See Fauquier Indian artifacts

Jimmie Eustace of the Southern Fauquier Historical Society will display a large collection of fossils and Indian artifacts found in the Cedar Run and Elk Run valleys of lower Fauquier County at the Bealeton Library at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13.

After a short orientation, those attending will be able to examine the items and ask questions. There is no fee or registration for the program.

The event is the first in a series of local history programs to be presented monthly by members of the Southern Fauquier Historical Society. Upcoming programs include topics such as The War of 1812 in Virginia and the role of Fauquier, the Culpeper battalion and the men from the Fauquier companies, the settlement of Bowenville, also known as Rappahannock Station or Remington, and Revolutionary soldiers' graves in Fauquier County.

'War Between the States in Fauquier County' first lecture topic

Donald R. Tharpe will present the inaugural lecture in a series on American history topics sponsored by Fauquier County Public Library and newly formed Fauquier Heritage Institute.

Mr. Tharpe will present a lecture entitled The War Between the States in Fauquier County at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, in the John Barton Payne Building in Warrenton.

The founder of the Liberty Heritage Society, Mr. Tharpe will talk about his research on Fauquier County during the Civil War. The lecture will be followed by a question and answer period.

Mr. Tharpe, a Virginia native, has studied architecture and archaeology in Virginia and abroad in places such as Israel, Jordan, Greece and Turkey. He is currently researching the social, economic, religious, and legal history of Fauquier County. He is a lecturer at the Smithsonian Institution and serves as an advisor to numerous museums and historical organizations in Virginia and nationally.

Fauquier Heritage Institute was created to promote the study and love of American history. To that end, the institute is presenting monthly lectures throughout 2008.

The 60- to 90-minute lectures will be presented by experienced speakers and historians. Future Fauquier Heritage Institute lectures include such topics as: The French and Indian War, John Singleton Mosby, Project Apollo to the moon, the Revolutionary War, Warrenton’s war-time hospital sites, slave records in Fauquier County, Kelly’s Ford, Elk Run, and gold mining.

Interested lecturers and volunteers, which are needed to help with the series in a variety of capacities, are encouraged to contact program Co-chairs Mrs. Paula Johnson, (540) 341-7019, or Mrs. Jackie Lee, (540) 347-0607.

Book Cellar hosting holiday sales

The Friends of the Fauquier Library used book store The Book Cellar is hosting special book sales during the holiday season.

The Book Cellar always has used hardcover and paperback fiction and nonfiction books for all ages and interests at bargain basement prices, but in December prices will be reduced dramatically. The sales make it a good time to stock up on stocking stuffers, last-minute gifts, and books to read while traveling.