Celebrate Berryville’s History and Beauty at its Cultural Center

By Cathy Kuehner

As the Town of Berryville continues to celebrate its 225th anniversary year, its unique dairy barn-turned-cultural center will showcase the history and beauty of the community for all to see and enjoy. A parade in June needs both participants and spectators.

Historical images and objects are on display at the Barns of Rose Hill throughout March, and a history lecture series on Saturdays in March complements the exhibit. Both the “Berryville Celebrates” exhibit and lectures are free.

Learn “How Our Town Developed: Berryville History

Explored through Maps, Zoning & Berryville Area Plan” at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 4. The presentation include county history, too.

Love horses? Plan to attend “Horses in Clarke County & Our

Equestrian Legacy” at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 11.

“Remembering Those Who Served: Our Local Veterans & Heroes” is the theme of the history lecture at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 18.

The lecture series concludes with “Our Schools: The History & Development of Clarke County Public Schools” at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25.

“Berryville Celebrates” history lectures at the Barns are presented in partnership with the Clarke County Historical Association.

The CCHA and the Barns are also hosting a free Berryvillethemed Trivia Night at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 7. Brush up on town history to win prizes contributed by local businesses.

In April, the Barns of Rose Hill hosts a month-long “Berryville Celebrates” art show that features two- and three- dimensional work by Clarke County residents that reflects the artists’ interpretation of the county and town.

While visiting the Barns, take a look at the beautiful “Berryville Celebrates” commemorative quilt made by the Apple Valley Needle Threaders Quilt Guild, and purchase a raffle ticket to win it. Guild members donated their time and talent to create the quilt using Berryville’s official color palette of blues and greens.

Raffle tickets for the quilt are $5 each at the Barns, where the quilt is on display. The winning ticket will be drawn in the fall.

The Barns has “Berryville Celebrates” merchandise for sale, too, including T-shirts, wine glasses and pint glasses.

Berryville Mayor Jay Arnold is leading the organization of a “Berryville Celebrates” parade on Saturday, June 3. Clarke County, Berryville, and Boyce schoolchildren, clubs, neighborhood groups, bands, fire and rescue squads, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to participate with floats, decorated vehicles, or walking units. Berryville themes are encouraged.

Anyone interested in participating in the parade – or volunteering to help organize it – should contact Arnold at (540) 313-7467 or info@bvmerchants.com.

The Barns of Rose Hill exhibit space is open free of charge noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and during events. Contact the Barns at (540) 9552004 or info@borh.org. Go to barnsofrosehill.org for more information.

If you would like to participate in “Berryville Celebrates” programs, share old photos and memorabilia for display, or volunteer, contact Berryville1798@gmail.com or message “Berryville Celebrates” on Facebook.

The “Berryville Celebrates” exhibit of historical items and history lecture series in March at the Barns of Rose Hill are a wonderful opportunity to learn how the town has evolved.