Culpeper in pictures

When the town of Culpeper was founded in 1759, photographs were the stuff of science fiction.

Now, they’re an integral part of our local history.

In preparation for the town’s 250th anniversary, two businesses are collecting photographs and helping the Museum of Culpeper History preserve them.

The community is asked to contribute old and recent photos of events or places in Culpeper; they will be scanned and displayed at the 250th anniversary celebrations Sept. 19-20.

Information should include the names of people and buildings, if available, as well as the photo’s approximate date. Civic groups, organizations, and private community members are encouraged to donate, and all photos can be returned upon request.

The idea originated when John Croft of Croft Communications was brainstorming with the Culpeper Ruritan Club.

“I wanted the community to feel involved and new residents to understand Culpeper’s history and why there is a community feel where people help each other.” Croft said.

Together with Kelly Rozwadowski of K Art and Design, Croft sought a community organization to spearhead the idea, and the Museum of Culpeper History rose to the occasion.

“It’s a win-win because we can use their photos and they end up getting part of their archives digitized.” she said. “And we needed an organization that would serve as an umbrella for the project.”

The final product will be a large display, with photos by the decade, presented during the anniversary weekend. Afterward, the displays will be given to the museum to become part of its archives.

“Culpeper is changing so fast, and it’s exciting, especially for new people coming in, to see how it used to be,” said Rozwadowski, who moved to Culpeper in 2005. “It’s a cool way to record the history of Culpeper up to this point. But it’s a legacy project and can be added onto.”

Croft and Rozwadowski hope to make the display a community project that Culpeper can cherish for generations to come.

“People get excited to see people they recognize, and it’s fun to see what culminated,” Rozwadowski said. “A lot of the (250th anniversary) events are just to attend. This is something where the community can contribute.”

Your photos are needed
Drop off photographs of Culpeper (streets, events, buildings, etc.) at the Museum of Culpeper History, 803 S. Main St. or the Department of Tourism, 111 S. Commerce St. Digital photos can be e-mailed to kelly@k-artand
design.com. Include as much information as possible, such as names, location and approximate date. Photos can be returned upon request. The deadline is Sept. 4.

- For more: Visit culpeper250th.org for a list of events during the anniversary weekend Sept. 19-20.