Users of the Belmont-Ferry Farm Trail might notice a new addition near the path. A plaque has been erected next to the ramp to Shelton’s Cottage along River Road. The plaque recognizes and honors long-time Stafford resident Irma Clifton, who passed away last year. Clifton was devoted to the preservation of Historic Falmouth and the furtherance of its history.

“Irma’s passing was a loss for Stafford County. We honored her with a proclamation from the Board of Supervisors. Still, we also wanted to recognize her with a plaque in the area she so loved the most,” said Board of Supervisors member Tom Coen, George Washington District.

The plaque is located to the rear of the building, near a ramp giving all access to the information. Ms. Shelton donated period furniture to furnish historic Shelton’s Cottage. The cottage represents a colonial workingman’s home. It is not typically open to the public. Clifton assisted Stafford County Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and other staff in opening the cottage for various special events. She was a recipient of the Historic Preservation Award in 2017 from the Stafford Historical Commission for her work with Shelton’s Cottage.

Clifton was known as an expert on the history of Falmouth and contributed significantly to the preservation and interpretation of its history. She lived in the Samuel Gordon House in Historic Falmouth in the 1970s and helped preserve the home. Clifton was a member of the Historic Port of Falmouth Association, Inc., established by and comprised of citizens of Falmouth in the 1990s to assist Stafford County with recommendations regarding Falmouth. Later, she served on the Old Falmouth Renaissance Commission, which was established by the Board of Supervisors in 2000, even serving a term as president. 

Irma Clifton was a life member of the Stafford Historical Society and a member of the Architectural Review Board. Her life was evidence of her love of Stafford County, and Stafford is grateful for her dedication and work on behalf of preservation. Stafford County is grateful for her commitment to our community and enshrines her contributions at Shelton’s Cottage along River Road.

To find out more about the plaque and Shelton’s Cottage, please visit: https://tourstaffordva.com/attraction/shelton-cottage-in-falmouth/.