Albemarle County is known for its natural beauty, and the trees and forests in the area anchor the County’s landscape. Trees were an integral part of early settlers’ lives and work, and they fueled one of Albemarle’s most important industries–lumber. The story of the trees–use, overuse, and conservation–is the story of the growth of the County, both socially and economically.

The exhibit, which will open with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, 7 September in the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society’s exhibit hall in the McIntire Building downtown, is primarily the work of guest curator Catherine Anne Daley, a University of Virginia summer intern through the Institute for Public History. Her stipend was awarded from the Historical Society’s 1857 Fund, whose purpose is to encourage research on local topics by those affiliated with the University.

The exhibit will trace Albemarle County’s use of forest products from the time of the Monacans to the present day and will feature forestry tools belonging to the first State Forester, Richard Chapin Jones. Society Vice-President Steven Meeks has also loaned his family’s collection of tools, traditional split-oak baskets, and locally-made oak chairs. Historic photographs and paper ephemera illustrate the history of local lumber companies, including Barnes, Charlottesville, King, Augusta, and Crozet Lumber Companies.

Posted by river queen in Albemarle, News