The Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority, owners of Explore Park, ceased operations of the Living History Park and have decided to give back to communities their historic structures.
Debbie Pitts of VRFA praised the efforts and enthusiasm of the Craig County Historical Society for stepping up to save the 1800-era Holstein Cabin, which will, in turn, become a life-size tool for present and future generations to learn from. The Historical Society has successfully relocated the original logs and building materials of the cabin, and are working to raise the remainder of the money needed to rebuild the cabin.
Since 1981 volunteers of the Craig County Historical Society have been working together to preserve the history of Craig County. Having restored the historical landmark, The Old Brick Hotel in New Castle, they continue the upkeep of the building and maintain the museum within its walls. Consisting of three floors of items donated by past and present community residents, there are toys from the early 1930s and 40s, military uniforms of past wars, old school desks and furniture, vintage clothing and instruments and many other items too numerous to list. It is a marvel to walk through the hotel and take in all the splendor.
The Historical Society also operates a Genealogy Library that is open to the public. The library is filled with material for researching family history. Among the items available are old books, maps, photos, birth, wedding and death records, and years of censuses. There is a wealth of knowledge stored within the library walls.
Along with two other turn-of-the-century cabins adjacent to the Old Brick Hotel, the Society is pleased to have acquired the original pieces to rebuild the Holstein Cabin. The cabin will be located near where it originally stood over 200 years ago. With history being challenged, and tourism being encouraged, this is the perfect time to bring this cabin back to life. We must never forget our past while building our future.
The Craig County Historical Society would like to ask your help with this endeavor. It is only by fundraisers and tax-deductible donations that they will be able to achieve their goal. Every donation, large or small, will be greatly appreciated. Please mail donations to CCHS, P.O. Box 206, New Castle, VA, 24127, or through www.gofundme.com/Holstein-cabin. We thank you and appreciate your willingness to help preserve history!
-Submitted by Mary Hutchison
