It Smelled Like Money: A Brief History of the Sylvania/FMC Plant

November 19th at 7pm

In her oral history, Anne Wilson Rowe commented on the smell of the Sylvania/FMC Plant by saying, “…  it smelled like money and it carried Fredericksburg through the depression.” The old Sylvania Plant that saved the city during the Great Depression transitioned to the Food Manufacturing Corporation after WWII and was the region’s largest employer for decades. The closing of its doors in 1978 ended an era and changed the economic landscape of the region.

This lecture will be virtual, and ticket-holders will be sent a Zoom link in order to watch the presentation.

The Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) is pleased to announce the return of their lecture series, Evening with an Expert. This year’s series will give voice and life to the buildings and sites of Fredericksburg. Each lecture will take place at a different location related to the history of our town. From our community ballpark, to the streets we walk, every place has its own story.

Evening with an Expert tickets are $10 for FAM members and $12 for non-members. Pre-registration is required, and spots are limited. Please visit fredericksburg-area-museum.square.site to buy your ticket or contact Theresa Cramer at 540.371.3037 ext. 138. Not a member of FAM? Now is the perfect chance to join. Please visit https://famva.org/membership/ to join.

As we work with local officials to keep our community safe, attendees are required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

For more information, please either contact Theresa Cramer at tcramer@famcc.org, or visit us at www.famcc.org. The FAM collects, researches, interprets, teaches, and preserves the history, heritage, and culture of the Fredericksburg region. We serve a diverse community through a commitment to inclusion, integrity, credibility, and relevance. We will facilitate an understanding and appreciation of how the acts of those who preceded us have shaped this community and the nation at large—providing both lessons and inspiration as we work together to forge a greater community.