With the advent of History-to-Go, we are now able to bring our presentations not only to the people who live within a reasonable distance of our Research Center, but also to the large number of members who live too far away to attend in person. We hope you enjoy this format. Go to our main YouTube page by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQvPfUSloS7GZW4Pce_17XQ
From there, you can select the presentation you would like to see. If you wish, you can subscribe to our channel, which makes going to our site even easier.
A Brief History of Orange County, Virginia
Orange County historian Frank S. Walker relates a history of Orange County in an informative, but brief, run through the highlights from our earliest days to the 20th century. Distilled from a series of six longer presentations, this version provides an excellent introduction for newcomers or the just plain curious, as well as a refresher for those who have lived here longer.
Buried Above Ground
Ray Ezell introduces the fascinating tradition of people intentionally placing objects within building walls, and why they may have done so. You will be amazed, and sometimes amused, at the items that have been found both here in the Virginia Piedmont, and around the country and beyond.
Rediscovering Little Petersburg
was our initial offering on the YouTube channel. The premiere, held in November 2019 at the Bethel Baptist Church in Orange, was very warmly received. Produced by Doug Myrick and the late David Sides, and photographed, written, and edited by Phil Audibert, the Rediscovering Little Petersburg video was originally intended for our March 2020 program. Now, instead of waiting any longer to see this wonderful slice of history, you can enjoy it any time you wish.
Memories Greatest Hits 1...
... an ongoing oral history project focusing on the life stories of residents of Dogwood Village and the surrounding community of Orange County.
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Someday; The Unexpected Story of School Integration in Orange County
This documentary explores the decade-long process by which the Orange County public school system complied with the Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education and the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
In the season
The Edna Lewis Story celebrates the remarkable life and legacy of "The Grande Dame of Southern Cooking," tracing her unique journey from a community founded by freed slaves in Orange to a career that saw her gain worldwide acclaim.
Letters to Tyler
Presented by Bill Speiden, this is the story of his family, embodied in his recent book, Letters to Tyler, an homage to his late wife, Sandra Speiden, whose presence in Orange County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and beyond will not be forgotten. Learn, as will her grandson who never got to know her, about her accomplishments, as well as those of the entire Speiden family.
HISTORY-TO-GO
"Now This..." extras
These are clips that didn't make it into the Now This... documentary. But they were too good to leave on the cutting room floor!
Gold Mining in Orange County, VA Parts I & 2
Local historian Frank Walker presents the unique history of gold mining in Orange County for over a century: the mines and the people who worked them.
"Now This..." is a 90 minute documentary on the early years of WJMA Radio in Orange, Virginia.
A Candle in a Candy Store...
... a film celebrating 100 years of Community Service by the Gordonsville Volunteer Fire Company
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All Four Years...
... tells the story of the Civil War from the point of view of its impact on the citizens of Orange County, Virginia.
Robert S Walker and Woodberry Forest School...
... from a Captain in Mosby’s Rangers to a simple farmhand, from an astute businessman to the founder of a prestigious boarding school in Virginia, Robert Stringfellow Walker is a study in perseverance and determination. This fascinating story is told by his grandson, Frank Walker, Junior, and it is illustrated by family and archival school photographs.
Germanna... America in Embryo
In 1714, under the direction of Lt. Governor Alexander Spotswood, 12 German families established a settlement on the Rapidan River in present day Orange County. At the time it was the most inland outpost of the British colonies in the new world. Learn the story of this remarkable community and its outstanding legacy.
Sentimental Journey: Dogwood Village...50 Years
takes a look at how the Orange County Nursing Home came into being and how it has grown to become one of the premier retirement facilities in the state, as seen through the eyes of several of its board members, employees, and residents.
Gordonsville: A Strong Fabric...
an overview of this small town's history from its beginnings in the 18th century through its continued vitality as a 21st-century community.
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Roads, Taverns, and Mills...
... were all interconnected to create vibrant economic and social networks in 18th and 19th century Virginia. They are the cornerstones of community.
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George Washington and His Women
In October, Frank Walker recorded his excellent talk on the four women who were most influential in our first president’s life. Informative, and presented with Mr. Walker’s usual sly humor, it is a delightful way to learn about a side of General Washington that we don’t often consider.
ORANGE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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Andrew Maples...
...born in the Town of Orange, Andrew Maples went on to become a Tuskeegee Airman. He disappeared while flying a bomber escort mission during World War II. This past May, his portrait was unveiled at the Orange County Courthouse in a ceremony that honored him for his sacrifice and as a hometown hero.
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Freetown...
...is an oral history, recorded in 1985, of the then-surviving residents of Freetown, one of many communities of freedmen established in Orange County after the Civil War. It features the memories of Edna Lewis, the Grande Dame of Southern Cooking, who was born and raised in Freetown, and her brother Lue Standley Lewis.
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