PICTURED WITH THE FIDDLE IS JOHN LEE “JACK” MILLER (1918–2000) AND GENE MILLER (1913–1993) ON BANJO. IF YOU KNOW THE MAN PLAYING THE GUITAR LET OUR MANAGER OF HERITAGE OPERATIONS, EVA GRIMSLEY KNOW. (CONTACT INFORMATION BELOW).
The Rappahannock Historical Society is committed to collecting, preserving, interpreting & disseminating the unique history and heritage of Rappahannock County, promoting knowledge of the past for a better understanding of the future.
PHOTO BY KEITH JENKINS. COURTESY OF THE JOHN JACKSON FESTIVAL.
JOHN JACKSON’S STORY IS ONE THAT IS BOTH DEEPLY LOCAL AND PROFOUNDLY AMERICAN — THE STORY OF BLACK LIVES IN RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY IN THE EARLY 1900s, AND THE MUSIC THAT ROSE FROM THOSE LIVES WITH A POWER THAT STILL ECHOES TODAY. THIS IS A STORY OF RESILIENCE CREATIVITY, AND CULTURAL BRILLIANCE BORN IN THE FACE OF HARDSHIP. AND IT IS A STORY THAT LEADS US TO ONE OF THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY MUSICIANS EVER TO COME FROM THIS COUNTY.
UPCOMING RHS SPRING & SUMMER EVENTS
JOHN JACKSON PIEDMONT BLUES FESTIVAL
The RHS is please to collaborate with the Jackson Festival committee to put together this year’s festival on September 28.
RHS ANNUAL FALL MEETING
Our annual membership meeting will be held in October (date to be determined). Watch for more information later in the summer.
QUILT RAFFLE & RAAC FALL ART TOUR
This year’s handmade quilt will be on display at the Jackson Blues Festival and our annual membership meeting. The winning ticket will be drawn during the RAAC Fall Art Tour at Bookworks in Flint Hill, the studio of RHS president, Michael Dennis, on Sunday, November 8.
BOOK SIGNING BY JOHN WRORY FICKLIN
Ficklin’s book An Unusual Path, Three Generations from Slavery to the White House, published by the White House Historical Association, tells an amazing story that starts right here in Rappahannock County, VA. Saturday, November 15. Location to be determined.
RHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MICHAEL DENNIS, PRESIDENT
KEES DUTILH, VICE PRESIDENT
DEBBIE KEYSER, SECRETARY
MARIE DAVIS-ROMAN, TREASURER
JACOB CROCHET-DORE
CATHERINE HUNDLEY
EVA GRIMSLEY, MANAGER OF HERITAGE OPERATIONS
VOLUNTEERS
LYNN SWIERCZEK, SPECIALIST ON PARK CEMETERIES
HELEN WILLIAMS, UNIVERSAL VOLUNTEER
GREATNESS GREW HERE
Come hear the music that inspired Rappahannock and the world!
JOHN JACKSON PIEDMONT BLUES FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
The Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Rappahannock Historical Society are joining forces to preserve the legacy, music, and cultural impact of Rappahannock’s own John Jackson, a 1986 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) National Heritage Fellow. Together, we are committed to keeping the Piedmont Blues alive and honoring the Black history that shaped this extraordinary tradition. Join us on September 26, 2026, at the Castleton Meadows, 7 Meadows Lane, Castleton, Virginia, for a festival celebrating John Jackson, the Piedmont Blues, and acclaimed Piedmont Blues bands from across the country.
CLICK HERE TO HEAR THE PIEDMONT BLUES STYLE OF MUSIC PIONEERED BY RAPPAHANNOCK NATIVE JOHN JACKSON.
GET INVOLVED WITH THE RHS
One of the best ways to get involved is by joining one of our committees. Whether you’re drawn to Buildings & Grounds, Collections & Archives, Communications, Programming & Fundraising, or Information & Technology, there’s a place for you here. Committees are where ideas turn into action—and where volunteers have the most fun. If you’d like to lend your skills, explore a new interest, or simply meet some great people, reach out to Eva Grimsley, our Manager of Heritage Operations. She can connect you with the appropriate Committee Chairs to talk more about volunteering.
Eva Grimsley can be reached by calling the Society at {540} 675-1163,
or email at: eva1rapphistsoc@gmail.com