Skip to main content

Newsroom

MRL to Host After-Hours Reception Celebrating Local History and Architecture

Massanutten Regional Library is pleased to announce a new digitization project featuring photographs of 67 historic homes from across Rockingham County, highlighting the stories and craftsmanship that have shaped the community. Old Houses of Rockingham County features photographs taken by Isaac Long “Jim” Terrell and his daughter Ann Terrell Baker among others and generously donated by Baker.

“Massanutten Regional Library has done a wonderful job preserving the history of Rockingham County through these photos of historic homes,” said Baker. “It’s been a privilege to work with them and a joy to reconnect with these homeowners who are caretakers of this special history.”

Baker will be delivering a special keynote presentation at the reception, held at the Central branch in Downtown Harrisonburg on Friday, May 1 from 5-7pm. Light refreshments and wine will be provided while guests enjoy learning more about the process of digitizing this collection with a demonstration by Emory Schelling, Madison Community Scholar Leader. Schelling, overseen by Adult Services Librarian Allison Brueckner, digitized the photographs and helped plan the reception as part of her role as a Madison Community Scholar Leader.

“This project reflects [MRL’s] commitment to preserving local history and making it accessible to everyone,” Brueckner said. “By making these images available online, we’re helping community members explore the homes, histories, and heritage that continue to shape Rockingham County.”

The reception, Picturing Where Stories Live: Old Houses in Rockingham County, is free and open to the public. Registration is requested but not required.

© 2026 Massanutten Regional Library

Powered by Firespring