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Handley Museum and Archive

 

In 1998, a museum and archive were established in order to preserve Handley’s rich history.

The mission of the Handley Museum and Archive is to:

  • collect, preserve, and interpret historical documents, artifacts, photographs, and other memorabilia;
  • establish an archive useful to students, alumni, visitors, and historians; to create revolving exhibits and displays of memorabilia throughout the building; and
  • sponsor enriching programs for the school and community.

The museum and archive are governed by a Board of Directors created in 1999. 

Board of Directors

Chair: Mike Stryker
Vice Chair: Bryan Rhodes

Andy Gyurisin
Steffany Plotts
Matthew Reames
Clarence Smith
Susan Braithwaite, JHHS Principal
Jason Van Heukelum, WPS Superintendent

Donating Artifacts

Do you have an interesting document, artifact, photograph, or other memorabilia that you would like to donate to the Handley Museum and Archive? Please contact:

handley_museum_archive@wps.k12.va.us
 

Featured Artifacts

Handley Trail Blazer May 1924

Handley Trail Blazer June 1924

Corcoran Hall of Art

Chosen for its vault-like concrete basement, John Handley High School secretly served as a secure storage site for priceless artwork from the Corcoran Gallery of Art during World War II. In 1942, under the direction of Superintendent Garland Quarles, dozens of masterpieces were hidden beneath the school—guarded day and night—until their safe return to Washington, D.C. in 1944. 

Replicas of these pieces are now located at JHHS for present-day visitors to enjoy.

The Dance Class Edgar Degas


The Dance Class
Edgar Degas 
c. 1873