In conjunction with Fire Prevention Week in October, the Museum’s next exhibit will recognize the First Responders in Plains District and their valuable services to our community. National Fire Prevention Week was first held in 1922 by the National Fire Prevention Association to educate the public about fire safety in the home and the community. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge declared it a National Observance. According to the NFPA website, NFPW is the “longest running health observance in the country.” It is observed during the week of Oct. 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 which devastated the Chicago area killing more than 250 people, destroying over 17,400 buildings, and burning over 2,000 acres of land.
The new exhibit will include the history of each of our local First Responder Organizations along with artifacts and pictures illustrating their history. A special new collection from the Timberville Fire Department includes gear and equipment from its early years which showcase the advancements made in fire fighting since the 1940’s. Another special feature of the exhibit will be the collection of Forest Ranger Allen Biller of Timberville who served in Alaska for 10 years as a member of the National Smokejumpers Association. His collection includes photographs, tools, fire gear and uniforms used by aerial fire fighters in controlling forest fires.
Mark your calendar now for Sunday, Oct. 28 at 2 pm. when the Museum hosts a panel of local responders who will discuss the origin of their organizations and the service they provide to our community.
The exhibit will be on display until January 2024 and as always is free to the public.
THANK YOU TO ALL
WHO CAME TO THE MUSEUM’S HERITAGE DAY
CELEBRATION ON
SEPTEMBER 16
A SPECIAL THANKS
all the volunteers who worked that day
to the bakers and cooks who provided the food
to Laura Roberts who donated the Fall Quilt Raffle—the winner, Judy Miller of Harrisonburg
to the five musicians: Barry King, Lowell Mathias,
Alan Berkshire, Jim and Cindy Phillips
to Charlie Rae who with the help of Tom Lantz and their assistants grilled and sold the delicious BBQ chicken
to our speakers for the event—Timberville Mayor Don DeLaughter and to Penny Imenson, Executive Director of Rocktown History
AND
To PILGRIM’S PRIDE for sponsoring the event.
PLAINS DISTRICT MEMORIAL MUSEUM
PO Box 601
176 N. Main St., Timberville VA 22853
540-896-7900
Email: plainsmuseum@comcast.net
Website: plainsmuseum.com
