Citizen of the Year 2023 - Bette Lathan

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Bette Lathan bought a little house in Martinsburg in June 2003. Bette was determined to have a house in Martinsburg where her family roots are located. Jim had never seen the house until his first visit in July of that year. From that first visit, they both planned any "time off" from work as an opportunity to get to Martinsburg. They both joined the Martinsburg Historical Society and Jim also joined Turin Highlands Golf Course. When Bette retired in 2013 her historical work in the Town of Martinsburg took off! Her family history began in Martinsburg when John Peebles came to Martinsburg with Walter Martin. Bette and Jim's home was Walter Martin's original land office. The focus for both Bette and Jim is to do all they can to preserve and make the public aware of the historical significance of Martinsburg and all that it did to contribute to our great American story.  

I wish to thank the Martinsburg Historical Society and the Town of Martinsburg for all of their help and cooperation in allowing me to continue my work.                           Bette Lathan