December 2019
Old School, Waterford, Virginia
A Message from the Executive Director
As we near the end of 2019, I've been reflecting on the generous support of all our donors and supporters. Preserving our National Historic Landmark is a big job, but it is a job that is made easier with the support of a large group of dedicated and generous people. Thank you to those of you who gave this week during #GivingTuesday! The support of all our members and donors throughout the year makes our important preservation and education work possible!

In this last newsletter of 2019, we recognize the many contributions of our Preservation Director, Margaret Good as she prepares for retirement. Those of you who know Margaret, know that she leaves big shoes to fill and that she will be greatly missed! Please plan to join us for her retirement party in late January 2020.

As you consider making an end of year gift, read about our accomplishments this year through the generosity of donors like you. Look for the link to register for one of our many Waterford Craft School classes on the schedule for next spring and summer. Read on to hear about our Annual Volunteer Party and those who were recognized for their outstanding service. And don't miss a reference to holiday traditions from Waterford's past in this months Stories From Waterford !

Thank you!
Stephanie C. Thompson
Executive Director
p.s. Remember, your gift preserves our National Historic Landmark for future generations! Visit www.waterfordfoundation.org/donate to make your end-of-year gift today!
Happy Retirement to Waterford Foundation Preservation Director, Margaret Good!
Margaret Goode (right) chair caning with Waterford Craft School instructor Pamela Foster
It 's a bittersweet time when a dedicated and talented leader retires, and this is certainly the case with the approaching retirement of Margaret Good, Preservation Director of the Waterford Foundation! Margaret will be retiring at the end of December. We wanted to take this opportunity to thank Margaret for the many years she put her heart and soul into the mission of the Foundation.

Margaret first became involved with the Waterford Foundation when she moved to the village with her husband Ed in 1994. Just a few months later, she found herself volunteerin g for the Waterford Fair. Over the next 25 years, Margaret wore a lot of hats! She headed up the Mill for 9 years and served two terms on the board of directors beginning in 1997. Throughout her board service, she served as President, Vice President, Treasurer and as a member on several committees. She has also filled in as acting and interim executive director, interim executive director, director of development, director of properties and land use, and finally, director of preservation.

When asked to describe her fondest memories of her time at the Waterford Foundation, Margaret said, " There were so many! " A few that came to mind were sharing her Waterford home for various benefits and gaining a better understanding of the role of preservation. She has been able to share this passion with the public, volunteers, visitors - and even her grandchildren!

She is particularly proud to have been involved with the protection of Phillips Farm and other lands within the Waterford National Historic Landmark, including nearly doubling the county historic district designation in size as part of a goal to match the county historic district boundaries with the Landmark boundaries. She has also found it rewarding to work with county officials and like-minded colleagues in various organizations to help preserve Waterford. Boy Scouts joining the preservation effort through Eagle Scout projects have been particularly inspirational. Recently, Margaret worked with the US Department of the Interior to update Waterford's Landmark designation.

Margaret reiterated that she has hopes for the Waterford Foundation's continued success. She said, " What this small nonprofit has accomplished in the past 75 years is very remarkable and most of it primarily with thanks to volunteers who have been determined to protect this unique heritage site. I have always been most proud to represent the Foundation over my years here."
 
Moving forward to retirement, Margaret is sure she won't be still long. She plans to spend more time with her husband, children, and grandchildren and to remain active in the preservation community.

(She says she will let us know when she finds that pot of gold!)
End-of-the-Year Giving Season is Here!
If you are reading this, we sure could use your help during this holiday giving season! The Waterford Foundation continues to maintain the historic buildings of the Waterford National Historic Landmark and long-established programs, such as the famous Waterford Fair and Second Street School.

With donor support, we have even expanded programming with the creation of Waterford Craft School, the Annual Historic Run and educational summer camps, which grow with each passing year. On the preservation front, the Waterford Foundation went to bat for historic and land preservation as Loudoun County developed its 30-year Comprehensive Plan this summer. We were pleased that language was included to allow for special consideration of historic properties in updates to the zoning ordinance.

These programs mean so much to us, and we know they mean a lot to you. Please help us reach our end of the year fundraising goal and help sustain our mission into the New Year and beyond. Any amount is appreciated, and all donations over $50 qualify you for a 1-year membership to the Waterford Foundation, which includes Fair tickets, Waterford Craft School discounts, and mention in our annual report. To donate any amount online, click the graphic above, or visit www.waterfordfoundation.org/donate !

Thank you so much for your ongoing support of our preservation and education programs!
Register Now for 2020 Waterford Craft School!
Classes are posted!
You can choose from 20+ weekend " Make by Hand " weekend craft classes right now! Register for the classes of your choice at:

Member Discount!
Members of the Waterford Foundation receive $25 off any full-day or multi-day Waterford Craft School class. Use discount code MEM-20-WCS at checkout!

Gift Certificates Available!
We all have one (or two!) loved ones who seem to have everything -- they are just so hard to buy for! If you have someone like this on your gift list, consider giving a gift certificate to Waterford Craft School! Your loved one can choose among 20+ "Make By Hand" weekend classes being offered in 2020! Best yet, gift certificates are available in increments of $10!
75th Annual Waterford Fair Ornament
Approx size is 3'' X 3.5''
You can still buy your limited-edition 75th Annual Waterford Fair porcelain ornament ($75/ea) made by Fair Vendor Anne Piazza in time for Christmas!

Proceeds support the Waterford Foundation. Due to fragility of item, you must pick-up your ornament Tuesday-Friday at the Waterford Foundation.
Annual Volunteer Party at the Old School
The evening of Friday, November 8th Waterford Foundation board members and staff gathered with our awesome army of dedicated volunteers to celebrate their contributions to our preservation and education mission!

We enjoyed laughter, conversation, and good food and wine as we recalled the past year. As with previous years, programs like the Waterford Fair and Second Street School simply would not exist without the dedication and skill of volunteers. Awards were presented to volunteers of note by Executive Director Stephanie Thompson and Fair Director Tracy Kirkman. Below are the winners of the 2019 Waterford Foundation Volunteer Awards:

  • Lenie McCaron for her contributions to the first Feast With Friends event
  • Mary Hayford for her work as a Homes Tour docent
  • Laurie Goddin for her years of service on the Waterford Fair Homes Tour Committee and for coordinating homestays for artisan
  • Valerie Bishop for her technical expertise at the Mill Consignment at the Waterford Fair
  • Patricia Taylor Holtz for her fresh approach to staging the Mill Consignment at the Waterford Fair
  • Pam Allen for her work organizing the Historic Trail Run
  • Edith Crockett for her contributions to the archives collection and for the successful attainment of grant funds from Loudoun Preservation Society
  • Jeff Bean for his reliability to help whenever needed with sound equipment and property repairs
In Memory of Bob Schmitt
Photograph from buffalonews.com
The staff and board of the Waterford Foundation was saddened to hear of the passing of Robert "Bob" Schmitt. Robert passed away October 31, 2019 in his hometown of Buffalo, New York.

Bob lived on Church Street in Waterford and served on the 2015-2016 board of directors. He was an early champion of the Waterford Craft School, which has been a growing success since its establishment in 2016.

Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle who will be dearly missed.
Thank You to Our New & Renewing Members!
Memberships provide a vital portion of the Waterford Foundation's funds to pay for the upkeep and repair of thirteen properties protected by the Waterford Foundation, as well as programs like the  Second Street School  living history program, the  Waterford Craft School , the  Waterford Fair , and special programs throughout the year. We would like to thank the following new and renewing members who have joined or renewed in June 2019!
New & Renewing Members: November 2019
Mr. and Mrs. John Caron and Nancy Doane
Mr. and Mrs. Howard C. Dew
Ms. Marianne Doyle
Mr. Michael Endres
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Houston
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Imwalle
Ms. Patricia Morris
Dr. and Mrs. Ernie J. Smith
Mr. Carl Schyder and Ms. Jane Williams
Our Sustaining Members are: Mr. and Mrs. Goode (Joe and Annie), Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Hale (Bob and Susanne), Ms. Joan Kowalski, Mr. Ed Lehman and Ms. Edith Crockett, Robert and Stephanie Thompson, and Ms. Wendy Roseberry and Mr. Brian Whelan. To become a sustaining member, click here .
Next month, we will acknowledge our new and renewing December 2019 members!
Host Your Event at a
Waterford Foundation Venue!
Are you looking forward to a social event in the New Year? The Waterford Foundation offers spaces for weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, meetings, piano and ballet recitals, and more! Email [email protected] for rates and amenities.
The Old School Auditorium

  • Seats 140 banquet-style, 200 theater-style
  • Includes spacious catering kitchen
  • Includes 13 6' tables and 200 chairs
  • Stage with Carvin speakers, microphone, and mixer
  • Beautiful private covered outdoor portico
  • ADA-accessible
The John Wesley Church

  • 1891 Greek Revival Church with original pews, floors, windows
  • Fellowship hall downstairs seats 75 banquet style
  • Modern bathrooms and kitchenette
  • Central heat and air conditioning
  • Parking available at Old School
  • Located in heart of historic district
Stories from Waterford
A Waterford Holiday Delicacy of Yesteryear
The holidays have always been a time for gathering with family, friends -- and food! Below are the recollections of Waterford native John Divine on this special time of year in Waterford.
From the book "When Waterford and I Were Young" by John E. Divine, Bronwen Souders & John Souders. 1996. Published by the Waterford Foundation.
"At Thanksgiving and Christmas, the meat shop handled oysters. The only time I ever ate oysters was a those tow dates: at $6.00 per gallon, they were a real delicacy. Orders were placed about tend days in advance and they were received a day or two before the holiday. The gallon cans, packed in ice were shipped up on the railroad to Paonian Springs. Later, when Minor James got a Model T truck, he would drive to wharf in Washington, D.C. to get them."
Click here to purchase your own copy of " When Waterford and I Were Young " online from the Waterford Foundation.
Waterford Foundation | 540-882-3018 | Email | Website