THANK YOU to everyone who helped celebrate Winchester's 275th anniversary in 2019! An overview of the year's events and activities will be presented to Council on February 25, 2020.
Winchester, founded in 1744 (officially March 10, 1744), is the oldest Virginia city west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located at the northern entrance of the Shenandoah Valley, the City encompasses 9.3 square miles and is the medical, industrial, commercial and agricultural center for the surrounding areas. In the last 275 years, the city has become a nationally-recognized place to raise a family, do business and retire. Winchester's vast history includes a long list of memorable events, celebrities and public figures that deserves to be celebrated. 2019 marks the 275th anniversary of the founding of the town of Winchester (established in 1752). Celebrate with us by attending the anniversary celebration events and activities.
Stories by Tim Y the History Guy
Listen to interesting stories about Winchester's history from City of Winchester Planning Director and local historian Tim Youmans. These stories were included in the City's Rouss Review Podcast during the Winchester 101 segment in honor of Winchester's 275th anniversary. Listen to the entire podcasts at www.winchesterva.gov/rouss-review.
2019 Schedule of Events
See below for the list of anniversary activities. More information is being added each week. If you or your organization would like to get involved in the celebration, we'd love to hear your ideas. Please contact a planning committee member to discuss your idea or event further.
Activity | Description | Location | Date | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Charles B. Rouss Day | Charles Broadway Rouss was born on this day. A celebration will be held when the Rouss City Hall renovation is complete. | Rouss City Hall | February 11 | |
George Washington's Birthday | Free admission to the George Washington's Office Museum | 32 W. Cork Street | February 18 | 12-4 pm |
History of Winchester Presentation | Overview of Winchester's history by Tim Youmans | Village of Orchard Ridge | February 27 | 1 pm |
Heritage Day | Includes information tables hosted by historical societies and research organizations and free lectures. More info | Museum of the Shenandoah Valley | March 2 | 10 am-3:30 pm |
St. Paddy's Celtic Fest | Celebrate Winchester's Scottish and Irish heritage at this popular free event. | Old Town Winchester | March 9 | 12-9 pm |
Content of James Wood's Ledger Book | MSV Curator of Collections Nick Powers will discuss the ledger book of Winchester founder Colonel James Wood. This fascinating piece of local history covering the 1740s and 1750s contains many secrets of early Winchester. Registration required by March 7. | Museum of the Shenandoah Valley | March 10 | 2-3 pm |
African-American Heritage in the Shenandoah Valley | Program will highlight and celebrate the lives of African-Americans who lived in the Shenandoah Valley. Details | Handley Library | March 16 | 10:30 am |
Readers Theater: Brown Family - "The Science of Our Success" | Hear the story of the Brown family of Winchester. The Browns were a prominent and wealthy African-American family in the late 1800s. This family was once called, “A Family Steeped in the History of America”. Six siblings born to this family became successful medical or pharmaceutical doctors. | Handley Library | March 23 | 2 pm |
Historical Society Annual Meeting & History Presentation | Hear an overview of Historical Figures of Winchester by Timothy Youmans, City Planning Director and local historian. | Rouss City Hall | March 28 | 7 pm |
Winchester's Musical Heritage Event |
Enjoy jazz music in honor of Winchester native John Kirby. The Shenandoah Conservatory (SC) Jazz Ensemble, in partnership with the NAACP of Winchester and Old Town Winchester, organized this John Kirby Day Celebration. A full day of concerts begin Friday, April 12 with a SC Jazz Ensemble performance and end with a SC John Kirby Sextet performance on Saturday, April 13. Tickets are required for the Jazz Ensemble performance but the five other events are free. 2019 Jazzathon schedule and more information: www.su.edu/performs/event/2019-04-jazzathon/ |
Old Town Winchester | April 12-13 | 8 pm Fri-8 pm Sat |
Old Town Winchester Guided History Tour | Put on your walking shoes and enjoy an evening of storytelling by guides knowledgeable about Winchester's vast history. Held every 2nd Friday at 6 pm and 3rd Saturday at 10 am. For reservations, call 540-542-1326. $10/person. Note: No tour on October 11. | Meet guide at 2 N. Cameron Street (Kurtz Building) | May-October | |
Kernstown Battlefield Walking Tour | Enjoy a guided tour of Winchester's Kernstown Battlefield every Saturday, May-October. For more information call 540-869-2851. | 610 Battle Park Drive | May-October | 11 am & 1 pm |
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival | Enjoy the 92nd Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival! Some of Winchester's historical figures will be walking in the Grand Feature Parade (5/4) to celebrate Winchester's 275th anniversary. | Various | April 26-May 5 | |
Winchester's Musical Heritage Event-Progressive Dinner/Concert | Enjoy a progressive dinner and dessert (including a Martha Washington cake with 50 eggs) and live music honoring Winchester's 275th anniversary. Concert schedule, dinner menu, and ticket information. $35/person (purchase tickets by 5/10). Presented by Winchester Chapter American Guild of Organists (benefits WAGO's Scholarship Fund). | Quaker Meeting House, Grace Lutheran, Christ Episcopal, First Baptist Churches | May 17 | 5:30 pm |
Old Town Winchester KidzFest | Enjoy a variety of kids activities in Old Town Winchester (FREE). Stop by the 275th Anniversary booth for a free coloring book. | Loudoun Street Mall | May 18 | 11 am-5 pm |
Mt. Hebron Cemetery Historical Tour | Meet the guide at the Gatehouse on East Lane. $5/person | 305 E. Boscawen Street | May 18 | 1 pm |
Fort Loudoun Day | Colonel George Washington's aid de camp, Captain George Mercer's Company of the Virginia Regiment will appear at Fort Loudoun. Learn more about George Washington's fort in Winchester. | 419 N. Loudoun Street | May 18 | 11 am-5 pm |
Dunmore's War Presentation | Hear more about the last conflict of America's colonial war where many Winchester residents fought. Presented by Dr. Glenn Williams. Provided by the French & Indian War Foundation. Free. | Halpin-Harrison Hall, Stimpson Audiorium, SU | May 23 | 7-8 pm |
History Trolley Tour - Sightseeing Express | Explore Winchester's history by trolley and enjoy the sites and stories provided by a guide. $10/person. Reserve spot in advance by calling 540-542-1326. | Meet at the Visitors Center | June 8 | 10 am |
Military History Day | Saturday: WWI & WWII Re-enactors, museum displays, WWII Veterans' Reunion (10:30 am). Sunday: Museum displays, miliary vehicles | 811 Fairfax Pike, Stephens City | June 8-9 | 9:30 am-5 pm |
Hop Blossom Craft Beer Festival | This 7th annual event focuses on craft beer education and exposing participants to the growing popularity and love for great craft beer. This year we’ll feature 40+ breweries, live entertainment, our 6th annual homebrew competition and more! The "homebrew" is a collaboration of all four Winchester breweries and is named 1744 in honor of hte 275th anniversary founding of Winchester. Find it at the Locals Tent at the festival. | Loudoun Street Mall | June 8 | 12-6 pm |
Classic Movie Night | Watch a classic movie under the stars in Old Town. Dine at a restaurant downtown or get take out and then enjoy a movie. Bring seating or a blanket. | Taylor Pavilion | June 8 | Dusk |
Spottswood Poles Historic Marker Dedication | Join us in honoring Winchester native Spottswood Poles at a historic marker dedication in Jim Barnett Park. The location is near the ball parks and concession stand to the left of Bridgeforth Field. Some of Spottswood's family will be in attendance. | Jim Barnett Park Ball Fields | June 14 | 6 pm |
Winchester Royals Spottswood Poles Night |
Attend the Winchester Royals baseball game for Spottswood Poles Night. Spottswood was a Negro League baseball legend and WWI veteran who earned five battle stars and a Purple Heart while serving in France as a member of the Army 369th Infrantry Regiment (Harlem Hellfighters). | Jim Barnett Park Bridgeforth Field |
June 14 | 7 pm |
Daniel Morgan Presentation | Albert Louis Zambone will speak about Daniel Morgan. Provided by: Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society and the Friends of the Handley Library. Click here for more information. | Handley Library |
June 15 | 2 pm |
Old Town Friday Night Live | Old Town's summer block party series (event #1 of 3). The Taylor Pavilion will be the main venue for live band performances (ticket required), and the Loudoun Street Mall will be filled with family-friendly acoustic music, street performers, and activities (free). | Loudoun Street Mall | June 21 | 5-11 pm |
40th Anniversary of the Handley Archives Reception | Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Handley Archives | Handley Library | June 29 | 2-4 pm |
Old Town Rockin' Independence Eve | Celebrate America's birthday a day early at Old Town's annual Independence Day (Eve) event which includes live music, family-friendly activities, beer/wine gardens and an awesome fireworks display. FREE. | Loudoun Street Mall | July 3 | 5-11 pm |
Museum Open Houses | Stop by the open houses for all four City of Winchester-owned museums (free entry): George Washington's Office, Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters, Abram's Delight and the Hollingsworth Mill (next to Abram's Delight) which includes a WWI exhibit. | Four Museums | July 4 | 10 am-4 pm |
"Hog Wild in Winchester"-A whimsical play | Winchester Little Theater presents "Hog Wild in Winchester," a whimscial play about George Washington's pig law. Written by Sally Anderson. Relive the story of George Washington's first piece of legislation after being elected to the House of Burgesses. Free to attend (approx. 15-20 minutes) and free admission to the museum. | George Washington Office Museum | July 4 | 11 am & 2 pm |
Classic Movie Night | Watch a classic movie under the stars in Old Town. Dine at a restaurant downtown or get take out and then enjoy a movie. Bring seating or a blanket. | Taylor Pavilion | July 13 | Dusk |
Lecture Series |
Winchester history through 275 years: Fee: $10 (cash or check) at the door. Proceeds benefit the Godfrey Miller Historic Home and Fellowship Center |
Godfrey Miller Fellowship Center, 28 S. Loudoun Street | July 16, 18, 23, 25 | 7 pm |
Old Town Friday Night Live | Old Town's summer block party series (event #1 of 3). The Taylor Pavilion will be the main venue for live band performances (ticket required), and the Loudoun Street Mall will be filled with family-friendly acoustic music, street performers, and activities (free). | Loudoun Street Mall | July 19 | 5-11 pm |
Moonlight Ball | Learn traditional Victorian dances to live music. Period attire encouraged. Ticket required. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. Provided by Winchester Parks & Recreation. | George Washington Hotel | July 20 | 7-10 pm |
George Washington Election Re-enactment | Re-enactment of George Washington's (age 26) election to his first public office while in Winchester (House of Burgesses). This mock election will be held on the same site where Colonel George Washington was elected. Vote for your two favorite candidates. Provided by the French & Indian War Foundation. | 1840 Courthouse, Loudoun St. Mall | July 27 | 1-3 pm |
Classic Movie Night | Watch a classic movie under the stars in Old Town. Dine at a restaurant downtown or get take out and then enjoy a movie. Bring seating or a blanket. | Taylor Pavilion | August 10 | Dusk |
Winchester's Musical Heritage Event | Enjoy great bluegrass music by the band Springfield Exit | West Oaks Farm Market | August 15 | 6-10 pm |
Old Town Friday Night Live | Old Town's summer block party series (event #1 of 3). The Taylor Pavilion will be the main venue for live band performances (ticket required), and the Loudoun Street Mall will be filled with family-friendly acoustic music, street performers, and activities (free). | Loudoun Street Mall | August 16 | 5-11 pm |
French & Indian War History Reading | Reading of the Declaration of War pronounced by Britain on France | Loudoun Street Mall | August 17 | TBD |
Winchester's Musical Heritage Event | Relive the popular hits of country music legend Patsy Cline sung by Tracey Wygal. | Handley Library Auditorium | August 24 | 2 pm |
Trolley Tour - Civil War History | Explore Winchester's history by trolley and enjoy the sites and stories provided by a guide. $10/person. Reserve spot in advance by calling 540-542-1326. | Meet at the Visitors Center | August 24 | 10 am |
Patsy Cline Music Festival | Enjoy the fun atmosphere of an old-fashioned block party with live entertainment, food concessions and souvenirs staged on Kent St. between Monmouth and Germain streets. Details | Patsy Cline Historic House | August 31 | 10 am-4 pm |
"From Disaster to Redemption: George Washington and the Making of Winchester" | By Carl Ekburg of the French and Indian War Foundation and the Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society. Free presentation. Come early for the social hour at 1:30 pm (fee for drinks and refreshments only). C-SPAN's American History TV recorded the event and it will air at a later date on C-SPAN 3. Check their air schedule online at www.c-span.org/history. | George Washington Hotel | September 15 | 2:30 pm |
Winchester's Musical Heritage Event | "Winchester at 275" - Shenandoah Conservatory's vocal and choral ensembles join the Wind Ensemble to celebrate Winchester's 275th anniversary. The concert features music from the northern Shenandoah Valley, as well as music written and performed around the world at the time of Winchester's founding. $15/person (Tickets) |
SU, Armstrong Concert Hall |
September 21 | 7:30 pm |
Oktoberfest | This popular two-day event celebrates the area's German heritage with live music, beer/wine gardens, activities, costume contests and more. | Old Town Winchester | October 11-12 | |
"A Prominent Place" Artifact Book Panel Discussion | Launch of the Winchester artifact book, "A Prominent Place". Listen to the panel discussion about the book by contributing authors. Book signing and refreshments will follow. | Henkel Hall/Hester Auditorium, SU | October 17 | 6:30 pm |
History Trolley Tour - Sightseeing Express | Explore Winchester's history by trolley and enjoy the sites and stories provided by a guide. $10/person. Reserve spot in advance by calling 540-542-1326. | Meet at the Visitors Center | October 26 | 10 am |
George Washington and Early Years of Winchester |
On Sunday, Nov. 3 at 8 pm (and again at 12 am, 11/4) CSPAN3 is scheduled to broadcast a lecture by Carl Ekberg on the relationship between the early years of Winchester and young George Washington. The lecture, presented on Sept. 15, 2019 at the George Washington Hotel in Winchester, was sponsored by the French and Indian War Foundation as part of the 275th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of Winchester, VA. |
CSPAN3 | November 3 | 8 am & 12 am (11/4) |
History Trivia Challenge | Participate in this 275th anniversary history trivia challenge and test your knowledge of Winchester's history. Teams of three people will be determined onsite. Door prizes and cash prizes awarded to the top 3 teams. Tickets: $8 in advance (purchase online), $10 at the door. The Bright Box restaurant and bar will be open. Cash prizes for each team member: 1st place $100 each, 2nd place $50 each, and 3rd place $25 each. There are three preliminary rounds of 25 questions each and a 15 minute break between rounds. For more information: 540-662-6550 or cshull@winchesterhistory.org. | Bright Box Theater | November 14 | 7 pm |
Bough & Dough Shop |
Boutique-style holiday gift shop held as part of Preservation of Historic Winchester’s annual Holiday House Tour. The Shop operates as an artisan-driven boutique with fresh cut greenery. In 2018, 23 artisans and 3 non-profits participated. |
PHW Office, 530 Amherst Street |
November 22-December 15 | TU-SA, 10 am-5 pm & SU, 12-5 pm |
Old Town Holiday Parade | Don't miss this Winchester tradition. Route: Piccadilly at Cameron to Braddock to Cork to Cameron. Annual tree lighting ceremony with Santa immediately follows parade on the Loudoun Street Mall. | Old Town Winchester | December 2 | 7 pm |
Abram's Delight Candlelight Tour | Tour Winchester's oldest home (Abram's Delight Museum) decorated for the holidays. | 1340 S. Pleasant Valley Rd | December 6-7 |
6th: 6-8 pm 7th: 3-7 pm |
Holiday House Tour | Winchester homes through the centuries tour. Provided by Preservation of Historic Winchester. More Info & Tickets | Various Locations | December 8 |
12-4 pm |
Old Town Holly Jolly Celebration | Celebrate the holidays in Old Town. Enjoy caroling and holiday activities including free horse-drawn wagon rides and Santa's Headquarters where children can make a craft and visit with Santa (free). Specials at shops and restaurants all day. | Loudoun Street Mall | December 14 | 10 am-5 pm |
First Night Winchester | Annual New Year's Eve celebration. | Old Town Winchester | December 31 | 10-12 am |
"Winchester 1740s" Exhibit | Handley Regional Library | Open hours | ||
275th Anniversary Annual Report | Chairman of the 275th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee will provide an overview of the activities and events held during 2019. | Rouss City Hall | February 25 | 6 pm |
275th Celebration Materials & Merchandise
Item | Description | Pick Up/Purchase Locations | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Kids Coloring Book - Highlight's of Winchester's 275 years | Enjoy coloring and learning about Winchester's history | Visitor Center, Historical Society, City Hall | Free |
Bicenterquasquigenary (275 years) T-Shirt | YS-M, AS-2XL Black or Maroon |
Historical Society, Visitors Center | $10 ($15 for XXL) |
Book: "A Prominent Place: 275 years of Winchester's History in 50 Artifacts" | Historical Society, Winchester Book Gallery, Handley Regional Library | TBD | |
Photo books: "Images from the Past" or "More Images from the Past" | Collection of photos of local history with descriptions | Historical Society | $30 each |
Book: "Limestone and Sycamore Revised Edition" | Preservation of Historic Winchester office | $25 each | |
275th Anniversary Lapel Pin | 275th anniversary logo lapel pin | Historical Society, Visitors Center | $2 |
Spottswood Poles Historic Marker Dedication
History Resources
Handley Regional Library Stewart Bell Jr. Archives
Winchester-Frederick Historic Society
Chronological Historical Highlights
Self-Guided Historical Tour Brochure (PDF)
275th Anniversary Celebration Committee
George Schember, Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society
Cissy Shull, Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society
Jenny Powers
Kristen Goff
Susan Whitacre
Becky Ebert, Handley Regional Library Archives
Nick Powers, Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Timothy Youmans, City of Winchester
Amy Simmons, City of Winchester
Contact
Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society
Offices located in Hollingsworth Mill
1340 S. Pleasant Valley Road
Winchester, VA 22601
Phone: 540-662-6550
Website