On a recent road trip through the Shenandoah Valley, we passed through the small but charming village of Millwood (south of Berryville, Virginia). With its historic church, a corner gas station turned into a post office, a hip country store, and an 18th-century stone grist mill, it feels like you’ve stepped back into mid-century America. The mill, dating back to the 1780s, ceased operations in 1943, but thankfully the Clarke County Historical Association (CCHA) stepped in to preserve this important piece of local history. They restored and reopened the mill as a museum, offering milling demonstrations that continue to connect the community with its past—a business that, while no longer economically viable, resonates deeply with those of us who value local landmarks.

Fast forward 80 years, and the CCHA not only continues to produce flour at the mill but has expanded its offerings in creative and impactful ways for a county with 15,000 residents. Today, their mission—”to help preserve the historic resources and records of Clarke County and to foster their use, understanding, and enjoyment through stewardship and education”—may sound familiar, but their approach is anything but ordinary. Their programming stands out as a model for how historical societies can evolve, attract diverse audiences, and ensure long-term sustainability. Here’s a preview of some of the exciting events and initiatives they have planned for this fall:

• Trivia Night. CCHA and the Clarke County Library team up once again to bring you live team trivia at the Barns of Rose Hill. Categories include History, Movies, Literature, Science, and more. Prizes are donated by local area businesses.
• Art at the Mill: Fall Art Show. Art at the Mill is back! Join us this fall as the Burwell-Morgan Mill turns into a one of a kind art gallery featuring works for purchase by over 300 local artists. Admission $5. Sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
• History of the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. The trail was conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937. Today the trail is managed by the National Park Service. Join us at Cool Springs as we discuss the history of the trail and its impact on Clarke County. Admission $20.
• Haunted Historic Berryville. Our popular haunted history tours are back! This year there will be even more haunted stories to tell. This tour will begin at the Barns of Rose Hill and will be a walking tour through various locations throughout Berryville. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Be sure to sign up soon as these tours fill up quickly. Limited capacity. Admission $20.
• Heritage Day: Clarke County Through the Ages. Heritage Day returns for its 13th anniversary and features cider pressing, mill grinding, re-enactors, blacksmithing and more. This year’s festivities will also feature numerous other historic organizations from around the area and will incorporate more historic time periods. Free. Sponsored by Buttonwood Wealth.
• Inalienable Rights: The Slave Dwelling Project. CCHA is proud to partner with other local historical organizations as we welcome back The Slave Dwelling Project to the Burwell-Morgan Mill. Members of the Slave Dwelling Project will be on hand to discuss the everyday life of the enslaved in Clarke County, and the kinds of food they made. Free. Sponsored by the Bank of Clarke County Foundation.

Earlier in the year the CCHA offered Undress: The Power of Women’s Clothing, 1830s; Damsels, Dollymops, and Divorcees: Women’s Agency in the 19th Century; Slavery by Another Name: Black Labor After Emancipation; Millers Training Day; Colonial Kids Day; Hungry for History: Historic Foodways in Winchester, Frederick, and Clarke County; Battle of Berryville: Encampment; and Reconstruction in Clarke: Proceedings 2024.

What stands out about these events is their diversity: they tackle a wide range of topics, appeal to different audiences, are offered at various price points, and take place at different community locations. Most importantly, nearly all of them include partners or sponsors—a key element in building strong community ties. This thoughtful approach is a model for other historical societies, many of which tend to stick to a narrow range of subjects, reach the same audiences, hold events at the same location, and struggle to secure broader community involvement.

Kudos to the board and staff of the Clarke County Historical Association in Virginia for developing such an impressive and well-rounded slate of events. I look forward to seeing how you continue to innovate, especially as the 250th anniversary approaches!