In this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, we sit down with Rob Orrison, Manager of the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division, to talk about the Buckland Historic Center, also known as Buckland Mill—one of the county’s most historically rich and least-known treasures.
Located just off Route 29 near the Fauquier County line, Buckland was once a bustling mill town dating back to the 18th century. Today, it’s the focus of ongoing preservation efforts aimed at restoring its historic charm and opening it up to the public.
Orrison walks us through the area’s history, from its industrial beginnings to its strategic importance during the Civil War, and shares the county’s vision for transforming the site into an accessible destination for locals, students, and visitors alike.
We also learn about:
- How the county acquired the property
- What’s being done to preserve and interpret the site
- Plans for public tours, signage, and community engagement
Watch the full interview below:
For more information about the Buckland Historic Center, visit the county’s official site here:
pwcva.gov/department/historic-preservation/buckland-mill
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Prince William County’s Office of Historic Preservation is working to restore one of the county’s most overlooked historic homes — the Williams-Dawe House.
In a new episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, host Uriah Kiser sits down with Paige Gibbons-Backus, Historic Site Manager at the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Center, to talk about the home’s history, its many owners, and the extensive restoration work now underway.
Built in the 1820s, the Williams-Dawe House is believed to be the oldest surviving residence in Brentsville. Originally constructed for Jane Williams and her brother Philip Devereaux Dawe—both of whom were closely connected to the Prince William County courthouse system—the home sits directly across the street from the historic Brentsville Courthouse.
Although the house was once a stately structure known locally as the “White House,” years of vacancy and neglect left it overgrown and structurally damaged. In 2022, the county purchased the property to ensure its preservation and integration into the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Center.
Restoration efforts include roof repairs, chimney stabilization, and a full historic structures report to determine which parts of the house are original and which were added in later renovations, including a major restoration undertaken during World War II by the Webster family.
The Office of Historic Preservation hopes to eventually open the house to the public. In the meantime, residents can follow along, donate, or even share their own connections to Brentsville’s past.
Learn more about the project here:
Prince William County purchases the Williams-Dawe House, the oldest building in Brentsville
\Watch the full interview and explore more local stories on our YouTube channel:
Potomac Local News Podcast on YouTube
The farmland, the small-town life, and the memories that built Prince William County are fading fast. But one effort is working to preserve those stories before they’re gone for good.
In our latest Potomac Local News Podcast, we sat down with Lauren Maloy, Historic Communities Coordinator at the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation. She shared the mission behind the county’s oral history project, which collects and preserves personal stories from longtime residents, government officials, and people who have shaped the community in unique ways.
From firsthand accounts of Prince William’s rural roots to reflections on significant moments like the proposed Disney theme park in Haymarket and the Lorena Bobbitt and D.C. Sniper cases, these stories offer rare and vital insight into how the county has evolved.
The Office of Historic Preservation is actively looking for:
- Residents with deep roots and stories to share
- Volunteers to help transcribe interviews
- Suggestions of communities or individuals to feature
You can listen to the full conversation and learn how to get involved by watching our interview with Lauren Maloy on YouTube.
To learn more about the county’s preservation efforts or read transcripts of past interviews, visit:
Know someone with a story to tell? Reach out and help ensure the past isn’t forgotten.
Chief Allen Sibert of the Town of Haymarket Police Department is gearing up for the second annual Senior Summit, a free, one-of-a-kind event focused on empowering older adults with vital resources and protection from scams.
The event will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Park Valley Church, located at 4500 Waverly Farm Drive in Haymarket.
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Join us on this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast as host Uriah Kiser, founder and publisher of Potomac Local News, sits down with two stars of Jesus Christ Superstar—Anthony Nuccio (Judas Iscariot) and Kiley Ernest (Mary Magdalene). They discuss their roles, the energy of this iconic rock opera, and what makes this production at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg so special.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
- What makes Jesus Christ Superstar a rock opera instead of a traditional musical
- How the show brings a humanistic portrayal to biblical figures
- The high-energy music and vocal demands of performing in a rock opera
- The evolution of the show since its debut 55 years ago
- What audiences can expect from this dynamic production
Get your tickets now! Jesus Christ Superstar is live on stage through April 27th at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.
Visit riversidedt.com to book your seats!
Support local theater and experience this legendary musical like never before.
What’s your favorite song from Jesus Christ Superstar? Drop a comment below!
Historic Celebrations Are Coming to Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is preparing for two major milestones—the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026 and the 300th anniversary of Fredericksburg in 2028. On this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, we sit down with Sam McKelvey, Executive Director of the Fredericksburg Area Museum, to discuss the planning process, the importance of engaging the entire community, and what residents and visitors can expect.
What’s in Store for These Celebrations?
Signature Events & Community Engagement – Learn how the region is planning multi-year commemorations.
Fredericksburg’s Unique Role in American History – From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, Fredericksburg played a crucial role in shaping the nation.
New Museum Exhibits & Preservation Efforts – Discover updates at the Fredericksburg Area Museum, including the newly discovered 19th-century bateau found in the Rappahannock River.
Visit the Fredericksburg Area Museum
Website: famva.org
Open Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
Admission: Free to the public
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What are you most looking forward to as Fredericksburg prepares for its 300th anniversary? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Join us for this edition of the Potomac Local News Podcast as we sit down with Stafford County Board of Supervisors Chairman Deuntay Diggs to discuss some of the biggest issues facing Stafford County in 2025.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
- The county’s upcoming budget season – Will taxes go up? What are the funding priorities?
- The debate over data centers – Should they require special permits, or should Stafford encourage their growth?
- The future of economic development – What happened to promised retail, entertainment, and restaurants?
- Stafford’s new courthouse and whether a town center could still be in the works.
Chairman Diggs’ upcoming town hall (March 27) and how residents can get involved in their community.
About Potomac Local News Podcast:
We bring you the latest updates and in-depth conversations on local government, business, and community issues across Prince William County, Stafford County, Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Manassas Park.
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Welcome to the Potomac Local News Podcast. In this episode, host Uriah Kiser sits down with Dr. Janet Gullickson, President of Germanna Community College, as she reflects on her impactful tenure and upcoming retirement.
Dr. Gullickson has been instrumental in transforming Germanna into a leading institution, expanding opportunities for students, and driving innovative initiatives. We discuss her journey, the challenges she faced, and what’s next for the college and her own future.
Topics Covered:
- The evolution of Germanna Community College under her leadership
- The importance of community colleges in shaping local economies
- Her reflections on education, leadership, and the future of learning
- What’s next for Dr. Gullickson after retirement
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more local news and insightful conversations .
In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, host Uriah Kiser sits down with Craig Wade, President of the Prince William Association of Realtors, and Matthew Rathbun, President-Elect of the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors. They discuss the latest trends in the local real estate market, the impact of rising interest rates, and the challenges first-time homebuyers face in Northern Virginia.
The conversation also dives into the region’s housing inventory, with insights on the growing demand for homes and the lack of affordable options, especially in areas like Prince William, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. Craig and Matthew share their predictions for 2025, the future of smart growth, and the importance of balancing development with affordability.
Whether you’re considering buying or selling a home or just interested in local real estate trends, this episode offers valuable insights from two experts in the field.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more local news and conversations!
