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Local History & Genealogy

The Stewart Bell Jr. Archives is a local history and genealogy center jointly operated by the Handley Regional Library and the Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society. Our holdings include a variety of materials documenting the history of the Lower Shenandoah Valley from 1732 to the present, with an emphasis on the City of Winchester and Frederick County, Virginia. 

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Archives News & Events

FHH with Irish Flag

Finding your Irish Ancestors

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Elizabeth Knappenberger

Are you researching your family’s history?  Have you hit a brick wall in your research?  Do you have tips/strategies that you can share with others?  If so, Family History Hunters is the group for you!

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American Ancestors

American Ancestors: A New Database Offering

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Elizabeth Knappenberger

The Stewart Bell Jr. Archives is happy to announce a new database to help family researchers: American Ancestors.  From the New England Genealogical Society, this search engine provides access to 1.4 billion+ searchable records from the US and around the world.  Our membership also allows patrons to have access to the American Ancestors magazine and the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, two of genealogy’s leading print publications. 

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Mike Robinson

Local Tavern History with Mike Robinson: A Hungry for History Kickoff Event

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Elizabeth Knappenberger

Did you miss out on Hungry for History last year?  If so, you don't want to miss it this year.  Across Winchester and Frederick/Clarke County museums and historic sites in our community will offer a variety of programs and special events such as presentations, cooking demonstrations, hands-on activities, children’s activities, food tastings, special handouts and giveaways, displays of historic recipes, agriculture related programs and more.  To kick off the Hungry for History week, Stewart Bell Jr.

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