In the summer 1978 Newsletter, the "Rockingham County Historical Society" announced that in a new set of bylaws it had included the addition of Harrisonburg to its name. The society's new coat of arms is a combination of the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County seals. It was designed and drawn by fellow member Fred Cooper, who has done other sketches for the society. At the same time the Harrisonburg City Council granted the Historical Society the use of the Sipe House. (on South Main Street in Harrisonburg, Va.).
