Freedom 250 Truck in Middletown today

A unique piece of American history rolled into the Shenandoah Valley.

The Freedom 250 Truck made a stop in Middletown.

Visit it today from 10am to 5pm at the Wayside Inn.

Part of a nationwide tour, the mobile museum is traveling across the country in 2026 to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

The “Freedom Truck” is one of several interactive exhibits designed to bring history directly to local communities.

Instead of visiting a traditional museum, residents can step inside a traveling experience.

The exhibit tells the story of America’s founding, from the Declaration of Independence to the nation’s growth over the past two and a half centuries.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Celebrate our country’s 250th with Virginia Legacy Oaks

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

In celebration of next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is also offering seedlings from some of the oldest white oaks in Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) has identified and is propagating ancient legacy white oaks from across the Commonwealth, with many trees being as old as the country’s founding.

To commemorate the trees’ historical significance and keep their stories alive, the DOF is propagating collected acorns.

A description and photo of the parent tree will be included with each seedling delivery.

DOF nurseries grow a variety of pine, spruce, and dozens of hardwood species for establishing timber stands, wildlife habitats, stream bank stabilization, and other uses.

They also offer several seedling packs tailored for specific characteristics, such as fall colors, pollinators, and wildlife.

Augusta Nursery Manager Josh McLaughlin noted that DOF has been growing quality seedlings for over a century, with proceeds from purchases reinvested directly into the nursery operations.

McLaughlin also expressed excitement about offering three new native species this year, with plans to expand inventory based on customer demand.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Exciting discovery at Shenandoah Caverns!

The Mylohyus fossilis, commonly known as the long-nosed peccary or Skunk Pig, went extinct sometime between the Paleolithic and the Neolithic periods, and now, thanks to a remarkable discovery, you can see a piece of that history right here in the Valley.

In 2023, during the Shenandoah County Cave Survey, a skull and bones of this extinct species were uncovered deep within a remote crawlway in the Shenandoah Caverns system.

The survey was led by Carol Tiderman, Director of the Shenandoah County Survey of the Virginia Speleological Survey.

A 3D replica of the skull is now on display at Shenandoah Caverns for visitors to explore.

The original skull is currently being studied at the Gray Fossil Site & Museum in Tennessee.

Special thanks to Carol Tiderman and Dave Hubbard for their leadership and expertise in this exciting find.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Camp Roosevelt

Camp Roosevelt, located in Virginia’s George Washington National Forest, is a site rich in history and intrigue. Established in the 1930s as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, it played a vital role during the Great Depression by providing jobs for young men while also working on conservation projects.

Warren Heritage Society seeking executive director

Warren County Virginia new logo used by permission by Warren County Director of Technology Todd Jones

The Warren Heritage Society is searching for a new executive director.

The agency is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to play a pivotal role in driving the Society’s mission forward and fostering partnerships to further its impact. The ideal candidate has a strong background in history, business, nonprofit management, or a related field, along with leadership capabilities and a passion for community engagement.

The Executive Director search is being conducted by the Executive Committee of the Society’s Board of Directors. The full job description can be found on the Warren Heritage Society website at warrenheritagesociety.org. Resumes for the position will be accepted through March 15, 2024.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Pastor to War Heroes – The Muhlenbergs

For everything, there is a season from Ecclesiastes 3, which helped create a Revolutionary War hero. Was it Peter or Frederick who preached this infamous sermon? 

General ‘Devil Pete’ Muhlenberg: From Pulpit to Battlefield

Tour historic Handley library

Handley Library is continuing to celebrate its 110 years of community service nestled in downtown Winchester.

If you are a history enthusiast, join their tour on January 13th at 11 AM.

Unlock the secrets of this historic library, delving into its fascinating architecture and rich history.

The design of the library itself lends itself to literature, with the dome symbolizing a book spine and the wings being the book covers.

This beautiful structure opened to the public on August 21, 1913.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

 

Winter reading challenge

madeline macneil tribute

Handley Regional Library announces its Winter Reading Challenge.

This year’s theme is Where We Come From, inspired by the captivating picture book, “Where We Come From,” written by John Coy, Shannon Gibney, Sun Yung Shin, and Diane Wilson.

Participants will be immersed in the rich history and captivating stories of individuals, exploring themes of family, history, identity, and belonging.

Through the magic of literature, readers will embark on a journey that encourages self-reflection.

All while earning badges on a virtual bingo card! 

The Winter Reading Challenge runs from January 1st to January 31st.

To register click here: https://handleyregionallibrary.beanstack.org/reader365

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

The Warren County Woodstock

Did you know Warren County had its own Woodstock?

Or that we had a cult here?

Not that big, and not as well known, but at least one famous family was a part of it.

Resources:

https://www.facebook.com/111381873717547/posts/the-arquettes-in-winchesterdavid-arquette-was-raised-on-the-skymont-subud-commun/113435783512156/

https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/VLR_to_transfer/PDFNoms/093-5023_Milford_Battlefield_2004_Final_Nomination.pdf

https://virginialiving.com/peace-love-and-subud/