Our History

How we came to be.

Organized in 1897.

 

• Organized by a small group of historians.

Although H.R.H.S. was organized in 1897, very little formal collecting or presevation was completed.

• Formalized in 1933.

In 1933 the officers reinstituted the Society. The museum was located in Harrisonburg in the old stone Main Street Elementery School located on South Main St. In 1978 it moved to the building now occupied by the Quilt Museum on South Main Street.

• The Society Moved to Dayton in 1988.

The Cromer - Trumbo House and Land was given to HRHS.

• A new Complex was built in 1993.

A major fund drive allowed this construction.

• A major Expansion was completed in 1999.

This was funded by the Margaret Grattan Weaver Foundation. The museum includes over 7,000 sq. ft.

• In 2009 the adjacent "White House" and land was Acquired.

It was purchased and donated by "Twig" and Lorraine Strickler. See the Donors page.

• Several fund drives have established an Endowment fund.

The Endowment provides interest to help with operating expenses. This endowment needs to grow significantly - please consider HRHS in your estate planning.

• Over 100 Years of Service.

H.R.H.S. serves the Central Shenandoah Valley.

 

H.R.H.S. appreciates your Patronage. Every Membership and Donation counts.