Photo courtesy of BCHS
The Botetourt County Historical Society celebrated its 18th Annual Founder’s Day Dinner on Sunday, October 4, at The Glebe in Daleville, bringing together community members, supporters, and history enthusiasts for an evening celebrating Botetourt County’s rich heritage.
This year’s event held special significance as the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence and the Historical Society celebrates its own milestone of 60 years preserving and sharing Botetourt County’s history.
The evening featured William “Bill” Barker, the nation’s premier historical interpreter of Thomas Jefferson. Barker, who portrayed Jefferson for more than two decades at Colonial Williamsburg and now serves as Jefferson at Monticello, brought the nation’s third president to life for attendees.
His presentation explored Jefferson’s life, ideas, and connections to Virginia, including the region’s ties to Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s expedition, Colonel James Breckinridge, and Natural Bridge. These connections offered guests a distinctly local perspective on a familiar figure in American history.
The Society also presented the Emily Honts Award to Roblyn Brand and Delegate Terry Austin in recognition of their contributions to preserving and celebrating Virginia’s history. Brand is a longtime member of the BCHS Board of Directors and an active supporter of the museum and Historic Greenfield. Austin serves as Chair of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), helping lead the Commonwealth’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The Society also took a moment to recognize the lasting contributions of Joseph B. Buhrman, a founding member and longtime supporter of BCHS. Through his will, Buhrman left his home to the Society, and the proceeds from that generous gift enabled BCHS to purchase its current museum building at 26 East Main Street in Fincastle. His legacy continues to support the Society’s mission of preserving and sharing Botetourt County’s rich history.
The Botetourt County Historical Society extends its sincere gratitude to the event’s sponsors, members, volunteers, Board of Directors, and the staff at The Glebe for helping make the evening a success. This year’s financial sponsors include Bank of Botetourt, John Alderson Insurance Agency, Ed & Betty Holt, FirstBank, Ikenberry Orchards and Country Store, The Glebe, Roanoke Cement, and Heritage Family Market. Special thanks goes to everyone whose continued support allows the Society to preserve Botetourt County’s stories for future generations.
As the Society reflects on six decades of service, Founder’s Day served as a reminder that local history remains an important part of the larger American story—and that preserving it is a community effort.
~ Submitted by BCHS
