May 16, 2017, Frederick, MD

The Ausherman Family Foundation (AFF) announced that the Barbara Fritchie House will go on the market following two years of structural improvements, as well as the production of a video documentary, showcasing and preserving the home’s historical contents and honoring Ms. Fritchie, immortalized in an 1863 poem by John Greenleaf Whittier. 

The Ausherman Foundation purchased the house at 154 W. Patrick in July of 2015 to nurture non-profit growth in Frederick and, during its ownership, refined the interior of the home, while painstakingly restoring the exterior of the home to its original historical grandeur, including recreating a period-authentic roof, which had fallen into disrepair.  Simultaneously, the Foundation commissioned a feature documentary showcasing the significance of both the home and its contents.  That documentary, “Barbara Fritchie: Frederick’s Poetic Patriot,” may be viewed online at: http://barbarafritchie.org/

 “We are committed to, as the saying goes, ‘leaving it better than we found it,” said Marvin Ausherman, chairman and co-founder of the Ausherman Family Foundation.

“Not only has the Foundation honored Frederick’s rich history with these restorations, but we made the correct decision to produce a visual showpiece that lives online, where many young people are going to learn more about Frederick’s history. As our town moves into its economic and revitalized future, we believe that this documentary will forever be a remembrance of our rich past, which will always be part of the appeal of Frederick.”

During its ownership of the Fritchie House, the Foundation built partnerships with local organizations such as the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation–as well as its Schifferstadt Architectural Museum–the Historical Society of Frederick County and Hood College, where members of the Foundation team lectured on the historical prominence of the Barbara Fritchie House.

“The Ausherman Foundation is proud to be part of a catalyst for change in Frederick County,” stated Ausherman. 

“Our population growth has seen a 14% increase over the past decade.  Those sheer numbers, coupled with the County’s growing diversity has prompted the Foundation to determine its new strategic plan.  We are committed to highlighting the arts and most importantly, becoming part of the catalyst for change that will strategically position Frederick as the best place to live.”