Philanthropy
Definition: the desire to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.
The mission of the Victorian Society at Falls Church is to assist with preservation of historic structures and to educate our members and public about notable people and events that took place during the Victorian era. We accomplish this not only by hosting a variety of education programs throughout the year, but also by holding fundraisers and donating money to a variety of organizations. Here are some of the projects that we have donated to in the past:
June, 2019 - $1,000 to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, MD
June, 2019 - $634 to purchase copies of "A Christmas Carol" and "Through the Looking Glass" for Mt. Vernon High School in Mt. Vernon, Washington
April, 2019 - $1,000 to restoration of the 1858 Prettyman Hose Carriage at Friendship Firehouse Museum Alexandria, VA (unrestricted funds)
December, 2018 - $1,000 to Manassas Battlefield Trust (unrestricted funds)
December, 2018 - $1,000 to Bellamy House Museum, for restoration due to hurricane damage (unrestricted funds)
December, 2018 - $1,000 to Children's Hospital (proceeds of Tree Fest)
August, 2018 - $300 to fund "Investigating the Beast of Chicago" about serial killer H.H. Holmes for Curie Metropolitan High School, Chicago, IL (proceeds from ice cream booth)
July, 2018 - $300 to fund "All Aboard the Underground Railroad", books about the underground railroad for Mifflin Elementary School, Mansfield, OH (proceeds from ice cream booth)
July, 2018 - $243 to fund "Two Miserable Presidents" about Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis for Rama Road Elementary School, Charlotte, NC (proceeds from ice cream booth)
2018 - $2,500 to Lee Fendall House for foundation restoration (unrestricted funds)
November, 2017 - $1,000 to Turning Point Memorial
Victorian Society at Falls Church Donates to Restoration of Prettyman Hose Carriage!​
In April 2019, the board voted to contribute $1,000 to the Friendship Firehouse Museum in Alexandria, VA for the restoration of the historic 1858 Prettyman fire fighting hose reel carriage. State of the art technology when constructed, this hose reel was made in Alexandria on North Pitt Street in the shop of Robert F. Prettyman. It ensured that fireman had a steady flow of water and was fitted with a 50 foot length of hose and two large bells to sound the alarm as the vehicle made its way through the streets of Alexandria. Originally costing $550, the carriage was also featured in local parades during the Victorian era. In 2019, it made the list of Virginia's top 10 most endandered artifacts. The museum plans to preserve the original wood carriage and return it to its original blue and gold color scheme.
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This was just one example of the many great projects the Victorian Society at Falls Church has contributed to. Contributions to the Victorian Society at Falls Church through membership and attendance at fundraisers are what enables the society to support such worthy causes. Thank you!