STAUNTON – Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court R. Steven Landes today announced that Matthew J. Wingfield of Harrisonburg has joined the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office as the part-time Historic Records Assistant. Mr. Wingfield has a Bachelor of Arts in History & Political Science from Emory & Henry College, and a Master of Arts in History from James Madison University.

     “We are very pleased to have Matthew Wingfield join the Clerk’s Office as our very first staff person to assist specifically with the preservation and conservation of Augusta County’s very significant and historic records,” Landes said. “Matthew brings to our office great experience and background in history and historical research.”

     The Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk is the steward of historic records dating back to 1745. The Clerk’s Offices throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia possess a wealth of historic records. These historic records required constant protection and preservation work to ensure these artifacts remain in existence for future generations. The Virginia General Assembly created a special grants preservation program, which is managed by the Library of Virginia, and this program allows Clerks to use state grant funding to perform preservation and conservation work to restore and protect Virginia’s valuable history.

     The Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is in downtown Staunton at the Augusta County Courthouse. The Clerk serves as the recorder of deeds and probate judge, issues marriage licenses and is the official court administrator for all civil and criminal cases. The Clerk creates and maintains all court files and records, prepares court orders and jury lists, contacts jurors and issues summons and court processes. More information about the services of the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office can be found online at www.co.augusta.va.us/government/circuitcourt-clerk.