DUMFRIES– A little over one year since the Weems-Botts museum renovated, changed the way they portrayed their history and reopened.
The change was welcomed by the community and tourism in Dumfries is on the rise.
Dan Cook, tourism marketing manager for Prince William County states in an email, “Museum staff projected attendance to be 18,000 in Fiscal 2019 and had reported 11,500 in FY17.  The museum and its two hotels are the main tourism drivers in the town.”
Lisa Timmerman is the new executive site manager. She took over managing the museum from Karleen Kovalcik several months ago. They share a similar vision for the museum and the historical narrative they want to portray to the public.
Timmerman states in an email, “Ms. Kovalcik and I both emphasize that [Historic Dumfries] is a non-profit organization and that focusing on our haunted folklore does not support our mission. Instead, we focus on the historic heritage of the house and community, educating people on what a fantastic nautical history Dumfries really has. However, we still want to engage those who love a ghost story, and we do so with our Ghost Walks in October – every Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.”
Kovalcik and Timmerman were looking deeper for more stories to accurately portray the full history of the museum, like the one of Violet Merchant.
“Violet Merchant was quite the superstar, and truly demonstrated the independence of early 20th century women. We knew that she worked in Washington D.C. in the early 1900s, but we also located a 1915 “Report of Ratings – Skilled Laborer” from the United States Civil Service Commission “grading” her work and even appearance. Her photographs show a brilliant and dedicated woman. We are also learning more about the other children as well. For example, we suspect that Mary was not actually secluded due to her illness, and are still researching our files to learn more from the primary document,” Timmerman said.
Timmerman has a clear vision for the future of the museum that includes really engaging the public.
“My vision is to help showcase the awesome history of Dumfries and remind every one of the treasure nearby in Prince William County. As a small museum, we offer many ways for the public to engage with us directly, and I am always happy to take guests on a tour or chat about the latest historical trends in museums. We are always happy to welcome new visitors as well, and my volunteers really help bring different and fresh perspectives to our museum,” Timmerman said.
This month, the Historic Dumfries will hold a Children’s Day at the Museum sponsored by Walmart on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. The event will focus on historic holiday traditions in the U.S. through the late 1800s.
Recent Stories
Osbourn Park High School has received the Virginia School Breakfast Award from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for its success in expanding breakfast access, maintaining nutritional integrity, and serving more scratch-cooked meals. The school is one of three recipients this year.
Cafeteria manager Nidia Bruno expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the team’s dedication to feeding students. Andrea Early, director of Food and Nutrition, noted that breakfast participation at Osbourn Park has increased by 30% and praised the cafeteria team for efficiently managing the expanded program. The school benefits from the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students.
(FXBG Advance) – Local delegates Joshua Cole, a Democrat, and Hillary Pugh Kent, a Republican, have been appointed to an emergency committee that will monitor the impact to Virginia of the…
Nothing Bundt Cakes has officially opened its doors just outside Manassas, bringing its signature, handcrafted bundt cakes to the community. The Prince William Chamber of Commerce celebrated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new bakery at 9825 Liberia Avenue, Suite 101.
The popular national bakery chain, known for its rich, moist cakes and signature cream cheese frosting, offers a variety of flavors and sizes, from bite-sized Bundtinis to 10-inch Bundt cakes perfect for special occasions. The store aims to be a go-to destination for birthdays, anniversaries, and everyday celebrations.
“We are ecstatic to have them join the thriving business community in Prince William County,” said a representative from the Chamber. “Their presence adds to the diverse selection of locally owned and franchised businesses that make this area a great place to shop and dine.”
Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia recently secured convictions in multiple high-profile cases. A Maryland man was convicted of trafficking cocaine and fentanyl to Fredericksburg, while a Stafford man was found guilty of assaulting a deaf passenger during a flight. A Honduran national was sentenced for illegally reentering the U.S. and failing to register as a sex offender, and a Dumfries man pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds. Each case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to hold criminals accountable. Read on for case details and links to full press releases.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
