About Us
“Rocktown” reflects the beginning.
In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, before Harrisonburg and Rockingham were named, a community informally known as Rocktown grew around a briskly flowing spring.
A foundation of limestone enriched the soil and freely flowing water sustained its bounty. The smooth Shenandoah Valley floor served as a Native American pathway. Abundant natural resources attracted settlers, and generations built what we have today, often from the very stone that lay under their feet or broke their plow.
Stone homes, churches and schools, railroad beds, and scenic overlooks remind us of the men and women whose grit and vision laid the foundation of the place we call home.
Transforming rock from obstacle to resource has reflected and shaped the human cultures of this valley, and the name Rocktown History honors that history.
Established in 1898 as the Rockingham County Historical Society, our mission has always been to preserve and share the stories of the area and its people, highlighting their influences on our shared past. The work of our staff and volunteers and support from our community of trustees, members, and donors help ensure that the rich histories of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County are accessible, vibrant, and meaningful to all.
Staff
Penny Imeson was raised in Harrisonburg and enjoyed summers in western Rockingham. She completed undergraduate studies at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the College of William and Mary.
Penny’s career includes work at an interior design firm in New York City, in the budget department at Newport News Shipbuilding, and as a small business owner in Harrisonburg.
In 2011, Penny became the Executive Director of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society (now known as Rocktown History), a role which allows her to apply her business background while challenging her creativity and comfort zone.
Penny and her husband have three young adult sons. As the family grew, it also moved six times up and down the east coast and abroad. Penny did not anticipate returning to her hometown, but is delighted to be back in the Valley and close to her Rockingham Roots.
Andrea Early has family roots in Rockingham County that date to the 18th century. She studied music at Eastern Mennonite University before beginning a retail career that lasted 20 years.
She is passionate about genealogy and finding and forging connections with others. She also enjoys gardening and restoring historic homes, as well as hiking, antique shopping, medicinal herbs, Harmonia Sacra shape note music, and folk arts.
Andrea also brings extensive experience in the community and local nonprofit world, having served in both religious and secular nonprofit settings.
Scott Suter has an extensive resume filled with studies, books, articles, instruction, and other contributions related to music, folklife and crafts, and our local community. Many may know him as a descendant of Emanuel Suter, the progressive Rockingham County potter.
He has worked for several museums, including a previous stint here in Dayton, and as a consultant to others. His familial and scholarly interests will combine and inform his curatorial work as he continues to help tell the stories of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, and the Shenandoah Valley.
“Care of a museum’s collections is paramount and a time-consuming job. I anticipate inventorying the collection, which will in turn lead to ideas for exhibits, interpretation, and educational programs. Rocktown History has grown tremendously since I served as curator there in the late 1990s.”
Margaret Hotchner, born in Missouri (pronounced Missourah), has lived in Virginia since 1971. During her young life, her father’s job with the American Red Cross required the family to move often: Japan twice, California, and Virginia.
Her interest in family history began at a young age, as she discovered her extended family through photo albums. In 2006, she and her husband relocated to Rockingham County, the home of her paternal ancestors – a true testament to the pull of her lifelong genealogy obsession!
Margaret retired in 2010 from Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She took a little time off to relax, but soon began volunteering at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society in the Genealogy Library. She was hired a year later as the Administrator and enjoys the diverse nature of working in the office. Margaret retired in April 2025.
After decades devoted to genealogy, it is no surprise that she continues to head the Library in retirement. In her Researcher role, she continues to assist Library visitors, provide paid research services upon request, and keep the keep this hive of resources buzzing.
Board of Trustees
Jeremy Aldrich, Harrisonburg City Public Schools Administrator
Randy Atkins, Director of Marketing, Valley Care Management
Trisha Blosser, Director of Advancement for Eastern Mennonite School
Bradford Dyjak, Dayton Town Council Member and Massanutten Property Owners Association Administrator
Randy Jones, Retired Public Information Officer, Virginia Department of Resources
Kirk Moyers, Secondary Social Studies Coordinator, AVID District Director at Harrisonburg City Schools
Carole Nash, Director of Access & Inclusion and ISAT Geography Professor, James Madison University
Megan Pullen, Deputy Clerk of Historical Archives and Law Librarian for the Rockingham County Circuit Court
Dorette Sobolewski, Research Coordinator at the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia
Eugene Stouse, Retired Accountant and History Teacher.
Alex Taylor, Senior Business Manager for Virginia Economic Development Partnership
