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Our foundation vice chair, Lynn Pechuekonis, published a book! Man of Sterling Worth: Professor William A. Saunders of Storer College details the life of William Saunders, a professor at Storer College here in Harpers Ferry. We are so proud of Lynn, and we wanted to learn more about the book, so she was happy to answer some questions.

Q:  Who was William Saunders and what prompted you to write his…

While the iconic St. Peters Roman Catholic Church in Lower Town is surely the most well-known religious building in Harpers Ferry, the most forgotten may be the ramshackle structure at 1060 W. Ridge Street.

The gray-shingled John Wesley Church was once the place of worship for the black Methodist Episcopal congregation, organized as early as 1869. The cornerstone of the church dates its construction to 1879.

Always too small a congregation…

The U.S. Civil Rights movement can be said to have been advanced in Harpers Ferry, not only by the famous John Brown Raid, but through Storer College, the state’s first institution to provide secondary education to black citizens. Harpers Ferry – primarily due to Storer – also attracted permanent black residents, vacationers, entrepreneurs, and civil rights leaders like Frederick Douglass and W. E. B. DuBois.

Due to popular demand, the…

The rescue of a distinctive historic home in Bolivar has been recognized with an Excellence in Preservation Award by the Harpers Ferry – Bolivar Historic Town Foundation. The annual award highlights the work of Pam Leonard and John Flower for their contribution to maintaining and enhancing the architectural, historical, and cultural heritage of our community. Their preservation of the long-neglected house at…

Like you, we are eagerly waiting for the weather to improve so that we can get outside and partake in some fun activities around town. One activity you can do yourself is our Harpers Ferry Black Heritage Walking Tour. Get some fresh air and learn about all sorts of fascinating historical figures such as Dr. Madison Briscoe.

Madison S. Briscoe was…

By Dolores Jackson Foster

Ms. Jackson Foster is a Foundation board member and native of Harpers Ferry. After graduating from Shepherd College (now Shepherd University), she taught at her former high school, Page-Jackson High School in Charles Town.   She moved to New Jersey and, after 40 years, retired as an Elementary School Principal.   In 2014 she moved back to Harpers Ferry and spends her time as a volunteer for community…