A celebration of the Clarke County Historical Association's (CCHA) 75th Anniversary is planned for October 25th . Events will begin at 5:30 p.m. with an insider's tour of the Museum (32 E. Main St., Berryville), highlighting rarely seen artifacts from CCHA's collection.

The evening will continue with a procession to the Old Clarke County Courthouse, where guests will learn about the Association's founding in 1939. A dinner to celebrate the 75th Anniversary will take place at Grace Episcopal Church, located at 110 N. Church St., Berryville.

Noted Shenandoah Valley Historian and Virginia Military Institute Professor Kenneth E. Koons will provide remarks relating to the agricultural economy of Clarke County in the last half of the 19th century. Tickets for this memorable and historic evening are available for $75.

The Association was formed during a time of increased interest in preserving local history. An exhibition in 1932 celebrating the Bicentennial of George Washington's birth had been organized at Greenway Court, outside of White Post, a place frequented by Washington during his early employment as a surveyor by Thomas Lord Fairfax.

Just seven years later, Clarke County celebrated the Centennial of its formation, with a celebration held at Berryville High School. Following a request by the Clarke County Chamber of Commerce for a group to record and preserve the county's history, the Clarke County Historical Association was formed, with an initial 123 members.

During the 75 years since its inception, CCHA has supported many important projects and initiatives including photographing early portraits, publishing the Clarke County Proceedings, recording county cemeteries, acquiring artifacts, developing an Archives and Museum, mounting special exhibitions, and partnering with other local educational and historical organizations.

The renovation of the 18th-century Burwell-Morgan Mill was completed in 1974, ten years after the property was gifted to CCHA. The Mill is an important piece of local history that helps complete the story of Clarke County and its connection with the history of its agricultural economy. The Mill provides the backdrop for many special events including "Art at the Mill."

Please attend and help celebrate CCHA's remarkable 75-year history of collecting, preserving, and educating during this evening of history and camaraderie as we look back on our successes and look ahead to creating new ones.

For more information on this event please visit the CCHA website www.clarkehistory.org, Email outreach@clarkehistory.org or call 540.955-2600. If you are unable to attend but wish to support CCHA, you may donate through the website.