A new historic building is opening in Montclair.
The Montclair Community Library, 5049 Waterway Drive, is having a grand opening of the Barnes House 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 18, according to a release by Prince William County.
The historic house that is one of the county’s oldest buildings, and it holds a ton of rich history.
It was built in 1797 as a tavern for Gavin and Susannah Adams. The Adams used the tavern to offer food, drinks, and lodging to neighbors and travelers, according to Brendan Hanafin, the county’s planning and capital projects division chief for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
Over the years, the property was owned by several different families, including Moses and Nancy Copen. At the end of the Civil War, the Copen’s child, Permilia Copen, passed the house to their former enslaved resident, Jane Barnes.
The grand opening will showcase the new exhibits and have local historians to discuss the history. The exhibits will have two time periods and special effects.
Bill Backus, a county preservationist, says “It’s going to be an interactive experience.”
This article was written by Contributing Writer Amber Dunn.
