Mary Virginia Jones, 1914-2014

Mary Virginia Jones, 1914-2014

She was known as the "Grand Lady of the Garrett County Historical Society" and was its Curator Emeritus. Mary Virginia Jones was appointed in 1942 to serve as the first museum curator of the Garrett County Historical Society (GCHS). This was the first full year of the GCHS's existence, and it was a position she would hold for the next 42 years until 1984. In 1942 the museum consisted of a single large display case, and eventually an entire room, in the Ruth Enlow Library. The "museum" later located to the former St. Matthew's Parish House, and finally to its present location at 107 S. Second Street in Oakland. Throughout her curator-ship, and even after her "retirement", Mary helped plan and nurture what has now become known as the Garrett County Historical Museum Complex consisting of the 10-room History Museum, the nearby Dailey Park with its restored Gazebo and Gas House and the Garrett County Museum of Transportation.

In addition to her museum and many other activities she served as Chairwoman of the Oakland Centennial Pageant in 1949 and was a charter member of the Garrett County Women's Republican Club. She was also on the original building committee of the Ruth Enlow Library (circa 1950), and as a member of the library board held the offices of president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer.

Mary Virginia Jones remained active in the affairs of the GCHS into her 100th year.