In 1974, in anticipation of the upcoming Bicentennial celebration, the Lovettsville Restoration Committee was appointed to restore and maintain the old Thomas Potterfield “meat store,” located on the property which had been purchased for the construction of the new Town Hall. By the time of the Bicentennial “Septemberfest” in 1976, the building had been partially restored, and an exhibit was displayed in the large room.
In September 1979, the name was changed to the “Lovettsville Museum and Library,” and the building was opened to the public with both a library and historical exhibits.
In 1985, with public interest and participation in the library’s programs expanding, the Loudoun County library system took over operation of the library. By 1987, the library had outgrown the facilities; and at that time the library was closed and the collection packed up, in preparation for the library’s move into the new Lovettsville Public Library building, which was completed and opened in 1990.
With the departure of the library, the name of the organization was changed to the “Lovettsville Historical Society” in 1988. After the library had been moved, the building was renovated and it reopened with a Christmas exhibit and reception in1990. In 1992, the Lovettsville Historical Society received an award of $2,500 from the Loudoun Restoration and Preservation Society, for archival and restoration work at the Museum.
On January 30, 2009 the Lovettsville Historical Society was incorporated under the Commonwealth of Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act, and soon thereafter applied to the Internal Revenue Service for recognition as a tax-exempt organization. The IRS determined that the Society qualified as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, effective January 30, 2009.Contributions to the Lovettsville Historical Society, including membership dues, are tax-deductible under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.”
The Lovettsville Historical Society, Inc., is a membership organization, governed by a Board of Directors which is elected at an annual membership meeting. Membership is open to all persons interested in preservation, and educating the public about, the history of Lovettsville and The German Settlement.
The Board of Directors meets monthly, and public lectures and other events are held throughout the year.