National Register Guide Videos

Confused about the National Register of Historic Places and what it means for you as a property owner, particularly since new areas of Winchester may be added to our existing National Register Historic District by this December?

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has put together a series of videos with Jim Gabbert, a historian with the National Park Service, to create the National Register of Historic Places Guide on YouTube.

You may start the video playlist to watch all seven parts, or jump directly to the video that interests you. Most parts are about 2-3 minutes in length.

Part 1: Basics
Part 2: The Function of the National Register of Historic Places
Part 3: National Register Restrictions Explained
Part 4: Why Should I List a Property?
Part 5: Basics of the Nomination Form
Part 6: The Statement of Significance
Part 7: Establishing Significance

New installments are being released on Tuesdays, so check back with the National Trust on YouTube if you can’t get enough of learning about the National Register of Historic Places.

You may also wish to visit the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) website, which is Virginia’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Winchester is located in the Northern Region Preservation Office, which is based in Stephens City. The DHR staff directory may be accessed here.

Preserving Virginia: The Future of History Documentary on YouTube

Earlier this spring, you may have heard about a showing on PBS of a documentary Preserving Virginia: The Future of History through the statewide preservation organization, Preservation Virginia. We know how hard it can be to catch PBS programs at times, so we wanted to share the word from Preservation Virginia that the full, feature-length documentary is now available on YouTube to watch at your leisure.

The half-hour program highlights how the Commonwealth of Virginia has embraced historical preservation for both its economic and cultural value to local communities. Using examples in the five major regions of the state, the program explores the impact of historic preservation in the areas of economic development and job creation; community revitalization; heritage tourism; quality of life; and, of course, the significance of preservation in maintaining cultural identity.

The Shenandoah Valley Tapestry, a Journey Through Time

The following is a guest contribution by the Winchester Chapter of the Embroiders’ Guild of America (WEGA) and the Multicultural Club Collage (MCC) of Frederick County, VA. I invite you to read on and learn how you can contribute to this community project to recreate a familiar painting as a hand stitched tapestry. Many of our readers live in or own one of the historic houses depicted in the tapestry, and we encourage you to reach out to contact the Valley Tapestry project leaders and become involved in the process.

Winchester & Frederick County, Virginia, by Page Huff Dillon

It All Started with a Book
It all started with the book – Defend the Valley by Margaretta Barton Colt. The book tells the story of the Civil War through the letters and private papers of the Barton and Jones clans—two great limbs of one family tree with roots in Winchester. The Bartons and Joneses collectively sent eleven men into battle, most in the brigade led by Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Defend the Valley presents a fully rounded picture of the daily struggles of ordinary families living through the Civil War and a documentation of the passing of a way of life.

Then Came the Painting
The book led to the contemporary primitive painting by Page Huff Dillon – “Winchester & Frederick County, Virginia,” (1995), commissioned by Margaretta Barton Colt. Cissy Shull, Executive Director at Winchester–Frederick County Historical Society, presided over a group of historians who acted as consultants to ensure the historic accuracy not only of the painting’s thirty-four buildings, but also the landscape, people, and lifestyle in the Valley. The painting is well known to many citizens of Winchester and can be seen in a number of local offices and homes.

That Launched the Tapestry
The painting then set in motion the idea of telling the Valley’s storied history through a community-based project to create a needlework narrative – a tapestry that would be hand stitched by members of the community. The main panel of the tapestry will interpret Page Huff Dillon’s painting, including the thirty-four historic buildings, and reflect on the stories of people and events told in Defend the Valley. We call our project – “The Shenandoah Valley Tapestry – A Journey Through Time.”

The “Tapestry” project is spearheaded by the Winchester Chapter of the Embroiders’ Guild of America (WEGA) and the local community advocacy organization, the Multicultural Club Collage (MCC) of Frederick County, VA. Working together and serving as the Directors of the Tapestry project, the WEGA and MCC have been joined by The Handley Regional Library, the Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society, and the Kernstown Battlefield Association to bring “The Shenandoah Valley Tapestry” to life. The promotional celebration highlighting the book, the painting, and “The Tapestry” is scheduled for November 14, 2015 at the Handley Regional Library and November 15, 2015 at Kernstown Battlefield. Margaretta Barton Colt is the keynote speaker for these events where she will also be available for book signings of Defend the Valley.

For and By the People of the Community
We have just started working on “The Tapestry”, but are making good progress. The buildings, people and landscape have been outlined in place on the background canvas fabric, the sky has been quilted, and several buildings are “under stitching construction.” It is an exciting time and we want “The Tapestry” to be a true community project, for and by everyone, from the smallest children, to teenagers, to people who want to just make one stitch, to mature experienced stitchers. Some needlework skills are welcomed but not required – we can teach you! We will host workshops and stitch-ins, story times, and classes in embroidery at the Handley Library. Everyone who participates will sign “The Tapestry” log book, a permanent record accompanying “The Tapestry” that identifies each participant.
You can make just one stitch and get your name in history!
“The Shenandoah Valley Tapestry – a Journey Through Time” has its very own Facebook page. Take a look and like us on Facebook where you will see photos of our kick-off event: the first stitch taken by Jennifer Sutter of the Handley Library.

It Provides Economic, Educational, and Tourism Benefits
Upon completion, the Kernstown Battlefield Association and the Handley Library have expressed their willingness to host “The Tapestry” and build programs around it, both for the community and also to support historic education and preservation, and encourage heritage tourism. We believe “The Tapestry” project can help protect and promote Winchester and environs historic resources because it will help generate tourism dollars through marketing and advertising of these buildings and sites.

Sponsorship Benefits
First of all we would like to see among our participants and sponsors those who are representing organizations and families – owners and business associated with the buildings and sites depicted in the painting.

Each building / site sponsor will be identified in “The Tapestry” promotional materials, to include events hosted at Kernstown Battlefield and the Handley Regional Library. Business or company logos are welcome as part of a sponsor’s identification. In addition, a special plaque identifying each sponsor will be created to accompany “The Tapestry” wherever it is hosted.

We are in the process of identifying the owners/businesses/residents of each building and site, but we still need a little help. Attached is a list of the buildings and sites and what contact information we have been able to gather so far. As a member of PHW we are asking you for your help in verifying the information we have, helping us fill in the missing information, and we are especially anxious to meet with each building and site point of contact. If you can help us complete the building and site contact information, please contact us at valleytapestry@gmail.com or call us at 703-608-3924.

We are also happy to announce that each building and site is available for sponsorship. All funds donated to “The Tapestry” go toward providing tapestry linen, stitching threads, needles and other stitching materials, framing materials, promotional materials, etc. to bring “The Shenandoah Valley Tapestry – A Journey Through Time” to life. Any excess funds remaining upon completion of the project will be managed by the Winchester–Frederick County Historical Society and designated for the conservation of the Tapestry. No administrative expenses are associated with this Project. All funds donated are totally and fully tax deductible according to the IRS rules for 501-C3 non-profits. Checks should be made out to Winchester–Frederick County Historical Society with a special designation in the note section for the Tapestry Project.

If you want to help us bring “The Shenandoah Valley Tapestry – A Journey Through Time” to life as a sponsor, if you have any questions, or if you are interested in participating in the wonderful community based heritage “Tapestry” project, contact us at valleytapestry@gmail.com or call us at 703-608-3924.

Addition 8/18/2015: In November, Margaretta will be also presenting, selling, and signing her new book: Martial Bliss: The Story of The Military Bookman, which tells the story of how she wrote Defend the Valley. Presentations will take place November 14 at the Handley Library and November 15 at Kernstown Battlefield.

Two Events from the MSV and Habitat for Humanity this Saturday

Although PHW is usually light on programming during the summer, you can still have a fun time at two events from related organizations this Saturday, July 18.

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley will open their doors for free admission to the Glen Burnie house, gardens and museum galleries from 10 AM-4 PM. Don’t miss the car show, which will include a life-sized Volvo XC90 made of more than 201,000 LEGO® bricks. Learn more at themsv.org.

Also on Saturday will be the 16th Annual Blues House Music Festival from 11 AM-7 PM at 700 Baker Lane. The net proceeds from the event benefit Habitat for Humanity of Winchester-Frederick County. Learn more on Facebook or at winchesterblueshouse.com.

We Need Your Feedback: PHW Products

PHW would like to launch a line of products to raise awareness of Winchester, Virginia’s rich architectural heritage. Please take a few moments to complete this survey and help PHW determine whether this idea has popular demand and, if so, give a direction for the most desired items and subjects. The survey is seven questions in length and should only take a few moments of your time.

Click here to start the survey.

A printed version of this survey will also be included with the mailed PHW Annual Meeting invitations. Please feel free to share this survey with your friends who may be interested in PHW products, too.

Thank you for your help!

Coming This Saturday: See! Save! Celebrate! and Other Downtown Events

The big day, May 16, is almost here! Start your day off with a trip to Fort Loudoun at 419 N. Loudoun St. for Fort Loudoun Day (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.). Tours of the grounds, led by historian Norman Baker, begin in half hour intervals. At 11:30 a.m. Mr. Raleigh Boaze will speak on General Braddock’s Failed Attempt to Capture Fort Duquesne, to be followed at noon by the flag raising. Stop by to see members of The Department of Geographers, Washington’s Rev. War army’s staff surveyors, and Larry Johnston “Liberty Man.” Learn more about the French and Indian War Foundation and Fort Loudoun at www.fiwf.org .

Kidzfest returns for the second year on the Winchester Old Town Mall with activities all day long. The family-focused event features musical performances along with interactive activities for children of all ages. Free activities and engaging exhibits will line the walking mall. Learn more about Kidzfest and see a schedule of events at oldtownwinchesterva.com.

Last but not least is PHW and Friends of the Handley Regional Library’s joint See! Save! Celebrate! National Preservation Month event. Two concurrent programs, one for children and one for adults, will begin at 2:00 p.m. Sandra Bosley, Executive Assistant for Preservation of Historic Winchester, will give an illustrated talk for adults on the businesses and buildings associated with the city’s railroad history. Also at 2:00 p.m., there will be a separate program for children in grades two through five led by Youth Services librarian Jennifer Sutter. The program will feature train stories, train songs, a model train, and a chance for youngsters to learn about Winchester’s railroad history and about railroad crossing safety.

It will be a full day, rain or shine, so bring the family and head downtown. We’ll see you there!

Coming Tonight: “Slow Train to Yesterday” Documentary Showing

The first of the two joint programs put together by PHW and the Friends of Handley Library in celebration of National Preservation Month is almost here. Tonight, May 13, we invite you to come to the auditorium at Handley Library, 100 West Piccadilly Street, for a screening of the award-winning WVPT documentary “Slow Train to Yesterday: Memories of the Railroad in the Blue Ridge Mountains.”

The documentary includes residents and railroad employees who describe the important role the railroad had in their lives as it connected mountain communities to the Shenandoah Valley. The film will be preceded by an introduction by Mason Cooper, a Stephens City resident and member of the Winchester Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society.

The event begins at 6:30 PM and is free and open to the public. The documentary running time is just under one hour.

Read more online at the Winchester Star in the article by Stephen Nielsen (login required).

Upcoming Events in May

CSX Train

The Friends of Handley Regional Library and Preservation of Historic Winchester are co-sponsoring a two-part program in honor of National Preservation Month 2015. National Preservation Month, established as May by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, encourages localities to see, save, and celebrate their important places with diverse activities. This year marks the second time the Friends and PHW have collaborated on a program for National Preservation Month, this year expanding the program to two days and including a kid-friendly component. Because of PHW’s involvement in the ongoing restoration of the Winchester Little Theatre’s freight station, these two free programs will celebrate the important railroad transportation in Winchester with stories and images evocative of this bygone era.

The two halves of the program are as follows:

Wednesday, May 13
Start time 6:30 P.M.

“Slow Train to Yesterday: Memories of the Railroad in the Blue Ridge Mountains” documentary showing with introduction by Mason Cooper, Winchester Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. The documentary running time is just under one hour.

Saturday, May 16
Start time 2:00 P.M.

“See! Save! Celebrate! Winchester’s Railroad History” lectures and slideshows by author and railroad historian Bob Cohen and Executive Assistant for Preservation of Historic Winchester Sandra Bosley.
The Saturday event includes a separate, concurrent children’s program suitable for grades 2-5 with hands-on activities, a model train, and “then and now” themed photographs of Winchester.

Both events will be held at the Auditorium of the Handley Library, 100 West Piccadilly Street, Winchester, Virginia. For more information or questions, please contact Barbara Dickinson, Executive Director of the Friends of Handley Regional Library, at (540) 662-9041 ext. 31 or friends@handleyregional.org.

If you would like additional printed postcards for this event for handouts, please stop by the PHW office and pick some up from the back door of the Hexagon House, 530 Amherst Street. They’re free!

May 16 is a busy day elsewhere around downtown, with Fort Loudoun Day at 419 North Loudoun Street from 10 A.M.-1 P.M. and Kidzfest all day on the Old Town Mall. We hope to see you at one (or more!) of these activities in May!

While you are having fun with all the warm weather activities, PHW is also soliciting preservation award nominations for local projects, people, and publications that have enhanced our community. While nominations are always open, to be considered for a 2015 award, please make sure you make your nominations no later than 5 P.M. on Monday, June 8 – the last time the PHW board will meet before the Annual Meeting on June 28th.

Coming This Weekend: Historic Garden Tour in Winchester

DogwoodWinchester’s Historic Garden Tour hosted by The Little Garden Club of Winchester and The Winchester-Clarke Garden Club is this Saturday, April 25th, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This tour in the historic district features three private homes and gardens of distinctive architectural styles, Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters, and the gracious historic home and 6-acre idyllic garden of Winchester’s founder James Wood.

Tour ticket also allows access to the Galleries at The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum and to the Handley Regional Library. All sites on the tour are within a three mile radius, an active walking distance on streets shaded by stately trees. Shuttles will be available to move visitors between tour sites.

Advance Tickets: $30pp. Tickets available until April 25 at The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, and the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center with check payable to The Little Garden Club of Winchester.

Questions? Contact Winchester@vagardenweek.org.
More information, including complete tour description, is available at www.vagardenweek.org/.

See! Save! Celebrate! Two Programs for National Preservation Month

National Preservation Month 2015 Mark your calendars! PHW and the Friends of the Handley Regional Library will present two free programs in May to celebrate National Preservation Month. In keeping with our recent collaboration with the Winchester Little Theatre for the restoration of their building, the programs will focus on railroads and supporting industries around Winchester.

Both events will be held at the Auditorium at Handley Regional Library, 100 W. Piccadilly Street, Winchester, VA. Contact (540) 662-9041 ext. 31 or friends@handleyregional.org for more information or directions.

May 13, 6:30 p.m.: “Slow Train to Yesterday: Memories of the Railroad in the Blue Ridge Mountains” Documentary
With an introduction by Mason Cooper of the Winchester Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society

May 16, 2 p.m.: “Progress and Preservation: Images and History of Architecture and Industry Along Winchester’s Railroads”
Lecture by Sandra Bosley, Executive Assistant for Preservation of Historic Winchester
Includes concurrent children’s programing suitable for grades 2-5.