Organized by the Historic Waterford Foundation, this in-person walking tour will focus on the history and architecture of the village of Waterford, focusing on Black History Sites. Waterford was within the part of Loudoun County known as the Underground Railroad route. It was also a haven for free Blacks. Settled by Quakers, the village offered more opportunities for African Americans than most other places in the south. Black historic sites in the village are numerous, and include Second Street School, a one-room school funded by Quakers; a Freedmen’s Bureau which served Black residents from 1867 to 1957; and the John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church, a Gothic Revival church built by and for African Americans in 1891. The town has many other well preserved homes and workplaces where free and enslaved African Americans lived and worked.
The tour is organized and conducted by the non-profit Waterford Foundation, which has played an important role in revitalizing Waterford and providing information and tours for the public.
Open to the public.
Tickets $20, $15 for Children ages 12 and under. Registration required
https://aianova.org/event.php?eventID=2239
On Sunday, Oct. 8, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 37018 Glendale Street in Purcellville, is hosting their annual Bless the Pets event in celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, nature’s saint. This special service will be at 9:30 a.m., rain or shine. The community is invited to bring their animal friends of all sizes to be blessed.
“This annual event is an opportunity for church members and community friends to remember St. Francis’ devotion to God’s creatures and bless those that are such a blessing to us,” said Father Tom Simmons, of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
Rescue groups PetConnect and HART will have a several animals available to adopt and provide loving homes to these deserving creatures.
Please be sure that small animals are in a proper carrier and large or potentially quarrelsome animals are properly restrained.
More information can be found at www.stpetes.net.