2011 Picnic

The Annual BCHS Picnic was held on Sunday afternoon, July 10th.  The weather was wonderful.  We had about 45 attendees present.  Here are some pictures of the day, provided by Donald Hale.

The food was set out buffet style at the Cook House

Gary Gimbel (in white) and Merle Rodgers (in Blue)

The ladies Funhouser (near), Joanne Huntsberry (green), Florida Fritz(stripes), Thornton Hilleary (blue stripes) and Margaret LeFevre (light blue).  Further Back in coral is Dorrene Hale; Mr. Ramsburg in brown.  Way back on the right in red is Ruthie Widmyer's granddaughter who came to visit from Washington State!

The Presidents - of the Bunker Hill Train Club and the BCHS

On left Roy and Katherine Genung seated with Mr. Wood; Bobby Fiero on left; further back on right is Janita Giles across from Phil Steptoe

Mr. Zurenda in foreground.  He and his wife moved here from New York and are new members.

In blue, foreground is Mrs. Zurenda.  Behind her at the next table you can see Betty Lowe and Ruth Widmyer's backs.  Beyond them to the next table are Gene Ziegler, Don Silvius and Paul Planchon.

Make plans now to attend next year's picnic the Sunday after 4th of July!  And don't forget the Fall Tour of Homes coming up on September 10 & 11 this year.

BCHS QR Code - Scan this with your Smart Phone

Heritage Day, Saturday, May 7, 2011

The Berkeley County Historical Society invites you to celebrate the founding of Martinsburg on Saturday, May 7, 2011 - Heritage Day - from 10AM to 4PM. The Berkeley County Museum at the Belle Boyd House will be open for tours all day. Come see the renovations we've made.

At 10AM in the museum, Don Silvius, BCHS Researcher, will speak about the Civil War in Berkeley County.

At 10:30 in the Apollo Theatre, Cindy Jones Nicewarner, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Staff Genealogist will present "Using the Internet for Genealogy".

At 1PM in the museum, Victor Dunn, certified genealogist specializing in VA, WV and MD, will present "Finding Your Ancestors" and

At 2:30PM, Paul Planchon, BCHS Researcher and 2010 West Virginia History Hero will give a presentation on Black History in Berkeley County.

Throughout the day, at our complex, you will find

Company K, 5th VA Infantry living historians based in Berkeley Springs and under the command of Captain Robert Ambrose;

John Hilleary, BCHS member and retired White House Gardener (Johnson & Nixon Administrations) will facilitate the propagation of select herbs and perennials for sale - while supplies last;

There will be a kiddie pool where budding historians can sift for treasure;

The Bunker Hill Train Club and the Potomac-Shenandoah Train and Garden Club will have model trains on display;

Refreshments celebrating the birthday of Belle Boyd will be served in the Herb Garden Gazebo.

Other locations with activities are the General Adam Stephen House, the Triple Brick Museum, Boydville, the George Washington Heritage Trail, and Main Street Martinsburg.

Hours of Operation Changed Until Further Notice

The hours of operation for the Berkeley County Historical Society (until further notice) will be as follows:

Thursday from 10AM to 4PM
Friday from 10AM to 4PM
Saturday from 10AM to 4PM

Winter Hours Determined by Board

At the board meeting held on Thursday, January 20, 2011 it was decided by the board that the winter hours will be as follows:

The Belle Boyd House will be closed until April.

The Archives will operate on the following schedule:

Open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10AM to 4PM until April 15.

Happy New Year

We had a wonderful Christmas season at the Belle Boyd House.  The house is now closed for the winter.  The Archives and Research Center remains closed until January 10. 

Historical Society Remembers on Pearl Harbor Day

 As a follow up to a successful tea held on Sunday, the Berkeley County Historical Society gathered on Tuesday, December 7th to remember those who lost their lives sixty-nine years ago at Pearl Harbor and honor all veterans who have served to protect our nation.  It was a bitter cold day with gusty winds.

The program began outside at 11AM with the Posting of the Colors by the 157th Military Police Company, WV Army National Guard.   Cyril Kammeier, Commander of the Eastern Panhandle Detachment, Marine Corps League led those gathered in the Pledge of Allegiance and Rev. Robert S. Hill, Jr. recited the Invocation.  Members of the Veterans Combined Honor Guard, Jim Grose, Commander, performed a rifle salute honoring all who gave their lives in the defense of freedom followed by the playing of "Taps".

Due to the cold, the remainder of the program was moved inside where Delegates John Overington (member) and Walter Duke were thanked for their attendance.  After brief remarks by Historical Society President, Todd Funkhouser and Vice President Cheryl Rodgers, the speaker, Mr. Charles H. Brown, USAF, Ret. was introduced.

Mr. Brown told the harrowing tale of his B-17 being shot down over the North Sea during WWII and how his crew (less one) were captured by Germans and incarcerated in Stalag 4.  They were later marched for 89 days across Germany when the Russians came knocking on the door of the Eastern Front.  They were later liberated by a Major who told everyone what to do in no uncertain terms, while toting a Colt 45 on his hip.  Mr. Brown said that Major was the prettiest sight he'd ever seen!

Lastly, awards of merit were awarded to Florida Fritz, Margaret LeFevre and Katherine Genung.  Joanne Huntsberry received a plaque for her Distinguished Service to the society.

The genesis of this day was Florida Fritz, a BCHS member and volunteer.  She has compiled three books of our Berkeley County WWII Veterans and is a member of that generation herself.  These books are available for researchers at the BCHS Archives.  Cheryl Rodgers, Vice President of Museums and Tourism put the programs together with the cooperation of member Cheryl Brown as well as Richard Seeley, Commander of the NCL-EPD; Jim Grose, Commander of the VCHG and Mr. Cy Kammeier.