ALLEGHANY COUNTY VA (VR) – Paul Linkenhoker, President/CEO of the Alleghany Historical Society released the following statement on the historical society.
“Happy New Year to one and all. I trust you have had a nice holiday and that this message finds you well. We are in the midst of the season of colds, flu, respiratory viruses, and other nasty bugs and germs. I urge you to take every precaution to maintain good health.
“This message is to inform you that the Society had a very successful 2023. We exceeded $10,000 in memberships, contributions, and donations.
“Many donations consisted of some priceless finds by friends and neighbors. Did you know that during Prohibition, one could obtain a prescription for whiskey from a medical doctor? We have the pint bottle (empty) to prove it.
“The Depot has become a destination point once again as Marian Paxton has turned her office manager’s position into a labor of love. Her
dedication to keeping up with memberships is evident in her personal cards which serve as reminders of membership renewals and thank you notes to those paying dues and making contributions.
“Angie Jones ensures that the Discovery Center is open on Tuesday through Friday from 12 noon until 4 p.m. Visitors from the First Presbyterian Preschool can often be found on Wednesdays and Fridays after school is dismissed. Mike Wade’s passion for the Center and its mission to “Reflect on the Past, Engage with the Present, and Prepare for the Future,” is quite evident every time a new display is created or another unique hands-on exhibit appears.
“Marian and Angie have shown a strong passion for their work and ensure that the leadership is aware of new ideas, responds to maintenance and safety concerns, and keeps up with a schedule of events. Our buildings have been used for social gatherings, civic meetings, Olde Town Covington activities, YMCA Daycare visits, school field trips, and visits from local citizens, visitors, and tourists.
“The Alleghany Foundation has continued to be a strong advocate of our Society and continues to provide funding for the development of our facilities. We are also grateful to WestRock and Ingevity for their annual contributions and daily support. We are unable to list all of the individuals, local businesses, professional offices, and civic groups that share in our mission to preserve the heritage of the Alleghany Highlands. The development of this Center has been a community-wide effort.
“Let me also mention that the City of Covington, Alleghany County, the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, and the entire area have embraced our efforts. Specific thanks to the Covington City Manager, the Mayor and City Council, and the leadership of Olde Town Covington, all of whose efforts are making great strides toward the economic revitalization of the Downtown Covington Historic District.
“Now we turn the calendar to reveal 2024. One of the initiatives listed in the revitalization plans for the Highlands, Vision 2025, listed the creation of a heritage trail of museums and historic attractions. The Discovery Center, Covington C&O Depot Museum, and the C&O Railway Heritage Center have made this initiative a reality.
“While the Discovery Center is now open and attracting visitors, we still have much to do. We need to focus efforts on the completion of all spaces and secure annual funding to support daily operations. While we intend to begin charging an admission fee, your annual support through memberships and contributions is vital to this end. If you are a current member, Marian Paxton will send out reminders. If you have not recently renewed, please do so as soon as possible.
“We are fortunate to have received a big boost to begin 2024 from several generous benefactors. I’m pleased to announce that the Nettleton Foundation has provided a grant in the amount of $10,000. It has been designated for unrestricted use in the support of the Discovery Center. An additional $5,000 has been received from other individuals dedicated to the success of the Society.
“We look forward to hearing from you as we continue to move forward. Stop in and visit us at the Depot or the Discovery Center. Society members will never be charged a fee at either location. Please call me, at 540-969-6908, if you have questions.
“Visit our websites: alleghanyhistorical.org or discoverycenterva.org.
“With warm regards, Paul Linkenhoker, President/CEO.”
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