah County Circuit Court Clerk (Woodstock, Va.)
• Shenandoah County Library Truban Archives (Edinburg, Va.)
• Shenandoah University/EUB Archives (Winchester, Va.)
• Shenandoah University McCormick Civil War Institute (Winchester, Va.)
• Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage (Harrisonburg, Va.)
• Staunton-Augusta County African American Research Society (Staunton, Va.)
• Stewart Bell Jr. Archives, Handley Regional Library (Winchester, Va.)
• Thomas Balch Library (Leesburg, Va.)
• Washington & Lee University School of Law (Lexington, Va.)
• Washington & Lee University Special Collections (Lexington, Va.)
• Waynesboro Public Library (Waynesboro, Va.)
• Winchester City Circuit Court Clerk (Winchester, Va.)
• Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society (Winchester, Va.)
• Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library (Staunton, Va.)

The Shenandoah Valley Archives Fair promises to be an educational and inspiring event for all ages. Join us and embark on a journey through the fascinating history of the Shenandoah Valley.

For more information about the event and updates, please visit www.handleyregional.org/archives/archives-fair

 

Nature Connects® Made with LEGO® Bricks Exhibition Opening

May 27-September 4, 2023

Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects® Made with LEGO® Bricks returns to the MSV gardens with new sculptures! Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects® Made with LEGO® Bricks is an award-winning exhibition that uses beautiful works of art made from simple toy blocks to explore animal endangerment, the balance of ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature.

From the proud power of a mother polar bear to the quiet serenity of a coral reef, the exhibition’s 13 displays of Sean Kenney’s art spark a sense of wonder in people of all ages.

Exhibition admission—which includes gallery admission—is $15, $10 for youth (13–18) and senior (60+), $5 for ages 5–12, and free to MSV members and ages 4 & under. Please note: while MSV gallery admission is always free to ages 12 & under and free to all on Wednesdays, free Wednesday admission does not include Nature Connects or the house & gardens from May 27–September 4, 2023.

This exhibition is created by Sean Kenney Design and produced by Imagine Exhibitions, Inc.

Harvest Wine Dinner

Harvest season is the season for gathering to signify the beginning of Autumn.

This harvest season, we are joining together for a unique Harvest Wine Dinner! Join us in the newly renovated Salon Lounge at James Charles on Saturday, September 24th at 6:30 PM for an elegant, four course meal! Experience a delectable and locally sourced meal prepared by Chef Michael Oehisen. Each Farm to Table course will be perfectly paired with a James Charles wine.

The evening will begin at 6:30 PM with a complimentary specialty drink and hors d’oeuvres.
The Second Course of the evening will be served at 7 pm and will be an Arugula & Mesclun Salad with goat cheese, roasted garlic spiced walnuts and pickled red onion, tossed in a white wine lemon spritz.

The Third Course will be an option of either: (choices will be picked at checkout)
Orr’s Apple Cider braised/cherry wood smoked center cut pork tenderloin topped with a roasted plum chutney.
OR
Orecchiette with pan seared Tiger Shrimp, roasted corn & chilis topped with a Crème Fraiche and fresh cilantro.

Each option will be accompanied with roasted Acorn Squash with caramelized walnuts and port hydrated cranberries, and fire roasted brussels sprouts & cherry tomatoes with grated aged parmesan.

The Fourth Course will be a Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle with salted caramel & Bailey’s Pumpkin Liquor Cream.
Reservations for this four course wine paired meal are available for $90.00 per guest. Service fee includes meal tax and a 20% gratuity. Seating is limited, so reserve a space now!
https://jamescharleswine.xudle.com/res-511341/Harvest-Wine-Dinner.html

Black Friday Celebration

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED.

Escape the chaos of shopping and spend Black Friday at Valerie Hill.

Starting at noon we’ll have our full cafe menu available including food specials. Then at 1:00pm enjoy live music with Jimmy Lee.

And of course wine will be flowing all day! Still have the urge to grab some Black Friday shopping deals?

Just bring your laptop or tablet and enjoy our free WiFi! And of course our manor house will be decked out in all her Christmas Glory! Don’t miss one of our favorite days of the year.

An African American History of Stephens City

In cooperation with the Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society, the Newtown History Center will be offering a lecture presentation on the history of the African Americans in our community.

We will hold this event in the Parish Hall of Trinity Lutheran Church in Stephens City (double doors off of main part of parking lot).

Admission is free.

Top of Virginia Bluegrass Series

Frogtown Music is excited to present this new bluegrass series to benefit the Frederick County Educational Foundation. All concerts will be held at Millbrook High School located at 251 First Woods Dr, Winchester, VA 22603. The doors open at 6:00 pm and the shows begin at 7:00 pm.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door and can be ordered at topofvirginiabluegrass.com.

There are four concerts in this series.

Nov. 9 — Russell Moore and IIIrd Thyme Out and the Lonesome Highway Reunion Band

Dec. 14 — Big Country Bluegrass and Dave Adkins Band

Jan. 11 — Carolina Blue and Linda Lay and Springfield Exit

Feb. 8 — Blue Moon Rising and Troy Engle and Southern Skies

Crossroads of History Conference

Atlanta, the Valley, and the Crossroads of History:
The Battles and Leaders That Influenced Lincoln’s Reelection in 1864

In August 1864, the outcome of the Civil War hung in the balance, and Abraham Lincoln’s chances for reelection looked doubtful – until a series of pivotal battles around Atlanta and in the Shenandoah Valley helped propel Lincoln to victory. Led by historians Gary Ecelbarger and Scott Patchan, this conference will examine those events – and the fights and personalities that changed the course of history.

SCHEDULE:
8am: Check-In Desk Opens
9am: Lincoln’s Jeopardized Election Status in Summer 1864 – Gary Ecelbarger
10am: The Battle of Atlanta – Unheralded Turning Point – Gary Ecelbarger
11am: The Battle of Jonesboro and Sherman’s Capture of Atlanta – Scott Patchan
Noon: Lunch (On your own)
1:15 pm: Black Jack Logan’s 6 Months of Unprecedented Political Generalship – Gary Ecelbarger
2:15 pm: Phil Sheridan’s Leadership at the Battle of Cedar Creek: From Union Disaster to Icing on the Cake – Scott Patchan
3:15 pm: Final Actions of the Third Battle of Winchester – Tour in Old Town Winchester – Scott Patchan

The cost will be $27 for SVBF members; $30 for non-members. Lunch will be on your own. Space will be limited, and pre-registration is required.

Register Online

For more information, call the SVBF at 540-740-4545.

 

Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation Conference

The Forgotten Valley: Overlooked Civil War Stories in the Shenandoah Valley

The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation’s 2019 Valley Conference will focus on fascinating but overlooked stories that deserve more attention, from lesser-known stories of the famous to moving accounts of everyday people caught up in the four years of fury. The conference will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2019, at the George Washington Hotel in Winchester, and will features speakers Eric Buckland, Gary L. Ecelbarger, Dennis Frye, Catherine Mägi, Scott C. Patchan, Keven M. Walker, and Eric J. Wittenberg.

For more information and registration, call: 540-740-4545. Pre-registration is required.

8am: Check-In Desk Opens
9am – Dennis Frye and Catherine Mägi – Confluence: Harpers Ferry as Destiny
10am – Gary L. Ecelbarger – Stonewalling Jackson: The Unheralded Counter Campaign of Winter 1862
11am – Eric J. Wittenberg – The Battle of Wapping Heights: Lost Opportunity, July 23, 1863
Noon: Lunch (On your own)
1:00 pm – Scott C. Patchan – Germans in the Valley: Col. Augustus Moor and the 28th Ohio Volunteer Infantry at Piedmont
2:00 pm: Eric Buckland – Mosby’s Rangers: Playing Outside of the Box
3:00 pm: Keven M. Walker – “We shall never be the same”: The Soldiers Who Gave Their Last Full Measure and the Ones They Left Behind

Cost: $30 per person; $27 for SVBF Members

Dog Agility Trials

The Shenandoah Valley Kennel Club hosts these agility trials. New this year, the dogs will be competing in dock jumping.