The Stafford County Historical Society has voted to formally merge with the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center. Officials say the merging of Stafford’s two historical/cultural organizations will strengthen efforts to build a museum and cultural center.
Since 1965 the Historical Society has been working towards building a museum that will showcase Stafford’s history to all county residents and visitors alike. That history includes dinosaur tracks, Civil War encampments, sandstone quarries, colonial-era iron manufacturing, and mechanical flight.
In 2002 the Stafford Board of Supervisor’s created a Museum Committee and dedicated 1% of the Transient Occupancy Tax to building the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center (SMCC). Efforts to build the museum stalled in 2008 due to the Great Recession. Since that time the SMCC formed a foundation and focused on outreach efforts such as building a virtual museum and educating through social media.
“This merger represents a huge step forward in achieving the long-envisioned dream of building a museum worthy of Stafford’s rich history. I believe this move aligns the Historical Society with the long-stated desires of both the Board of Supervisors and the public’s want for a sense of place.”
-Rick MacGregor, President of the Stafford County Historical Society
“We are excited to engage in an aggressive public outreach campaign and share with the world Stafford’s unique story. Merging with the Historical Society helps those of us who have been working on a Museum speak with one clear and powerful voice.”
-Scott Mayausky, Former President of the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center Foundation
