Valley Female Seminary Records

481 THL MMF

Inventory created by Archives Staff 09/19.

ACCESS RESTRICTIONS: Collection is open to all researchers.

USE RESTRICTIONS: Restrictions may apply concerning the use, photoduplication, or publication of items in this collection. Consult a member of the archives staff for information concerning these restrictions. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright.

EXTENT: 3 folders (5 items)

DATE: 1867 - 1884

SCOPE AND CONTENT: The Valley Female Seminary Records contains a pamphlet, catalog, commencement program, and certificates of completion from the school.

BIOGRAPHICAL/HISTORICAL: Ann Evelina Tucker Magill (1809 -1875) and her daughters, Mary Tucker Magill and Ann Evelina Hunter Magill, established the Valley Female Seminary in 1866. The school was located on the corner of Main and Cork Streets and attracted some of Winchester’s most prominent families. Later, the school moved to a house known as Angerona on Fairmont Avenue. Following the death of Anne Magill, Mary and Ann Evelina continued operating the school until failing health forced them to close its doors for good. 

The school’s founder, Ann Magill, was the daughter of law professor and U.S. Congressman Henry St. George Tucker.  After the death of her husband, Dr. Alfred Magill, Mrs. Magill and her daughters moved to Winchester. Her daughter, Mary Tucker Magill (1830 – 1899) wrote fiction and several histories of Virginia for use in schools, as well as being an early advocate of exercise for women.   

CITE AS: Valley Female Seminary, 481 THL MMF, Stewart Bell Jr. Archives, Handley Regional Library, Winchester, VA, USA.

ACQUISITION INFORMATION: Acquired as a gift.

ORGANIZATION:

FILED BOX MMF #133 Val – Van

Folder 1 -- Catalog & Circular (folder includes the following):      
Catalogue and Circular of the Valley Female Seminary, Winchester, VA. 1867-1868 session; 14 leaves, printed, cover includes picture of school; fragile
Valley Female Institute, history and overview of school services, 8 leaves, includes handwritten note on back suggesting to a friend to send his daughter to this school.

Folder 2 – Certificates (folder includes the following):         
Certificate of Distinction to Miss Mollie Grim in arithmetic, June 24, 1870 signed by the Magills, script on printed form
Certificate of Proficiency to Miss Mollie Grim in physical geography, June 27, 1870 signed by the Magills, script on printed form

Folder 3 – Commencement Invitation and Program , June 27 and 28^, 1870, 1 item, printed; handwritten script in ink “Compliments of Miss Sophie Schmid”