07/26/2026
"The Historic Marker Unveiling Ceremony for the Ann Wingfield School, Ann Wingfield Commons, 209 N. East Street, Culpeper, Virginia – 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, July 25, 2026"
by James “Jay” G. Harrison III, Executive Director of The Museum of Culpeper History
Since the summer of 2024, The Museum of Culpeper History in Culpeper, Virginia has managed an historic marker program led by Jim Bish, retired public educator and historian, who chairs the Museum’s Marker Committee and its dedicated and hardworking cohort of Board members and volunteers (including Andrew Gutowksi, David Cubbage, Elizabeth S. Hutchins, Lee Langston-Harrison, Karen Quaintance, Janie Schmidt, Charles Jameson, Mike Dennis, Trevor Langrehr and Reva Tutt). The Committee’s work represents the robust effort these individuals to bring history from the Museum out into the community to recognize and commemorate events, milestones, people and places in the ever-evolving legacy of Culpeper County, Virginia. It is important to note that the Museum functions as the de facto historical society for Culpeper County and is the only Museum I know of in Central Virginia and perhaps beyond which has embraced managing such an initiative.
The Marker Program is a key service of The Museum of Culpeper History. It underscores both its Mission Statement and Vision Statement. “The mission of The Museum of Culpeper History is to collect, preserve, interpret and promote the history of Culpeper by engaging diverse audiences and educating visitors.” Through its Vision Statement, “The Museum of Culpeper History aspires to improve Culpeper’s knowledge and understanding of the significant historical events that occurred locally and formed the community we know today.”
This marker is the 10th to be installed by The Museum of Culpeper History. This one represents a collaboration with the Friends of Ann Wingfield School. Today, we recognized, celebrated and commemorated the legacy of Ann Slaughter Wingfield as Culpeper's public education founder and the history of Culpeper's early public schools. We thank Cathy Zielinski, President of the Executive Board of Directors of Culpeper Housing & Shelter Services for supporting the placement of this marker here at the Ann Wingfield School and home now to Ann Wingfield Commons. We are also grateful to Butch Davies and his legal partners for saving the school in the mid-1980s for this significant adaptive reuse/preservation endeavor.
Elizabeth S. Hutchins, Member of The Museum of Culpeper Board of Directors, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies and opened the program. The Very Rev. Trent Moore of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church of Culpeper, Virginia delivered the Invocation. Andrew Gutowski, Vice President of The Museum of Culpeper History Board of Directors, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Class Song from the Rip Rap Yearbook of 1913 for Culpeper High School was played by students from the Eastern View High School Band of Culpeper, Virginia led by Adam Roach, Eastern View High School Band Director. Elizbeth Hutchins welcomed everyone and recognized distinguished guests which included Mayor Frank Reaves Jr. of the Town of Culpeper; David C. Lee, East Fairfax District Supervisor of the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors; members of the Culpeper County School Board; Butch Davies, retired attorney and former Delegate in the Virginia General Assembly; and Jim Wingfield, Vice President of the Wingfield Family Society. (The Wingfield Family Society, a 501(c)7 nonprofit organization founded in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1987 is dedicated to honoring the historic heritage of the Wingfield Family.) As the new Executive Director of The Museum of Culpeper History, I provided context about the role of the Museum’s Marker Committee and the marker dedicated today. David Cubbage shared A Brief History of Ann Slaughter Wingfield. Dr. Anthony S. Brads, Superintendent, Culpeper County Public Schools, addressed A Brief History of Culpeper’s Public Schools. The marker was unveiled by Dr. Anthony S. Brads; Butch Davies; and Cathy Zielinski, President of the Executive Board of Directors of Culpeper Housing & Shelter Services. Closing remarks were presented by Cathy Zielinski. The Benediction was delivered by the Very Rev. Trent Moore.
52 individuals attended or participated in the program.
Stay tuned for upcoming markers to be installed and dedicated this year, including the Indigneous Mannahoac of the Piedmont in Richardsville at the Rappahannock River Campground. Three are slated for 2027 with many more to follow in the future. We look forward to sharing the diverse voices and history of Culpeper County and that of its people and various communities in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. If you are not a member of The Museum of Culpeper History, we welcome you to join us.
Thank you very much!
