Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Historic Town Foundation

Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Historic Town Foundation The Foundation unites two towns with a vision of inspiring citizens & visitors with our history, beauty, diversity & hospitality.

Our initiatives focus on historic preservation, promotion & beautification of our towns for the enjoyment & benefit of all. The Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Historic Town Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, and to promote historical, scientific, educational, interpretive and economic activities of the Town of Harpers Ferry for the inspirati

on and benefit of the people of the United States as provided for in the Act of August 25, 1916 (16 USC Sec. 1 et seq) as amended and supplemented, including the Act of August 21, 1961 (75 Stat 586). Its activities may include, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. No part of the net earnings or income or funds of the Foundation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the Foundation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth above. Upon dissolution of the Foundation, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the Federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. As part of its organization and maintenance of civic engagement, the Foundation will establish and maintain a partnership and cooperative agreement with the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

The First Zion float makes its annual appearance in the Jefferson County African American Culture & Heritage parade!Jcaa...
08/15/2026

The First Zion float makes its annual appearance in the Jefferson County African American Culture & Heritage parade!

Jcaachf Inc.

Mrs. Delores Foster can recall that as a child, she would help the church ladies at First Zion Baptist clean the kerosen...
08/10/2026

Mrs. Delores Foster can recall that as a child, she would help the church ladies at First Zion Baptist clean the kerosene lamps in the big, beautiful chandelier hanging in the middle of the sanctuary ceiling. The Foundation plans to electrify, regild, and totally restore this gorgeous piece of church history and return it to its rightful place in the rehabilitated meeting hall.
WILL YOU HELP? The Foundation has received a $9,000 grant from the Cynthia Woods-Mitchell fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The full cost is actually about twice that much. Donate at least $250 to the Shine the Light Campaign, and we'll make sure your name appears as a supporter on the plaque commemorating this historic fixture. Your gift will also be matched by an anonymous local supporter to help the fund grow faster.
GIVE ONLINE HERE: https://historicharpersferry.org/get-involved/donate/ or mail a check to PO Box 154, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

07/24/2026

Kate has been a great friend to the Foundation, as the generous organizer of Harpers Ferry World Fiddle Day. She's also an awesome musician. Come out and support her Sunday if you can!

Oh look! Here's the building that received our 2026 Historic Preservation Award!
07/17/2026

Oh look! Here's the building that received our 2026 Historic Preservation Award!

Standing at the corner of Washington and Boundary Streets, the building at 970 Washington Street has served the Harpers Ferry community in remarkably different ways over the past century, reflecting the town's transformation from a close-knit residential community into one centered on heritage tourism and local commerce.

For many years, the building was best known as the Eackles Funeral Home, where generations of Jefferson County families gathered during times of loss. More than simply a business, it became a familiar landmark in the community, remembered not for commerce or entertainment but for its role in marking life's most significant moments for countless local families.

Following the relocation of funeral operations, the building entered a new chapter. It was adaptively reused as The Gilded Flea, an antiques and collectibles shop. This transition reflected a broader trend throughout Harpers Ferry during the late twentieth century, as historic buildings found new life serving residents and visitors drawn to the town's rich history.

Most recently, the property has continued its evolution by becoming the home of Appalachian Snail Market & Cafe. In its newest incarnation, the building has once again become a gathering place, this time centered on food, conversation, and community.

The evolution of 970 Washington Street illustrates the adaptability that has characterized Harpers Ferry for more than a century. As the town evolved from an industrial and railroad community into a nationally recognized historic destination, many of its historic buildings acquired new functions while retaining their architectural character and connection to the community.

The Foundation has lost a dear friend and supporter.
07/15/2026

The Foundation has lost a dear friend and supporter.

The Foundation bids farewell to our steadfast friend and mentor, Betsy Bainbridge. After serving as the director of Harpers Ferry Main Street, Betsy seamlessly transitioned to board member for the ...

Remembering the importance of Storer College to our communities...
07/08/2026

Remembering the importance of Storer College to our communities...

“I think Storer College was a life changing institution for a lot of people at a time where there were a lot of barriers put in their way,” Pechekonis said. “I think it’s really incumbent on us to keep that memory alive and to keep looking at what it was they accomplished and never forget that.”
Thanks to Ainsley Hall at The Journal for her recent article on Storer College (link in comments)

We'll be there!
07/02/2026

We'll be there!

06/19/2026
Thanks so much to the businesses donating to our Silent Auction last Saturday:Braxton's Country BakesFairbuilt GuitarsHa...
05/18/2026

Thanks so much to the businesses donating to our Silent Auction last Saturday:

Braxton's Country Bakes
Fairbuilt Guitars
Harpers Ferry Outfitters
Joe Herman, Musician
Josh Henry, Celtic Art
Tenfold Fair Trade Collection
Truffle Queen
Ushi Nottnagel Massage
The Vintage Lady

And to individual donors, Marian Auer and Sandi Marra.

Address

887 Washington Street
Harpers Ferry, WV
25425

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 1pm
Tuesday 9am - 1pm
Thursday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+13045351923

Website

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