Because History Matters
What’s Waiting For You At Rocktown History?
Buy a book, or make a day of it!
Whether you’re just passing through or you’re a regular visitor to our museum and library, a fascinating experience always awaits at Rocktown History. Take some time to enjoy a self-guided tour of the many exhibits, and you will encounter precious objects of days gone by and discover stories of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County that can’t be found elsewhere.
You’ll also want to join us for special events and educational programming like Third Thursday Talks, exhibit openings, and workshops. You’ll learn from insightful and engaging experts on topics related to our rich local history and their relevance to life today.
If your own roots are what you seek, Rocktown History is your research headquarters. We’re home to an extensive genealogy library with access to national ancestry databases. Our knowledgeable staff and volunteers are ready to help you, no matter where your roots were planted.
Plus, you won’t want to pass up the opportunity to dive deeper into the topics that interest you. The bookstore offers unique history titles and research resources to take home.
The treasures of the past are waiting for you at Rocktown History.
Plan your visit today.
Upcoming Events
The Life of a Printer’s Devil
The Stories of Emory H. Shoemaker Thursday, November 21, 2024, 7pm | In-Person & Zoom Webinar With William L. (Bill) Zirk, Sr. Bill Zirk has recently transcribed, compiled, and published the personal writings of his father-in-law, Emory Shoemaker. Shoemaker’s stories offer a vivid account…
Pairings with a Purpose!
Wine and Chocolate with Notes of History A Rocktown History Fundraiser, Thursday, November 14, 2024, 7 pm, at Hotel Madison in Harrisonburg $75 Rocktown History members, $80 non-members. Other discounted options available. Lounge, laugh, and learn with us— Enjoy a relaxing evening of wine…
Rocktown History Coffee Mill
The Rocktown History Coffee Mills are brewing up stories from the past! This series of informal gatherings offers you a unique museum experience with Rocktown History’s own curator, researcher, historians, and other local history and genealogy friends. Come get a peek at a featured…
Featured Exhibit
The Only Recreation We Had
Exhibit season opening day: April 19, 2024 This year, the Rockingham County Baseball League celebrates 100 years! In the 1920s, baseball wasn’t just a game—it was the center of communities in the Shenandoah Valley. This exhibit honors the competitions, the athletes, and the people who…
“Getting the Job Done”
The Story of Rockingham Construction Co., Inc., 1937-1987
By Nancy Bondurant Jones | Updates and Appendices by Winston Weaver Jr. and Carl Martin
Previously unpublished and now updated
Silver Lake
200 Years of a Shenandoah Valley Mill & Community
By Cheryl Lyon | Forewords by Penny Imeson and Sam Funkhouser
Peggy’s War
Great introduction to a little-known chapter in Harrisonburg-Rockingham history
By Karl Rhodes
Genealogy
Family and Local History Research
Whether or not you are Harrisonburg-Rockingham rooted, experienced staff and volunteers are waiting to help you with your family tree or your topic of historical interest.
ORDER RESEARCH
Collection Highlights
The collection of objects and ephemera are the primary source for connecting to the stories of the past.
Klingstein Collection
During WWI, a French family nursed soldier Emmanuel Klingstein (1894-1971) during the 1918 influenza outbreak. The family donated letters and photos in 2020.
Fraktur Document
Pennsylvania Germans brought the tradition of recording significant life events on decorated documents to Rockingham Co. Fraktur are valued for artistic and genealogical details.
Toy Automobile
During the Great Depression, the Sharon Corporation produced toy cars at Eastern Mennonite University as a work study program to help students stay enrolled.
