Mountain & Valley Regional Meet-up in Winchester, VA

Mountain & Valley Regional Meet-Up: Clarke County & Winchester

Join colleagues from across the region for an afternoon of exploration, learning, and connection in the Shenandoah Valley on Thursday, October 22!

The gathering begins at the Clarke County Historical Association’s historic Burwell-Morgan Mill at 2pm for a special behind-the-scenes look at the operation and stewardship of this remarkable 18th-century grist mill. Participants will learn how the Mill’s water-powered machinery operates and even have the opportunity to discover what it takes to activate its massive 20,000-pound water wheel, experiencing firsthand the technology that powered milling for generations. The visit will also explore the work required to preserve an active historic resource. CCHA will share the story of its successful advocacy efforts to secure significant public funding to save and preserve the Mill’s endangered dam, as well as its broader role in Clarke County through educational programming, community partnerships, and stewardship of its museum and extensive archival collections in Berryville.

At 3:30 p.m., the afternoon continues at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) with a tour of the Galleries led by Nancy Huth, Deputy Director of Arts and Education. Guests will explore the Museum’s changing exhibitions and its newest exhibition, Revolutionary Valley, which offers a fresh perspective on the Shenandoah Valley as a place of revolutionary thought and action—from the 17th century through today. Weather permitting, the group will also visit the Museum’s historic home and gardens with Joel Lowery, Director of Gardens and Grounds, to learn more about the landscape’s design and history and the ways the MSV uses its grounds to engage the community.

Following the museum visit, attendees are invited to continue the conversation during an informal happy hour at Village Square on Winchester’s historic Walking Mall.

VAM Regional Meet-Ups are designed to bring museum professionals together to build connections, exchange ideas, learn from one another, and discover the incredible work happening at cultural institutions across Virginia. Whether you're looking to meet new colleagues, reconnect with familiar faces, or simply spend an afternoon exploring the Valley, we hope you'll join us!