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WFCHS ACTIVITIESArchivesThe Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society began collecting Regional historic manuscripts in the 1950s, but there was no safe and accessible repository until construction of the new wing of the Handley library reached completion in 1979. It was the will of Louis L. Baker that made possible this “fireproof building to house local relics of historical value”. The Archives Department began operations that same year in a reading and storage/workroom in the basement of this new wing. Working together, the Society and the Library formed a joint committee and was charged with organizing, planning, and overseeing the various activities of that department. The Society continues to play a continuing role in the Archives expansion of invaluable archival services. CollectionsThe Society accepts: Old Time Apple Growers Organized in 1983 as a part of the Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society. A few growers and friends of the apple industry, who were interested in preserving the industry’s past, formed the Old Time Apple Growers with the hope of someday having a museum to display their artifacts. ProgramsFive programs conducted each year on a variety of topics. Society programs are free and open to the public. PublicationsCollection and publication of historical papers of various sorts were the stated purpose for the Winchester Historical Society. The Society has published many books on local history. Our publications are printed from the resources of three revolving funds. General Publications FundIncome for this account comes primarily from the sales of the Society’s Journal series. An annual publication, the Journal is intended “to provide a medium for studies of varied topics that otherwise might not see the light of print and wide circulation”. Quarles Publication FundWhen George W. Quarles and Nancy Quarles Teichman gave to the Society the full publication rights to their father’s, Dr. Garland Quarles, books, which were out of print and in demand, Thomas T. Byrd, of the Winchester Star, initiated and raised by joint subscription a fund in excess of $25,000 to permit the prompt publication of these sought after reprints. Johnston Woolen History FundThe third revolving fund is the Johnston Woolen History Fund. Funds were solicited by Wilbur S. Johnston author of Weaving a Common Thread. Its purpose is to provide Money for publication of worthy histories, maps, and other materials as approved by Johnston and the Society. Weaving A Common Thread, the publication of the three Civil War maps and map of Mount Hebron Cemetery are three projects that have come About from this fund. MuseumsThe Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society administers the three city-owned museums. George Washington’s Office Museum: The Society opened this museum on August 1, 1950. Between September 1755 and December 1756, Washington kept an office in this small log cabin while he supervised the construction of Fort Loudoun. “George Washington and the West”, depicts details of early Winchester and development of the young George Washington, focusing on his military and political careers. Abram’s Delight Museum: The house is the oldest in Winchester c. 1754 and has been witness to the town’s settlement, the formation of the United States and the strife of the Civil War. The house, which is furnished with period antiques and artifacts, originally served as Winchester’s first Quaker meeting house. Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters: A Hudson river Gothic Revival-style house built in 1854. Restored and furnished much as it was when Jackson used the home as a headquarters during the winter of 1861-1862. The museum has an impressive collection of Jackson memorabilia. |
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