Big Read Keynote Address
Speaker - Sam Weller, Ray Bradbury Biographer
Where - R. R. Smith Center
When - Tuesday, March 9, 7:00
Cost - Free

To help kick-off the annual Big Read celebration, Sam Weller will discuss  Fahrenheit 451, the classic science-fiction novel by Ray Bradbury. Mr. Weller is  an expert on the life and work of Bradbury, and will shed light on why this particular book is so important to that genre, and to all readers of futuristic, political literature.

R. R. Smith Center Exhibit Gallery

Beginning on Tuesday, March 9, the Augusta County Historical Society will  present an exhibit on the novel Fahrenheit 451, as part of the Big Read. The  exhibit will deal with the question of what we would do if the burning of books was not only allowed and encouraged by our government, but actually carried out by local authorities. In the book, firefighters have been given an additional  responsibility far beyond what we expect. They burn books! Come see what this  may be like, and ponder for yourself what you would do in such a world.

Stuart Series Lecture

Speaker - The West Augusta Guard
Where - R. R. Smith Center
When - Tuesday, March 11, 7:00
Cost - $5 - Free to Members

The West Augusta Guard is alive and well. The famous local unit that made  history is still doing so, and as part of the Stuart Series Lectures, members will present a program titled "The West Augusta Guard: Interpreting  Heritage through Living History." As we approach the 150th anniversary year  of the beginning of the Civil War, make sure you are part of it by attending the  talk. Come early for a good seat.

Annual Spring Banquet and Silent Auction

Speaker - Noted Civil War Historian, Bud Robertson
Where - Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center
When - April 27, 6:00
Cost - $50.00 per person

As always, expect a wonderful meal, an outstanding talk, and an amazing array  of silent auction items. This event seems to get bigger and better every year,  so don't delay. Order your tickets today, and visit our website frequently for  more details on the auction items.

ACHS Day Trip to Winchester
Saturday, May 15

Few towns in the Shenandoah Valley are as charming as Winchester. Certainly  colonial and Civil War history draws many to visit, as do the historic homes,  quaint shops, and scenic drives. The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and Belle  Grove Plantation reach out to others. We are considering all of these options and more, so check back often. The details are just around the corner.

Annual Spring Meeting

Topic - "A Super-Scenic Motorway" - The Blue Ridge Parkway
Speaker - Ann Whisnant
Where - Summit Square - Waynesboro
When - May 16, 3:00
Cost - Free

The Blue Ridge Parkway is 75 years old, and Ann Whisnant will be helping us  to celebrate by discussing its history at the Augusta County Historical Society  Annual Spring Meeting. The meeting is open to the public and free of charge.

ACHS Day Trip to Lexington
Wednesday, July 21

Those of us who live in Augusta County are awfully proud of Staunton,  Waynesboro, and the many other towns and villages we have here. But we have to  admit a little jealousy when we consider our neighboring city down the road.  Lexington, to history buffs, is just plain cool. We will be visiting Lexington  on July 21, and hope you will be a part of the trip. Though the details haven't been completed yet, you can be sure that the day will be absolutely full, and you will learn more about this beautiful and historic place than you ever knew before.

ACHS Three Day, Two Night Kentucky Trip
August 20-22

Eastern Kentucky is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. It  is also one of the most historic. The ACHS Trips Committee is currently hard at work trying to decide exactly what to include in this package, but there are so  many things to choose from. Whether it's horses or history or scenery, or a dozen other wonderful options, we can't really lose. So mark your date book and  stay tuned.