Clarke History Updates & Events

Feb 18, 2025

In this episode of the Valley Today, we feature on the Clarke County Historical Association (CCHA), where we delve into the engaging programs, ongoing projects, and pivotal historical preservation efforts shaping the heart of Berryville/Clarke County. Guided by the ever-enthusiastic Executive Director Nathan Stalvey, CCHA continues to bring history to life in exciting and educational ways.

As part of our Tourism Tuesday series, we reconnect with Nathan to catch up on the latest from CCHA. Nathan excitedly announces an upcoming lecture titled 'A Story in Threads: The Clothing of Enslaved Women in the Antebellum South,' featuring Cheyney McKnight—a renowned speaker and historian. The lecture will focus on the daily lives and clothing of enslaved and free women during the Antebellum period. The event is scheduled for February 23rd at the The Barns of Rose Hill, with tickets available on CCHA's website.

One of the cornerstones of CCHA's mission is to educate the public, particularly through unique and dynamic topics that spark curiosity, such as local history or the evolution of baseball in the 20th century. As Nathan succinctly puts it, 'one of our guiding ideas is let's have people take away something they didn't know before.' Click here to learn more about this talk.

Nathan shares updates on the Mill Dam project, an essential preservation effort ensuring the continued operation of the Burwell Morgan Mill. This extensive restoration work, involving cooperation with the local Powhatan School, aims to solidify and preserve the historic mill dam, which is crucial for the mill's functionality.

In an exciting development, CCHA has completed the extensive project of digitizing the Clarke Courier newspapers from the late 1860s to 2009. Now available online, these archives are keyword-searchable, offering invaluable resources for researchers and history enthusiasts alike.

Aside from recognizing the Mill Dam efforts, Nathan looks forward to a busy spring filled with educational programs and community events, such as the popular trivia nights and specific talks on various historical topics, further fostering community engagement and education.

Save the date for 'Art at the Mill,' opening on April 26th in conjunction with Garden Club Week. This event showcases art from over 250 local and regional artists, with a portion of the sales benefiting CCHA, further supporting their historical and educational efforts.

Membership to CCHA offers significant benefits, including discounts on various events and exclusive talks. The funds raised through memberships and events like 'Art at the Mill' are critical for maintaining and preserving Clark County's rich history.

For more information on upcoming events, programs, and to explore the newly digitized archives, visit clarkhistory.org. Stay connected with CCHA through their active social media channels to keep abreast of the latest updates, highlights from their collections, and more.