Herndon Historical Society

Herndon Historical Society The official page for the Herndon Historical Society (HHS).
The Herndon Historical Society was founded in 1971. Its purpose, as stated in the Society's constitution, is “…to bring together those people interested in history, and especially in the history of the Herndon, Virginia, area.” The Society established a museum in conjunction with the Town’s centennial celebration in 1976. The museum, which is open from noon to 3PM on Sundays, is located in Herndon’s historic train depot adjacent to the WO&D trail in the heart of the downtown. The museum contains an array of materials and collectables that illustrate the life, conditions, events, and activities of Herndon and the surrounding area. If you would like to become a member of the HHS, please click here: http://www.herndonhistoricalsociety.org/images/MembershipForm_rev2.pdf.
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The Society is involved in many activities beyond maintaining the museum. More details can be found in the Society's newsletters (www.herndonhistoricalsociety.org/newsletterminutesarchive.html), however some of those activities include: • THE DEPOT Although the Town of Herndon owns the depot, the Historical Society has from time to time expended funds to help maintain it. The most recent project was the restoration of the original railroad semaphore that is fixed on the depot roof. • HISTORIC HOMES REGISTRY The Society sponsors the historic home registry program designed to increase public awareness of Herndon’s older homes and buildings and their contribution to the Town’s distinctive character and spirit. Once an owner documents the history of the home and demonstrates that it satisfies certain criteria—such as the original structure being 50 or more years old and compatible with the character of Herndon, as well as being of historical or architectural significance to the Town—the application is approved and a request for a resolution is submitted to the Herndon Town Council. Once the resolution, which certifies the historic significance of the structure, is adopted, the structure is eligible to receive a plaque. All documentation becomes part of the Society’s research library, and a picture and brief history are placed on the Historical Society’s website. . Click here for more information about applying for the Registry. • THE CABOOSE In 1989, longtime Society member and railroad aficianado George Moore located a surplus Norfolk and Western caboose, arranged for it to be transported to Herndon, and coordinated with the Herndon Department of Public Works to install the section of track on which it sits. Located adjacent to the W&OD trail—formerly the W&OD railroad line—the caboose serves as a reminder of the town’s rail history. Although the caboose is now the property of the Town of Herndon the Society continues to monitor its condition and to fund the interior maintenance. Following his death in 2003, the caboose was dedicated in George’s memory. In 2008, the interior was restored and the windows were improved to make them water tight. • ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN SHOW Each December for the last few years the Historical Society, along with the Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts and the Herndon Chamber of Commerce, has sponsored an Annual Model Train Show. This event—which is held in ArtSpace, Herndon’s community art gallery—features both HO and N gauge model trains. • THE GAS HOUSE MINI PARK In 1999, the Historical Society funded restoration and improvements at the gas generating facility located across from Herndon’s Municipal Center. Improvements included a display that explains how the facility operated, along with landscaping for the mini-park that surrounds it. The park is dedicated in memory of former Society president Larry Clarity, and the benches it contains were donated in memory of another longtime member, Bill Moffett. • AND MORE ... The Society continues to engage in educational and preservation-oriented activities designed to ensure that the public remains interested in and aware of the history of the Herndon area. For example, Society members were actively involved in working with the Town to ensure that the historic “yellow house” was relocated from behind Adams Green Funeral Home to a new site at the corner of Oak and Pearl Streets and made available for sale when it was slated for demolition.

Herndon Historical Society
12/01/2019

Herndon Historical Society

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for your favorite Herndonite? 🤔 Well then stop by the Herndon Depot Museum today...
12/01/2019

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for your favorite Herndonite? 🤔 Well then stop by the Herndon Depot Museum today from 12-3 to pick up a replica Herndon Depot sign! 🎁 They come in 4 sizes and the smallest will even fit in a Christmas stocking. 🎅 Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season! 🎄

Small (3.5" x 15") $24
Medium (4" x 28") $39
Large (6.5" x 40") $74
XL (11" x 54") $124

WHAT’S NEW AT THE DEPOT? Shown here is a c. 1938/1939 Stewart-Warner Radio. It works! The Stewart-Warner Corporation ...
11/30/2019

WHAT’S NEW AT THE DEPOT?

Shown here is a c. 1938/1939 Stewart-Warner Radio. It works! The Stewart-Warner Corporation was founded in 1905 and made automotive parts, particularly speedometers. In 1925 they began producing radios. The former Herndon Garage on Elden Street sold Stewart-Warner radios as early as 1926.

Come see all the interesting artifacts that represent Herndon’s rich history at the old Depot Museum in the heart of Historic Herndon (open Sundays from 12:00 – 3:00).

Life in a small town. ❤️ #HistoricHerndon
11/27/2019

Life in a small town. ❤️ #HistoricHerndon

So today we are reminded to be Thankful for our blessings, and I wanted to share something that happened to us yesterday. My staff and I were trying to get the shop ready for the holidays and on such a pretty day as we had yesterday decided to hang our heavy Holiday garland. We were struggling with it when 3 gentleman stepped out of their construction van, basically said "step aside ladies" and proceeded to get out their ladders and spent a good half hour hanging the garland for us. When they were finished I offered to pay them something or give them free flowers but they refused saying it was "our pleasure to help" and drove away. So when we are all feeling like humanity has lost it's way, you know it really hasn't! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Everyone!

11/18/2019
WHAT’S NEW AT THE DEPOT? Shown here is an early 1900s penny arcade machine that used to be at Sasher’s Pharmacy on S...
10/24/2019

WHAT’S NEW AT THE DEPOT?

Shown here is an early 1900s penny arcade machine that used to be at Sasher’s Pharmacy on Station Street. Drop your pennies in the working arcade and view its pictures!

Come see all the interesting artifacts that represent Herndon’s rich history at the old Depot Museum in the heart of Historic Herndon (open Sundays from 12:00 – 3:00).

10/17/2019
On Sunday, September 29, from 1:00-5:00 PM is the town’s annual NatureFest at Runnymede Park, Herndon’s 58-acres nat...
09/28/2019

On Sunday, September 29, from 1:00-5:00 PM is the town’s annual NatureFest at Runnymede Park, Herndon’s 58-acres natural park off Herndon Parkway. Come learn about bats, mammals, raptors, reptiles, bees, plants, sustainability, and HISTORY! The Herndon Historical Society will have an exhibit in which you can learn about the park’s c. 1909 stone house, the old lumber mill on Sugarland Run, and Paleo-Indian artifacts!



https://www.herndon-va.gov/recreation/special-events/naturefest-334

WHAT’S NEW AT THE DEPOT? 🤔 Shown here is a 1960s era Herndon Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary uniform tha...
09/04/2019

WHAT’S NEW AT THE DEPOT? 🤔

Shown here is a 1960s era Herndon Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary uniform that once belonged to past President, Virginia Wilson!

Come see all the interesting artifacts that represent Herndon’s rich history at the old Depot Museum in the heart of Historic Herndon (open Sundays from 12:00 – 3:00). 🚂

09/02/2019
Labor Day Festival | Town of Herndon, VA

Looking for something to do today? Well come on down to Historic Herndon for the Labor Day Festival from 11-5! 🍇 And while you’re there, stop by the Herndon Depot Museum - it will be open from 1-5 today. We hope to see you there - choo choo! 🚂 https://www.herndon-va.gov/recreation/special-events/labor-day-festival

Join us in downtown Herndon for the annual Labor Day Festival featuring unlimited Virginia wine tastings, craft beers, great music, a craft show, sponsor gallery, and delicious food vendors.

08/18/2019
Chantilly

Did you happen to go to the Greenberg Train Show at the Dulles Expo Center today? If you happened to miss it, not to worry - it’s still going on tomorrow! 🚂

The show includes:

Ø Huge model railroad displays.
Ø 200+ tables of trains for sale.
Ø 60+ model train exhibitors.
Ø Free workshops and prizes!

It runs from 10AM to 4PM and admission is $9, but kids get in free and there’s a $1 coupon on the link below! It’s a great way to get out of the heat and to have a day of family fun. Choo choo!!

http://trainshow.com/chantilly/

Purchase Discount Tickets HereUse coupon code W11 for $1-off online tickets! Kids 11 & under are free and do NOT need a ticket Click here for help To purchase tickets following these steps: - Enter the number of tickets you want in the box above and press the NEXT button. - Enter your discount code....

Did you know that the Town of Herndon had a grist mill in the 1870s, formerly located where our Town Green is now? Gris...
07/26/2019

Did you know that the Town of Herndon had a grist mill in the 1870s, formerly located where our Town Green is now? Grist mills were used to grind grain. Last weekend members of the Herndon Historical Society attended a demonstration at the c. 1811 Colvin Run Mill, a fully functioning grist mill in Great Falls. Check their website to learn when you can see the mill in action and enjoy other great events!

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill/events

Did you miss Barbara Glakas’s kick-off book talk for her new book, “Hidden History of Herndon?” No fear, she will...
07/16/2019

Did you miss Barbara Glakas’s kick-off book talk for her new book, “Hidden History of Herndon?” No fear, she will be having another book talk this Thursday, July 18, at 7:00PM at ArtSpace Herndon! Enjoy the presentation, purchase a signed copy of the book and learn something new about our Town's rich history.

Also on exhibit at ArtSpace that evening will be the beautiful photographs of the annual Herndon Town Calendar Photo Competition! Two great Herndon events rolled into one.

So come on out and join us for an evening of FREE Herndon family fun! 🤗 (ArtSpace Herndon - 750 Center Street)

Do you know how the Town of Herndon got its name? This article not only tells you how, it does so with the words of the ...
06/25/2019
Remembering Herndon's History: How the Town Got Its Name

Do you know how the Town of Herndon got its name? This article not only tells you how, it does so with the words of the people who live here when it was named. Fascinating.

Note – the contact information and the end of the article is not correct. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer at the Herndon Depot Museum, please email Herndon [email protected].
https://patch.com/virginia/herndon/remembering-herndons-history-how-the-town-got-its-name

You may know of the man the town was named for—but do you know how and why he was chosen as its namesake?

Yes, we’ve already shared other versions of this story, but it’s worth sharing over and over again. ❤️ Proud of ...
06/04/2019
Herndon Band Perform In Normandy, France For D-Day: Report

Yes, we’ve already shared other versions of this story, but it’s worth sharing over and over again. ❤️ Proud of our students, thankful for our Veterans. 🇺🇸

The Herndon High School band will perform at the 75th D-Day celebration in Normandy, France.

Rolling Thunder will be rolling out of Historic Herndon this weekend too ... 🇺🇸https://www.facebook.com/events/606...
05/25/2019
Arlington Historical Society

Rolling Thunder will be rolling out of Historic Herndon this weekend too ... 🇺🇸

https://www.facebook.com/events/606397773209415/?ti=ia

In 1988 Rolling Thunder made its first ride to the Vietnam War Memorial. Ray Manzo, a former US Marine Corps corporal, US Army Sgt Major John Holland (Ret.), Marine 1st Sgt Walt Sides (Ret.) and Sgt Ted Sampley (Ret.) are the four men credited with starting Rolling Thunder.

Rolling Thunder began as a demonstration following the era of the Vietnam War, which was a difficult time in our history. Many of America's military were killed or missing in action (MIA) and their remains were not being returned home or respectfully buried. There were also reports of prisoners of war (POW) who were left behind when the war ended. In 1987, Vietnam veteran Ray Manzo came to DC with his idea and bothered by these accounts, enlisted the help of fellow veterans Holland, Sides, and Sampley, to organize a motorcycle demonstration to bring attention to the POW/MIA situation.

Choosing Memorial Day weekend for the event, they envisioned the arrival of the motorcycles coming across the Memorial Bridge, and thought it would sound like “Rolling Thunder.” On Memorial Day 1988, Cpl. Manzo recruited 2,500 men and women to attend Rolling Thunder I. Rolling Thunder has evolved into an emotional display of patriotism and respect for all who defend our country.

https://www.arlnow.com/2019/05/21/final-rolling-thunder-rally-will-rumble-into-town-later-this-week/?mc_cid=2a7def06cf&mc_eid=f341193607

05/01/2019
Herndon WinterMarkt

Virginia history meets German history. 🇩🇪 And both converge in historic Herndon for WinterMarkt on December 14! 🎄 #ItsON

Did you know...
The first Germans arrived in Jamestowne, VA in 1608 with a contingent of about five glassmakers and three house builders recruited to work by the Virginia Company of London and encouraged to establish residency in the New World. By 1620, German sawmill wrights arrived and moved farther inland along the James River. Needing swift-moving waters to power the wheels of the sawmills, they tried occupying lands controlled by the Native Americans. They also tried recruiting additional workers to build the sawmills, but within seven months, all but one German died, either from starvation or disease. The lone German survivor sailed back to Europe

The first Germans to actually settle in Virginia came in 1714 and were miners from the northwestern Siegen region of Germany. About 42 of them settled in present-day Orange County in Central Virginia and excavated the iron ore found in the Rappahannock River basin.

A third and smaller group of Germans came in 1721 and settled at the Little Fork in Culpeper County in Northern Virginia. Many of them were relatives of the German emigrants of 1714. By 1727, the Germanna settement had nearly reached as far west as the Blue Ridge Mountains!

In Northern Virginia there are a couple of interesting German Historical sites:

Madison - The Hebron Lutheran Church was built by German settlers in 1740 and is the oldest Lutheran Church in countinuous use in the United States.

Lovettsville - Learn about the German settlement at the Lovettsville Historical Society Museum, and research your family's roots through various genealogical records.

https://www.virginia.org/Listings/Museums/LovettsvilleHistoricalSocietyMuseum/

Herndon Police Department
04/28/2019

Herndon Police Department

The Herndon Police Department Honor Guard stands final watch over K9 Leon. Leon was medically retired in February due to illness. He lost his battle to cancer on Thursday. Thank you for your service, Leon. His partner, PFC Ashman, and his family are in our thoughts.
🖤💙🖤 #k9 #herndonpd

This Sunday enjoy a free wagon ride from the Frying Pan Country Store to the historic Frying Pan Meeting House! The Meet...
04/27/2019

This Sunday enjoy a free wagon ride from the Frying Pan Country Store to the historic Frying Pan Meeting House! The Meeting House will be open for tours from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Please see the flier for more details.

Did you miss Barbara Glakas’s kick-off event for her new book, “Herndon’s Hidden History?” No fear – she will ...
04/10/2019

Did you miss Barbara Glakas’s kick-off event for her new book, “Herndon’s Hidden History?” No fear – she will be at the Elden Street Tea Shop on Saturday, April 13 at 1:00 PM where she will do a book talk and a book signing.

She will also be at Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern on Thursday, April 18 from 6:00-8:00 PM where she will do a book signing. A portion of the proceeds from books sold at Jimmy’s will benefit the Herndon Historical Society.

Additional copies of Barbara’s book are also available at the Herndon Depot Museum every Sunday from 12:00-3:00 PM.

So come on out for a little history and a lot of fun!

For some reason the photo from this month’s “Remembering Herndon’s History” is not appearing with the article li...
04/06/2019

For some reason the photo from this month’s “Remembering Herndon’s History” is not appearing with the article link, so we are reposting it. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Rather than delete the original, we are leaving it up so that we don’t lose the great comments or render the shared links useless. Our apologies for the duplicate post, but hopefully the wonderful photo will make it with it! 😊 https://patch.com/virginia/herndon/remembering-herndons-history-memories-herndon-drug-store

Women's History Month may have just ended, but these local girls are still making history. 😍🕹🤖https://wtop.com/...
04/03/2019
Fairfax County all-girls robotics team bound for world championship | WTOP

Women's History Month may have just ended, but these local girls are still making history. 😍🕹🤖

https://wtop.com/fairfax-county/2019/04/fairfax-all-girls-robotics-team-world-championship/slide/1/?fbclid=IwAR1MZ7BoaN7WLB74cdM9SOT7onT9taiZNhfPRvl1K9N4CI8xuLX0UmLniCQ

An all-girl robotics team from Fairfax County is about to represent Virginia and D.C. at an international competition featuring space innovation and STEM inspiration.

Join us at the Herndon Depot Museum on March 31st for Barbara's kick-off event! She will begin with a brief presentation...
03/28/2019

Join us at the Herndon Depot Museum on March 31st for Barbara's kick-off event! She will begin with a brief presentation at 1:00 followed by Q&A and a book signing. We hope to see you there!

03/23/2019
Herndon Community Center 40th Anniversary - Celebration 40 Years Serving the Community. Free Admission to the HCC and ongoing activities on Monday, March 25.

Join the celebration of an important part of Herndon’s history, and enjoy free admission on Monday, March 25!

https://www.herndon-va.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/6193/19

Time flies by when you are having fun, or should we say providing fun, fitness facilities, recreation activities, and special events. The Herndon Community Center (HCC) has proudly served the residents of the Town of Herndon and surrounding areas for 40 years! Thank you to everyone who has wor...

03/21/2019
Herndon WinterMarkt

Have you heard? Historic Herndon is getting its very own traditional outdoor German holiday market! 😃🇩🇪🤗 Follow the Herndon WinterMarkt page to learn more about this festive event and all of its trimmings! 🎄 #ItsON

https://www.facebook.com/HerndonWinterMarkt/

A traditional German-style Christmas Market with a family focus supporting the Town of Herndon and surrounding communities. This is open and free to the public (additional costs for food/beverage and gift items).

A big ”thank you” to the Holiday Homes Tour of Herndon for once again including the Herndon Historical Society (HHS)...
03/21/2019

A big ”thank you” to the Holiday Homes Tour of Herndon for once again including the Herndon Historical Society (HHS) in the Homes Tour. HHS volunteers served as docents in one of the beautiful homes (a big “thanks” to them too!). Not only was it a fun and informative event, but the Homes Tour shared the proceeds with HHS and the other sponsoring organizations.

Last month Homes Tour Co-Chair, Keven Leblanc, personally delivered a generous check to HHS President, Nancy Saunders. Thank you again for letting us be a part of this annual holiday tradition! 🎄

Follow the Holiday Homes Tour of Herndon’s page to learn more about the 2019 tour!

https://m.facebook.com/HolidayHomestour/

Address

717 Lynn St
Herndon, VA
21070

General information

The mailing address for the HHS is PO Box 99, Herndon, Virginia 20172-0099. However the physical street address of the Depot Museum is 717 Lynn Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170.

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