Purcellville Historical Society

02/02/2026

Say it with us 📢 Black history is American history.

As history is actively erased from national park sites across the country, it's more important than ever to commemorate the significant contributions and extensive history of Black Americans. From the fight for citizenship, equal education and voting rights to achievements in sports, music and government, our National Park System has a duty to protect and preserve these stories for future generations.

We'll explore these places throughout the month -- and for now, explore 11 national park sites that offer opportunities to learn about Black history in places you may not expect: https://www.npca.org/articles/320-learn-about-black-history-in-11-unexpected-places

01/22/2026

Last week, we had the opportunity to celebrate what “Preservation through Education” truly means in our community: connecting learners with the people, places, and stories of the Virginia Piedmont.

We were honored to recognize the Oatlands-National Trust Site's Education Team as VPHA’s 2025 Public Educators of the Year. As our Director of Education, Travis Shaw, shared, these "honorees are among the finest public historians I have ever had the privilege of working alongside." Through hands-on learning and powerful storytelling, they bring history to life and help students engage with history in a way that is personally meaningful for them.

Among our honorees were Donna Bohanon (left), Audrey DeAngelis, Lori Kimball, and Hannah Schetselaar (right). Congratulations, and thank you for all you do to bring our shared history to life.

01/16/2026

VGS is thrilled to announce a fantastic *free* resource—Tracing Your Colonial Ancestors in Virginia – Maps and Tithables Lists of Botetourt County, 1770-1777. Authors Jim Jackson and Bill McCallister have generously provided this invaluable resource for anyone researching Botetourt ancestors. The book offers detailed maps correlated with tax records to reconstruct district boundaries and accurately define an ancestor's "neighborhood." View the book here: https://www.vgs.org/resources/online-resources/ (Note: The book is large so may take some time to load in the PDF browser.)

12/13/2025

Continue the holiday cheer- head on over!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Brx5WY44C/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🎄 We’re just a few days away from the Purcellville Holiday Market! ✨

We can’t wait to welcome an amazing lineup of vendors, including Wren’s Rest Gardens, Happy Little Rectangles, Healing Minty Way, and Loudoun Beekeepers Association.

📍 Bush Tabernacle
📅 This Saturday
⏰ 12 PM – 6 PM

Come shop local, enjoy the festive spirit, and support small businesses. We can’t wait to see you there! 🎁❤️

12/06/2025

Limited stock! Go get you one before they run out!

We now have Hoodies. Limited number in stock so grab while you can.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving!

10/29/2025

Heads Up! Boil Water Alert!

09/19/2025

Check out Past to Prose this weekend!

https://friendsofbalch.orgt

The Thomas Balch Library, located in Leesburg VA, preserves the history and genealogy of Loudoun County. The library is operated by the Town of Leesburg, with support from the Friends of Thomas Balch Library.

09/19/2025

JOIN PURCELLVILLE POLICE FOR NATIONAL COFFEE WITH A COP DAY- WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2025

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, all community members are invited to attend the Purcellville Police Department’s National Coffee with a Cop Day event. Join members of the Purcellville Police Department at the Hardware Cafe located at 131 North 21st Street, Purcellville, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for a free cup of coffee and some friendly conversation. Each year on the first Wednesday in October, National Coffee with a Cop Day brings men and women in uniform together with their community members to converse over a cup of coffee.

Coffee with a Cop provides an excellent opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the Purcellville Police Department’s work throughout our town. Often interactions between the public and law enforcement occur during emergencies or emotionally heightened situations. Unfortunately, emergencies are not the ideal time for relationship building, and some members of the public may not feel comfortable approaching officers while they are on patrol. Therefore, Coffee with a Cop bridges the gap between residents and law enforcement, allowing for a positive, relaxed, interaction.

“Events like Coffee with a Cop allow community members the chance to get to know our officers on a more personal level, in a relaxed setting. We invite the public to come have a cup of coffee with us, tell us your safety concerns, let us know if there is anything we need to improve on, or feel free to share what we are doing right, and how you would like to see more of it. Relationships are built on trust, and we welcome feedback to enhance and grow these community connections,” stated Interim Chief Sara Lombraña.

Come join us for a cup of coffee and conversation with no agenda, no speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice any concerns, and get to know the officers who serve in our community.

08/10/2025

Mark your calendars!

Join us for the 81st Waterford Fair Kick-Off Party on August 22nd from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Old School! 📍 Learn what's new at this year’s Fair 🙋‍♀️ Find out how to get involved 🤝 Connect with neighbors, staff & volunteers 📋 Get all the details on what to expect this October! Let’s get ready for an amazing Fair weekend—see you there!

07/25/2025

06/24/2025

THE PHS FULLY SUPPORTS A MAIN STREET INITIATIVE FOR PVL

If you would like to learn more about this program or other preservation and history programs comment below or dm us. We’ll be happy to host, explain and support.