Fauquier Heritage & Preservation Foundation

The life-giving contributions of Gott, Sinclair, and Thompson, coupled with the continuing efforts and generosity of community leaders, business people, educators, and area residents, has steadily advanced the goals of the new Foundation, a non-profit organization.

The recent merger between The Fauquier Heritage Society and the Olde Salem-Marshall Preservation Foundation to form the Fauquier Heritage and Preservation Foundation, Inc. allows the commitment of joint resources without changing the goal for both organizations: The preservation of the Old Salem Meetinghouse in Marshall as the permanent home of over 50,000 archival materials - a documented, enduring legacy of our region.

The Mission Statement continues to be:
To discover, procure and preserve whatever may relate to the history of Fauquier County, Virginia and to the genealogy of Fauquier County families; and to educate and disseminate this knowledge to local residents, students and to the general public.

Robert L. Sinclair and John K. Gott

In the spring of 1993, a group of individuals met to discuss a concept that would provide the residents of Northern Fauquier County with a gift that few communities ever receive - a documented lasting legacy.

At that meeting, the Fauquier Heritage Society* was born, yet the story had actually begun earlier when noted local historian and author John K. Gott, contemplated where he might donate his vast collection of Fauquier area historical books, papers and genealogical materials.

In all, Gott's library collection consisted of over 3,000 books, papers, maps, photographs and records. Talks with interested Marshall community leaders followed, and the Heritage Society was organized. As many know, there is a historical society in Warrenton, but it's primary focus is on collecting objects. "It's not a library," Gott noted.

In donating his material for public research, Gott had one condition: the successful formation of a society where an appropriate facility could serve as a museum and archives. As a result, a temporary location was found through the generosity of George R. Thompson, who donated the use of the old Maddux office building while renovations on the future home continue at the Old Salem Meetinghouse.

Officers and Directors Elected September 22, 1999

President:
Robert L. Sinclair

Vice President:
Donald R. Yowell

Recording Secretary:
Wendy P. Emery

Treasurer:
Anita L. Shull

Board of Directors:
Walter Story
Jack Lynch
Daniel deButts
Henry Baxley
John K. Gott
G. Edward Ashby
James L. Lawrence

Maureen Lawrence
Joan Fries
Peter Van Demen
Marie S. Glascock
Mary D. Scott
Tom Davis
Robert S. Clark
Patrick Debrow

Advisory Board:

Linda Ecoles
Jack Lamonica
Bob Trumbo

Charles Ebbets
Natalie Stevenson
Thomas W. diZerega

Col. Joseph L. Wood
Josephine Carter
Lillian Furr

For additional information about the Fauquier Heritage and Preservation Foundation, membership information, or ways to support the Foundation efforts, please call (540) 364-3440 or visit our web site at: www.fhs.org*