Summer 2009 Places that Matter Photo Contest

The National Trust for Historic Preservation and Fireman’s Fund Insurance are proud to announce the start of the Summer 2009 Places that Matter Photo Contest. Submit photos of your favorite places – whether they’re national monuments or right in your own backyard – and be eligible to win one of three digital cameras.

NSV Quarterly Branch Meeting at Zirkle Mill

Please join us for the next general membership meeting of the Northern Shenandoah Valley (NSV) Branch of Preservation Virginia. We will be meeting on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the historic Andrew Zirkle Mill in Forestville, Virginia. The meeting offers a rare opportunity to see this historic grist mill which is not normally available for tours.

Estimated to have been built in the 1760s by Andrew Zirkle and his brothers, the Zirkle Mill was in operation for more than 180 years, until the late 1940s, and retains much of its original machinery. The mill was not burned during the Civil War, as were most commercial buildings of the era, probably due to its location and the lack of visibility from the main road. The mill is currently under restoration. For more information, visit www.historiczirklemill.org.
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Mount Hebron Cemetery Tour

Mike Foreman, Board President of Mt. Hebron Cemetery, is providing a tour of Mt. Hebron along with Donald Shade, Supervisor. The tour is planned for Wednesday, Sept. 9th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The tour is free and open to the public. Meet at the chapel at the entrance to Mt. Hebron located at the end of Boscawen Street near the offices to the Winchester Star.

From the famous to the also very interesting not so famous people who are laid to rest at Mt. Hebron – you will gain a true perspective of local and regional history. Did you know that General Patton’s grandfather and great uncle are buried at Mt. Hebron. And of course – Daniel Morgan.

Interested in horticulture and trees? There is quite a collection at Mt. Hebron.

The Rouss Mausoleum will be open. Few have seen the interior of this structure and will discover a beautiful Tiffany window there – really remarkable!

Boots and Hats for Patsy Cline

The Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Celebrating Patsy Cline, Inc. announce the first annual “Boots-n-Hats for Patsy Cline” event to be held Friday, September 4 at 7:00 pm in The George Washington Hotel, 103 E. Piccadilly St., Winchester. The event will feature a best boots and hat contest, a silent auction, and music by Brent Woodall and The Natchez Trace Band. Patsy Cline tribute artist and singer/songwriter Thom Shepherd will also perform.

Tickets for the event cost $50 (includes food, music and fun!) and can be purchased at the Winchester-Frederick County Visitor Center, 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd., Celebrate, located at 1 S. Cameron St. and at The George Washington Hotel, 103 E. Piccadilly St. Cash or check only. Tickets will also be available by mail for out-of-town fans. Call 542-1326 for details.

Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Patsy Cline Historic House restoration.

A Handbook and Resource Guide for Owners of Virginia’s Historic Houses

Camille Agricola Bowman has written a 64 page book for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. It provides valuable information on good stewardship practices, basic preservation issues, and additional sources to turn to for expert advice on various maintenance and restoration matters. Single books are $10; discounts are available for larger quantities.

Please click here for an order form and contact information for bulk orders.

A sample book is also available in PHW’s non-circulating research library.

John Kirby Day

The Fifth Annual John Kirby Day Jazz Festival will be held July 25th from 2-8 PM at the Douglass Community Center, 598 North Kent Street. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club and Preservation Workdays at the Douglas Learning Center. In addition to the usual jazz festival, several items will be raffled between sets, including two vintage John Kirby albums.

Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Contact the Coalition for Racial Unity at CRUBRIDGES@yahoo.com for more information.

2009 INSIGHT Citizen’s Academy

Get to know your local government! This 12-week INSIGHT Citizen’s Academy provides area residents an opportunity to discover their City government through interactive, hands-on experience and to gain exposure to the wide range of government services, programs, functions and challenges. You do not have to be a city resident to participate. All you need is an interest in the way City government operates!

To ensure a spot in the program, please register by August 12, 2009 using one of the following options:

1. Complete the online INSIGHT Registration Form.
2. Print the INSIGHT brochure and mail the completed form.
3. Call Amy Simmons (533-0603).

There is no charge to participate in the program. For more information, visit http://www.winchesterva.gov/insight/.

Unveiling Plans to Restore Patsy Cline’s Home

Celebrating Patsy Cline, Inc. (CPC) is pleased to unveil its plans to restore 608 South Kent Street in Winchester, the home of country music legend, Patsy Cline.

At the core of a phased-in Patsy Cline presence in Winchester, the historic home will portray the story of Patsy’s Winchester years with accurate historic furnishings and historic imagery. CPC and its partners will build a radiating network of public programs, tours, and special event throughout the Winchester region to celebrate the life and legacy of Patsy Cline. Click here for more information.
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Civil War Walking Tours

Winchester, Stephens City, and Middletown are all offering guided walking Civil War tours from June through October. Click here for the brochure! Reservations are required, and tours cost $5 per person.

Old Town Winchester Tours
1st Fridays, 6:00pm
2nd Saturdays, 10:00am
For reservations call 540-542-1326
Meet your guide at the Kurtz Building, 2 N. Cameron St.

Stephens City Tours
4th Saturdays, 10:30am
For reservations call 540-869-1700
Meet your guide at the Newtown History Center, 5408 Main St.

Middletown Tours
3rd Saturdays, 11:00am
For reservations call 540-869-6998
Meet your guide at the Farmers’ Market, 2325 First St.