Glass Blowing 101

November 6, 2011 2 P.M.

Glass Blowing 101: Make Your Own Ornament Ball
With the Giles Art Council. Taught by glass artist, Parker Stafford. Class will be held at Stafford Art Glass in Newport Virginia.

"Lost Communities of Virginia" By Terri Fisher

November 3, 2011 7 P.M.
"Lost Communities of Virginia"
This is a talk by Terri Fisher, co-author of the same book of the same name. Virginia's rural areas are dotted with traces of once- thriving communities. Learn about how these communities- including several in Giles County-- are struggling to survive or rebuilding themselves in a new and different way.

Camp Success Civil War Confederate Encampment

Camp Success is named for the civil war confederate army encampment that was located near the grounds from 1862 to 1865. Confederate forces, some garrisoned at this site, successfully guarded the narrows of the New River from incursion by the union army forces until early 1865. However, this camp won its name after a major skirmish that occurred near the site on May 10, 1862 when confederate forces under Brig. General Henry Heth that held off the retreating union forces under Lt. Col. Rutherford B. Hayes (later became president of the United States). Heth had prevented Hayes' troops from passing through the Town of Narrows on their retreat to Princeton from the "Battle Of Giles Court House" in nearby Pearisburg.

Wool Rug Hooking Workshop

October 28-29, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Wool Rug Hooking Workshop, with the Giles Art Council. Class is taught by Linda Woodbury. Students will create a 14" x 14" hooked piece similiar to a Rose of Sharon quilt square from colors of their choosing. Cost of $95.00 including linen, wool, and 2 days of instruction. Students must provide their own 14" quilting hoop and a beginner medium size rug hook with handle. Class will be held at the historical society. Pre-registration required. If you have any questions please feel free to call the historical society 921-1050.

High Praise From A Yankee Officer

In May 1862, the doctor's office was used as a headquarters by the 23rd Ohio Regiment, which included future presidents Lt. Col. Rutherford B. Hayes and Sgt. William McKinley. During his stay in Pearisburg, Hayes remarked that "This is a lovely spot, a fine clean village, most beautiful country, polite and well educated people"-- This is a high praise From a yankee officer.

"The Battle Of Giles Court House"

We are planning on "The Battle Of Giles Court House" for June 9th & 10th, 2012. This commemorates the 150th anniversary of the battle. Our theme is "The Yankees Are Coming!" Planning is well underway by the Giles County Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee for a fun filled weekend. The events will be listed at a later date.

While waiting for that momentous day, the historical society has other events planned to mark the sesquecentennial. On December 3, 2011, we will be hosting a "Civil War Christmas By Candlemark" at the Andrew Johnston House. You are invited to join Dr. Harvey Green Johnston, his young wife Annie, their children and their friends as they celebrate Christmas in 1864.

In April 2012, "Gone With The Wind" comes to town with an exhibit of six Scarlett O'Hara and Mammy costume dolls that is created by costume historian and conservator Pete Ballard. You'll see Scarlett O'Hara's famouse gown that was made from the draperies at Tara, and catch a glimpse of Mammy's saucy red satin petticoat.

Please feel free to stop by to see the wonderful artifacts, documents, and genealogical researchers. If you have any questions please call (540)921-1050. The hours Wed-Fri from 12-5 p.m. and Sat-Sun from 2-5 p.m. Our Web site is www.gilescountyhistorical.org We are also on facebook and twitter.