News from the Lovettsville Historical Society

Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Approves Initiative to Protect Mount Sinai Cemetery

Update -- At its Nov. 3 business meeting, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors adopted the Mount Sinai initiative by unanimous consent. The item was one of more than half a dozen items that had been agreed to in advance for approval by consent. Most of the discussion on the motion to approve the consent agenda was on Mount Sinai.

First, Supervisor Kershner (Catoctin District]) thanked the Board for supporting the initiative for the purchase of Mt. Sinai Cemetery. He said that this is an important part of our history, that this was a cemetery for enslaved persons and for those after the slavery period. We have done this for other places in the county. He looks forward to the staff report.

Chair Randall then said she that had met by phone with a large group about this last month. A number of options were discussed. There are even some personal family connections to this cemetery. She had talked about the County's commitment to preservation. I told them you have my commitment. This could be a long process. She thanked everyone for their support.

The motion to adopt the consent agenda passed 9-0.

----------------------

Over a year after the Lovettsville Historical Society began its drive to draw public attention to the plight of the abandoned African-American cemetery on Mountain Road known as the Mount Sinai Cemetery, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is schedule to vote to proceed with exploring how to preserve and protect the cemetery at its November 3 business meeting.

The initiative is expected to be approved by unanimous consent, signifying that there is no opposition to the motion among any of the nine County Supervisors.

This represents a significant victory in our drive to restore and protect this abused and neglected burial ground in the “Little Britain” community. The church property, on which there may be as many as 100 burials, has been owned privately for the past 60 years.

What is called a “Board Member Initiative” was placed on the agenda for the Nov. 3 meeting, presented jointly by Phyllis Randall, the Chair of the Board of Supervisors, and Caleb Kershner, the Catoctin District Supervisor. The initiative asks the Board to have County staff look into options for either acquiring the cemetery property, or for taking other measures to preserve and protect the historic property. (To read more, click below)

View of Mount Sinai Cemetery property from Britain Road, late October. Some grave markers, behind the yellow tape, are just barely visible from the street.

Thomas Balch Library Announces 2021 Loudoun History Awards Recipients

Leesburg, VA (November 3, 2021) – Two recipients have received this year’s Loudoun History Award based on their contributions to preserving Loudoun’s past. Due to COVID-19, this year’s honorees will be recognized during next year’s Loudoun History Awards ceremony in November 2022.

Michael R. Napper has been recognized for his many contributions to preservation and documentation of the memory of African Americans in Loudoun County’s history.

The Family and Friends of the Mount Sinai Cemetery, Claudette Bard, Ron Campbell, Edward W. Spannaus, and Howard Gilbert Timbers, Jr., has been recognized for their many contributions to the conservation and documentation of African American cemeteries in Lovettsville.

In addition, The Black History Committee of Friends of the Thomas Balch Library has been given special recognition for their commemorative efforts in connection with Frederick Douglass Elementary School.

Each recipient has preserved Loudoun’s past through a collection of county documents and memorabilia, preservation of historic landmarks, visual arts, writing, and long-time commitment to local history organizations.

For more information contact the Library Director, Alexandra S. Gressitt, at balchlib@leesburgva.gov or by phone at 703-737-7195.

Thomas Balch Library is a history and genealogy library owned and operated by the Town of Leesburg. A designated Underground Railroad research site, the Library’s collections focus on Loudoun County, regional and Virginia history, genealogy, military history with special emphasis on the American Civil War, and ethnic history. For more information, visit https://www.leesburgva.gov/departments/thomas-balch-library.

###

EXHIBITS

Nov. 5 – 30. Thomas Balch Library - Selections from the Collections in the Rust Archives. A new exhibit of Selections from the Collections in the Rust Archives presented by Laura Christiansen, Curator of Manuscripts and Archives, Thomas Balch Library will be on display at Thomas Balch Library through the month of November, 2021. It may be seen during regular library hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 am-4 pm [closed for lunch 12-1 pm], Wednesday 2 pm-7:30 pm. Please call 703-737-7195, email balchlib@leesburgva.gov for more information.

LECTURES, SEMINARS, TOURS & OTHER EVENTS:

Thurs., Nov. 4, at 10 a.m. – “Identification and Care of Photographs” (virtual class). Laura Christiansen, Curator of Manuscripts and Archives at Thomas Balch Library, will guide participants through a practical approach to the identification and preservation of photographs from the daguerreotype to the inkjet print. The workshop will include an overview of the history and technology of photographic materials, identification and dating techniques, and best practices to care for and preserve your photograph collections. Pre-registration is required for this event. Please call 703-737-7195, email balchlib@leesburgva.gov, or register online.

Fri., Nov. 5, at 7:00 p.m. – “Legends by Lanternlight: Millwood.” Join the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area and Clarke County Historical Association for a lantern lit walking tour through Millwood, Virginia. An 18th century rural milling town, Millwood retains the historic character of years past. Interpreters will describe first-hand accounts of Millwood’s fascinating history spanning three centuries, included war-hardened waggoners, families divided by war, and one of the 20th century’s most famous heiresses. Burwell-Morgan Mill, 15 Tannery Lane, Millwood, VA. $15 for VPHA or CCHA Members / $20 for non-members. Click here for tickets Click here for tickets

Sat., Nov. 6, at 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Fairfax County History Conference (live-streamed). “WE Are Fairfax County!” Part I. The first of Four Consecutive Annual Conferences that will chronologically explore the Peoples who have lived here and called Fairfax County “Home”! This year: Part 1: Our Native American, Enslaved and Free African American Peoples. Free. There are multiple options for viewing this year's conference: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cableconsumer/channel-16/stream In Fairfax County on your television: Cable 16 or HD Cox 1016. On Fairfax County's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fairfaxcounty

Sat., Nov. 6, at 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Burwell-Morgan Mill Heritage Days. Experience everyday life in the 1700s at the Burwell-Morgan Mill! Demonstrations on how people lived and worked in the colonial era. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated. Burwell-Morgan Mill, 15 Tannery Lane, Millwood, Clarke County VA.

Sat., Nov. 6. at 2:00 pm – Walking Tour of Green Hill Cemetery in Martinsburg. Sponsored by Harpers Ferry Civil War Round Table. Originally laid out by Martinsburg native David Hunter Strother in 1854, Green Hill Cemetery has many connections to the Civil War. The tour will cover the history of the cemetery, its own role in the war, and will emphasize the Civil War related personalities buried there. Unlike surrounding areas, there is not a dedicated Confederate Cemetery in Berkeley County. However, in Green Hill there is a single lot which contains the remains of 30 Confederate soldiers. Frequently referred to as the “Confederate Unknowns,” it was recently discovered that most of these soldiers were in fact not unknown. How and why they became “unknown” is entangled with the mythology of the “Lost Cause”. This phenomenon and the identities and stories of some of those Confederates will be covered. In addition, the mausoleum, which is rarely accessible to the public, will be open. This tour is free and open to the public, but reserve your space by email to ccraig@laurellodge.com to receive detailed directions and to be notified in case of weather postponement.

Fri., Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. – Culture & Cocktails: The Bridges of Washington County. Do you know that Washington County has more stone arch bridges than any other place in the mid-Atlantic? Featuring Paula Reed of the Washington County Historical Society, on Friday, November 12th at 6:00 P.M., join us for an architectural exploration and history of the stone bridges of Washington County! The featured cocktail will be: Water Under the Bridge! Named for the water that flows under Washington County’s historic bridges, this watermelon and lemon infused cocktail is sweet, fresh, and delicious! For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! Culture & Cocktails 2021 has been made possible by the generous support of the James and Mary Schurz Foundation. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Miller House Museum, 135 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD 21740. Website 301-797-8782. Register here.

Tues., Nov. 16, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 p.m. – Historic Encounters Day at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum. Our series of family-friendly history days is back! Visit the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum for hands-on activities, see historic trades in action, and meet farm animals in person. Each day includes a variety of stations to explore, and is perfect for students of all ages. Registration and tickets are required to attend. This program is made possible in partnership with the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum and Claude Moore Park. 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, VA

Wed., Nov. 17, at 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – “Lost in the Ice” Luncheon Travel Lectures with Andrew Jampoler (virtual). Lightship Cross Rip vanished off her station near Nantucket, Massachusetts, in February 1918 during the record “freeze-up” that year, the coldest North American winter in a century. Caught in pack ice, the old, small vessel with her crew of Cape Cod watermen drifted into the broad Atlantic and was never seen again. What precisely happened to Cross Rip and why, and was her first mate a hero? – Pre-registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/TBLEvents

Thurs., Nov. 18 – History on Tap (TBD) For more information, go to https://www.piedmontheritage.org/events/

Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Approves Initiative to Protect Mount Sinai Cemetery

Family & Friends of Mount Sinai Cemetery Win Loudoun History Award

The Family & Friends of Mount Sinai Cemetery, a project of the Lovettsville Historical Society, have been awarded the 2021 Loudoun History Award, it was announced on Nov. 3 by Thomas Balch Library. Following is the Town of Leesburg's press release about the awards:

Thomas Balch Library Announces 2021 Loudoun History Awards Recipients