The Middleburg Museum is making progress toward becoming a reality, thanks to the efforts of a group of dedicated folks who believe that the significant multi-cultural background of this historically important village deserves a formal setting where it can be shared with future generations.

As 2014 drew to a close, philanthropist Dr. Betsee Parker purchased the Howard and Nancy Allen house on Washington Street at the east end of town and then donated it so it could become the permanent home of the Middleburg Museum.

During the Civil War era, the gracious stone edifice had been the home of Middleburg's mayor, Lorman Chancellor, who happened to be friends with John Singleton Mosby. Given its own part in local history, it provides the perfect setting for the museum project.

"The Middleburg Museum is thanks to the vision and dedication of Eura Lewis and the generosity and foresight of Dr. Parker," said Catherine "Bundles" Murdock, member of the Middleburg Town Council and agent for the sale of the property. "Now it is up to the people of the town and Greater Middleburg to carry it on — for today and for all the years to come."

The Chancellor House provided a hiding place in the attic for Mosby (aka the "Grey Ghost"), who commanded the 43rd Battalion, 1st Virginia Cavalry, of the Confederate Army. Mosby's men were known as Mosby's Rangers or Raiders. They were famous for lightning strike raids and the uncanny ability to evade capture, disappearing into the rural landscape or among the local folks.

Historical records have it that Mosby ate dinner with Chancellor on Sunday, March 8, 1863, the night before the Rangers' successful raid on Fairfax Court House. That dinner marked the occasion for Mosby to tell Mayor Chancellor just before he departed: "I shall mount the stars tonight or sink lower than the plummet ever sounded."

Mosby and his 29 rangers penetrated 10 miles into federal territory, assisted by a dark, rainy night, making it past sentries and guards, and cutting telegraph wires along their stealthy route. Mosby arrested Gen. Edwin H. Stoughton, who joined another 32 prisoners and 58 federal horses that waiting in the street with the rest of Mosby's men. Not a shot had been fired.

Eura Lewis, a long-time resident of Middleburg, started thinking many years ago when she was a school teacher in Fauquier County about the need for a proper museum to preserve the artifacts, papers and photographs that document Middleburg's unique history.

"I really had the idea in 2002 when I was elected to the Town Council," recalled Lewis. "You want to make a difference when you serve your community. I had a passion for the museum, improving public safety, safety for our students, and improving the look of the town. I was on the council for 10 years and then my daughter was ill. I went to take care of her. When I came back, I still had the idea that we needed a museum."

For five years, Lewis and a number of people, who believed in the importance of preserving Middleburg's rich and diverse history, struggled to keep the idea alive.

"Dr. Parker is our benefactor. She gave the Howard Allen house to us and it is perfect for the Middleburg Museum," said Lewis. "Now we just need to raise the money to make sure it comes to fruition. The committee and I are so grateful to Dr. Parker for taking an interest in the museum. Everyone will benefit from her generosity.

"The first meeting for re-organizing is on Monday (Jan. 18) and we are very excited," continued Lewis. "It's a big house and the attic is where Mosby hid from his enemies. I can't think of a more appropriate place for the museum. That is a significant gateway to the town of Middleburg. As visitors arrive from the east, they will see the sign for the museum. I hope that the families around town will look for information, artifacts and diaries and present them to the museum. This is a multi-cultural museum that includes all of our citizens. I hope that everyone in and around the town will support the Middleburg Museum. It is a wonderful addition for future generations to learn about our past."

This will be the second official museum in Middleburg. The National Sporting Library, founded in 1954, opened its Museum in 2011: the complex concentrates on the sporting legacy of horse and field sports through literature and art. The Middleburg Museum will focus on the area's rich and complex history and socio-political development.

Middleburg, established in 1787, and its environs contributed to recorded history. The area played a vital role in the Revolutionary War and the birth of our nation. Middleburg participated in the major changes throughout the 18th century and continued to weave its colorful contributions into the tapestry of the Civil War era, underground railroad, emancipation of slaves, and on into the 20th century, the combustion engine, two world wars, ongoing Civil Rights Movement and the Kennedy era. The history and diversity of its people enhance the extraordinary ambience that makes Middleburg a favorite destination for weekend outings.

Volunteers are needed for everything from fund-raising to stripping wallpaper, painting and repair. Anyone with a talent for website design and maintenance will be greatly appreciated. Please visit the Middleburg Museum Foundation on Facebook.