Alleghany Historical Society Issues Winter Report   Covington, VA (Jan. 6, 2026) - The birth of our nation was officially recognized on July 4, 1776, and the celebration of its 250th Anniversary has been underway for more than a year. The Alleghany Historical Society is only 70 years old but it has been instrumental in the preservation of the heritage of the Alleghany Highlands. The settlement of our area began in 1746 and its citizens have been active participants in the events which have shaped our nation from that date forward. Our history is being told by the contents in the buildings pictured above. With the restoration and opening of the restored C&O Passenger Depot in 2007, the Society worked with the City of Covington to create a museum of local history. The creation of the Alleghany Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center began when the Society purchased the Rooklin Nettleton Building in 2016. The restoration of that 17,000 square foot commercial building began under the direction of a retired engineer, Gordon Specht. Another retired engineer, Mike Wade, worked on the creation of exhibits and hands-on displays. The full story of the depot and Discovery Center has not been completed but it needs to be noted that the efforts of the Alleghany Historical Society were key to their development. The credit goes to a group of dedicated volunteers and the countless hours spent on securing funding from grants, organizations, and individuals. In many activities, the Society worked in cooperation and partnership with the C&O Railway Historical Society and the Alleghany Highlands Genealogical Society.

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