Features more than 70 artifacts, documents, biographical profiles, and research panels that examine the war through the experiences of Lancaster County residents who served in the military and those who supported civilian efforts at home. The items, drawn from the museum’s permanent collection and on loan from community members, include uniforms, accessories, equipment, military certificates and service records, personal letters, soldier photographs, original war bond posters, and local Red Cross chapter notes.

The exhibit was researched and designed by museum volunteers Shaune Lee and Gay Chapman and executive director Karen Hart.  While the number of objects is extensive, this is also an exhibit focused on people, beginning with our wall of honor listing 366 Lancaster residents, white and African-American, known to have served in the Great War. Many were just old enough to enlist at 18 and many knew only the life of a farmer or waterman. Most returned safely, but four were killed from service action, accident, or disease.

Throughout the exhibit several individuals are highlighted whose lives and stories provide examples of varied war-time experiences. They range from Army to Navy to Marines, from artillery to ambulances on the front lines in France, and from aviation mechanic to doctor at stateside camps. Profiles include Charles Dixon, John Ashburn, Eldridge Revere, Oscar Chilton, Thomas Dix McGinnes, Dr. Chichester Peirce, William Leland Brent, Joseph Emory Currell, and Robert Dunaway. There are also letters home from Barron Didlake and Hannibal Potter serving in France.

Visitors to the exhibit will also learn about the role of women in the military and in civilian home front efforts.  Alma Ruth Ingram Burrell, a female yeoman at Norfolk Naval Base, and Army nurse Lila Combs Chilton are the only two known servicewomen from Lancaster.  Lila’s sister Bessie Combs Peirce volunteered as the Production Chairman for the Lancaster chapter of the American Red Cross, which kept women, in both white and African-American branches across the county, sewing and knitting for the soldiers and war refugees.  Women also had to adapt their household cooking and eating habits to conserve food for the troops and they faced the challenges of running farms and businesses while the men were away.

$5 requested admission donation 

Half Shell Concert Series presents Danny Kensy & Cedar Creek with special guest Itchy Dog.

Danny Kensy and Cedar Creek is a CMA (Country Music Association) group that has been wowing the crowd for many years. Original country, Top 40 country and classic rock stream the airwaves at each performance. Voted top country band for numerous years in Maryland and Virginia, Cedar Creek does not disappoint. Special guest Itchy Dog is a heavy soul shakin’ Blues and Rock group who brings a whole lotta funk and a bit of punk.

Food and Beverage vendors will be on site, so please no coolers or dogs. Also, bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

This is a ticketed event at $5 per person and children under the age of 12 are free with a paying adult.

Please visit www.kilmarnockva.com/kilmarnock-town-park to buy tickets and for more information.

Features more than 70 artifacts, documents, biographical profiles, and research panels that examine the war through the experiences of Lancaster County residents who served in the military and those who supported civilian efforts at home. The items, drawn from the museum’s permanent collection and on loan from community members, include uniforms, accessories, equipment, military certificates and service records, personal letters, soldier photographs, original war bond posters, and local Red Cross chapter notes.

The exhibit was researched and designed by museum volunteers Shaune Lee and Gay Chapman and executive director Karen Hart.  While the number of objects is extensive, this is also an exhibit focused on people, beginning with our wall of honor listing 366 Lancaster residents, white and African-American, known to have served in the Great War. Many were just old enough to enlist at 18 and many knew only the life of a farmer or waterman. Most returned safely, but four were killed from service action, accident, or disease.

Throughout the exhibit several individuals are highlighted whose lives and stories provide examples of varied war-time experiences. They range from Army to Navy to Marines, from artillery to ambulances on the front lines in France, and from aviation mechanic to doctor at stateside camps. Profiles include Charles Dixon, John Ashburn, Eldridge Revere, Oscar Chilton, Thomas Dix McGinnes, Dr. Chichester Peirce, William Leland Brent, Joseph Emory Currell, and Robert Dunaway. There are also letters home from Barron Didlake and Hannibal Potter serving in France.

Visitors to the exhibit will also learn about the role of women in the military and in civilian home front efforts.  Alma Ruth Ingram Burrell, a female yeoman at Norfolk Naval Base, and Army nurse Lila Combs Chilton are the only two known servicewomen from Lancaster.  Lila’s sister Bessie Combs Peirce volunteered as the Production Chairman for the Lancaster chapter of the American Red Cross, which kept women, in both white and African-American branches across the county, sewing and knitting for the soldiers and war refugees.  Women also had to adapt their household cooking and eating habits to conserve food for the troops and they faced the challenges of running farms and businesses while the men were away.

$5 requested admission donation 

15 area churches have come together to offer multicultural day.  The event kicks off with a prayer.  The stage will feature various musical entertainment throughout the day from gospel choirs, church group entertainment and youth musicians.   This event is a family affair with arts and craft vendors, health care programs, raffles, educational programs, ethnic and local seafood and children’s activities.

This event is FREE.

For more information contact:

Mary Lou Hollingshead at (703) 304-6609 or wakehouse@hotmail.com or Louis Belcher (804) 384-3811 louisbelcher@gmail.com

Join us! Seventh Annual Irvington Crab Festival to be held on Saturday August 18.

The festival takes place under a big tent in front of the Steamboat Era Museum. More then 750 people pick their way through bushels of crabs. Doors open at 4 pm and crabs are served at 5 pm. Soft drinks, hot dogs and BBQ are included.

The Last Day to Buy Irvington Crab Festival Tickets is August 15. Tickets will NOT be Sold at the Door.

All proceeds support the Steamboat Era Museum.This event always sells out and no tickets are sold at the door. Click for tickets.