“Guiding Hands, Shared Histories: Women Who Shaped Our Communities” is the first of a three-part series – “The Ties That Bind: Women Who Bridged Two Worlds” – hosted by the Clermont Foundation and the Josephine School Community Museum. (Other programs are on July 18 and Aug. 29.)

Today’s program highlights extraordinary women who shaped the history of both locations. Their stories illuminate leadership, resilience, and the evolution of women’s roles across the 19th and 20th centuries.

Program begins at 1:30 p.m. at Clermont Farm (151 Clermont Lane, Berryville). Then, visitors drive approximately 1.5 miles to the Josephine School Community Museum (303 Josephine St., Berryville).

At the farm, the focus is its history with emphasis on the women who owned it. Ellen Jett McCormick owned the farm after the Civil War and her husband’s death. She was concerned with land management and stewardship. In the late 20th century, her great-granddaughter Elizabeth Rust Williams followed in Ellen’s footsteps. A trailblazing attorney and first female judge in the 26th Circuit, Ms. Williams advocated for the preservation of the 362-acre farm, ensuring Clermont’s permanent protection through one of Virginia’s largest heritage gifts.

At the museum, the focus is on Rosetta Clay, who was a lifelong resident of Josephine City. Her legacy includes the creation of the Black history museum she championed. In the 1990s, Ms. Clay was part of the small grassroots movement determined to turn the circa 1882 Josephine City School into a Black history museum. She worked tirelessly raising funds, asking for memorabilia, and working with local government to make the museum a reality.

When: May 16, 2026
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Where: Clermont Farm Foundation & The Josephine School Community Museum
Tickets: $10 per adult; FREE for students 18 and younger and seniors 65 and older.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with history and see what’s happening at Clermont! Tag your friends and plan your visit today!

This Virginia 250 event will begin in the historic main house at Audley Farm, where historian Joeseph Whitehorne will give a 45-minute talk and answer questions about his research into the life and legacy of Edward Snickers—the first comprehensive update in 50 years. Edward Snickers (ca. 1727-1790) was a Commissary and Paymaster to Virginia Revolutionary War troops in what is now Clarke County, and a friend and business associate of George Washington, who offered him the Wagonmaster Generalship of the Continental Army. He was the operator of the ferry over the Shenandoah below “Snickers Gap” (Rt. 7), and owner of Clermont Farm 1770-1790.

Following the presentation, attendees are invited directly across Rt. 7 to Edward Snickers’ home during the Revolution at Clermont Farm, where light refreshments will be provided.

When: May 23, 2026
Time: 1:30pm
Where: Audley Farm & Clermont Farm Foundation
Tickets: $10 per person Children under 12 are FREE
Contact Office@clermontfarm.org, or follow ticket link below

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with history and see what’s happening at Clermont! Tag your friends and plan your visit today!

This VA250 event will honor Major Lloyd W. Williams USMC—Clarke County native and Marine hero of Belleau Wood (“Retreat Hell, We Just Got Here!”) in WWI—through an afternoon of history, interpretation, and hospitality at Clermont Farm. The event highlights Clermont’s deep military roots—from the French & Indian War to WWII—while engaging the community, veterans, and history enthusiasts in an educational and celebratory experience.

With the purchase of a $25 ticket, guests will enjoy:

A wine reception featuring Veramar Vineyard wines
— Guests 21 and over will receive two glasses of wine

Guided access to historic rooms connected to Major Lloyd W. Williams’ childhood

Special displays of Marine Corps memorabilia and uniforms highlighting Clermont’s rich military history

An immersive afternoon of history, hospitality, and community at the beautiful Clermont Farm

Community Sponsors: Josephine School Community Museum

When: June 6, 2026
Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Where: Clermont Farm
Tickets: $25 per adult

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with history and see what’s happening at Clermont! Tag your friends and plan your visit today!

Meet the Lambs & Tour Our Working Farm!
Join us for a 90-minute guided tour where you’ll meet our adorable lambs and see life on a working farm up close! Explore our historic buildings, learn about ongoing preservation projects, and discover what makes Clermont Farm so special.

When: June 27, 2026
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Where: Clermont Farm Foundation
Tickets: $10 per person Children under 10 are FREE
Contact Office@clermontfarm.org, or follow ticket link below

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with history and see what’s happening at Clermont! Tag your friends and plan your visit today!

Part Two of the Summer Series: The Ties That Bind – Women Who Bridged Two Worlds
Presented by the Clermont Foundation & the Josephine School Community Museum
This second program in our shared three-part series turns to one of the most profound stories connecting Clermont and Josephine City: the intertwined lives of farm owner Ellen Jett McCormick and Josephine, the enslaved woman whose journey from bondage to landownership helped establish a thriving Black community in Clarke County.
About the Program
The afternoon begins at 1:30 p.m. at Clermont Farm (151 Clermont Lane, Berryville). Afterward, visitors will make the short 1.5‑mile drive to the Josephine School Community Museum (303 Josephine St., Berryville).
At Clermont
We look closely at the life of Ellen Jett McCormick, who inherited Clermont and adjoining properties following her husband’s death in 1870. During this time, she also held Josephine and other African Americans in enslavement.
As financial pressures mounted, Ellen was compelled to sell parcels of land — a moment that opened a path for transformation. Josephine, now a free woman, negotiated the purchase of property that became the foundation for a new Black community, later known as Josephine City.
At the Josephine School Community Museum
The program continues with a deeper exploration of Josephine’s life after emancipation — her negotiations, her leadership, and her enduring role in shaping a free and resilient community. Her story is one of determination, agency, and the creation of a place where families could build new futures.
Tickets $10 per adult
FREE for students (18 and under) and seniors (65+)

Conservation Efforts Tour at Clermont Farm!
Join us for a 90-minute guided tour highlighting Clermont Farm’s ongoing conservation and preservation work. Learn how we protect historic buildings, restore natural habitats, and maintain the farm’s land and resources for future generations.

When: August 15, 2026
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Where: Clermont Farm Foundation
Tickets: $10 per person Children under 10 are FREE
Contact Office@clermontfarm.org, or follow ticket link below

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with history and see what’s happening at Clermont! Tag your friends and plan your visit today!

Part Three of the Summer Series: The Ties That Bind – Women Who Bridged Two Worlds
Presented by the Clermont Foundation & the Josephine School Community Museum
The final program in our three-part series celebrates the life of Geneva Jackson, a woman whose gifts for cooking, caregiving, and community service nourished generations in both the McCormick household and Josephine City. Her story reminds us that leadership sometimes takes the form of steadfast presence, generosity, and the everyday work that strengthens a community from within.
About the Program
The afternoon begins at 1:30 p.m. at Clermont Farm (151 Clermont Lane, Berryville). Afterward, guests will make the short 1.5‑mile drive to the Josephine School Community Museum (303 Josephine St., Berryville).
At Clermont
We begin with Geneva’s early years as Geneva Brown, when she worked as a domestic and cook for the McCormick family. She started this work while still in high school, carrying significant responsibilities at home as well — helping care for her nine younger siblings following their mother’s death. Her dedication and skill shaped daily life at Clermont during those years.
At the Josephine School Community Museum
The program then turns to Geneva’s life on Josephine Street, where she married, raised her family, and offered her time and labor in service to others. Above all, she became known for her remarkable cooking and baking. Geneva cooked to support her family, and she cooked to strengthen her community — contributing her talents to countless local nonprofit organizations. Her food, and the care behind it, became a touchstone for many across Clarke County.
Tickets $10 per adult FREE for students (18 and under) and seniors (65+)

Explore Clermont Farm – Monthly Tours Every 3rd Saturday!
Join us for an engaging 90-minute tour where you’ll get an exclusive look at our latest projects and activities! From historical highlights to exciting updates, there’s always something new to discover.

When: September 19, 2026
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Where: Clermont Farm Foundation
Tickets: $10 per person Children under 10 are FREE
Contact Office@clermontfarm.org, or follow ticket link below

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with history and see what’s happening at Clermont! Tag your friends and plan your visit today!

4th Annual Native Plant Sale & FarmFest

Spend a beautiful fall day at Clermont surrounded by native plants, gardening inspiration, local vendors, and the charm of our historic farm.

FarmFest is more than just a plant sale — it’s a lively community event where visitors can shop for hard-to-find native plants, gather expert advice, enjoy live demonstrations, discover eco-friendly products, and spend the day exploring one of Clarke County’s most scenic historic properties.

Whether you’re a dedicated gardener, a weekend plant lover, or simply looking for a unique family-friendly outing, FarmFest offers the perfect mix of shopping, education, and seasonal fun in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Come with your plant wish list, your gardening questions, and your curiosity — and leave inspired for the season ahead.