1749 WFCHS

SCOPE AND CONTENT: This collection contains a collective history of the Shenandoah Valley Tapestry from the early inspiration for the project through the planning process. Also included is information on historic buildings located in the Winchester/Frederick County area along with the minutes of the meetings, news articles about the project and the ceremony for its dedication, and programs created.

(1 box) Last Updated 04/16

BIOGRAPHICAL/HISTORICAL: The project entitled, “The Shenandoah Valley Tapestry, A Journey Through Time” began as a result of the book, Defend the Valley by Margaretta Barton Colt. The work provides an intimate view of the Civil War in the Valley through the letters and private papers of the Barton and Jones families: two prominent families of Winchester, Virginia. The book then inspired a painting, commissioned by Margaretta Barton Colt and created by Page Huff Dillon, entitled “Winchester & Frederick County Virginia.” Thus began the incentive to create a community-based narrative of the Valley through needlework.

            The Winchester Chapter of the Embroiders’ Guild of America (WEGA), the Multicultural Club Collage (MCC) of Frederick County, VA, the Handley Regional Library, the Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society, and the Kernstown Battlefield Association worked together to create the Tapestry project. The Tapestry will employ the inspirations of both Margaretta Barton Colt and Page Huff Dillon to create a Tapestry containing a true voice and history of the Shenandoah Valley. Through a collective effort of the community of the Winchester/Frederick County area, the Tapestry is continuing to make excellent progress. Everyone and anyone is encouraged to contribute to the Tapestry by adding even just one stitch, making it a truly community driven project.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Taken from the collection.

CITE AS: 1749 WFCHS, Shenandoah Valley Tapestry Records, Stewart Bell, Jr. Archives, Handley Regional Library, Winchester, VA, USA

ORGANIZATION:

BOX 1

Background—provides history of the project as well as its early inspiration and the continuing efforts to complete the project; 3 leaves, typescript

Buildings—provides locations of buildings included in the tapestry and other notable locations in the Winchester/Frederick County area; 10 leaves, printed

Minutes

News Articles; 3 leaves, typescript

Programs; 2 leaves, typescript/manuscript