2026 Reunion-New Market, Virginia

June 19 – 21, 2026

New Market is in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and the area is rich in Henckel family history.

It is the home of Emmanuel Lutheran Church founded by Reverend Paul Henckel and the cemetery where he and many members of the Henckel family going back to the early eighteen hundreds are buried, also the home of the former Henckel Press operated by several generations of Henckels beginning in 1806.

The Rev. Anthony Jacob Henckel Family National Association gathered in historic New Market, Virginia, for a memorable weekend of fellowship, education, remembrance, and celebration. Family and friends, 42 in attendance, traveled from 11 states across the country to reconnect with family, explore their shared heritage, and honor the generations who have preserved the remarkable story of the Henckel family.

The weekend officially began Friday evening with a welcoming reception and registration at Southern Kitchen Restaurant. The reception offered cousins—both familiar faces and first-time attendees—the opportunity to renew friendships, exchange family stories, and enjoy refreshments in a relaxed setting before the weekend’s activities began.

Saturday morning opened at historic Emmanuel Lutheran Church, founded by Rev. Paul Henkel, whose ministry helped establish Lutheran congregations throughout Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, and Kentucky during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Gathering in the very church that traces its roots to the Henkel family provided a meaningful beginning to the day’s events.

Following registration, Gretchen Tusing Hendricks welcomed attendees with heartfelt remarks remembering her father, Joseph F. Tusing II, whose lifelong dedication to preserving Henckel genealogy and local history has benefited generations of descendants. Joe’s passion for family history, his research, and his generous hospitality made him an integral part of many reunions over the years, and his absence was deeply felt by everyone in attendance.

Bob Moore then presented an update on the restoration and preservation efforts at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Members learned about recent repairs, ongoing maintenance projects, and the importance of preserving this historic landmark for future generations. Treasurer Kimberly Hinkle Linger followed with the Association’s financial report, providing members with an overview of the organization’s finances and stewardship during the past year.

Association President Eddie J. Hinkle presented information regarding Emmanuel Cemetery and recognized the continued efforts to preserve the cemetery where many members of the Henkel family are laid to rest. He also led a moving tribute honoring Joseph F. Tusing II, who passed away on March 5, 2026. Members reflected on Joe’s years of service, his commitment to documenting Henckel history, and the lasting legacy he leaves for future researchers and family members.

Late Saturday morning, everyone gathered at Pavilion #1 in New Market Park where Southern Kitchen Restaurant provided a delicious boxed picnic lunch. The informal setting encouraged conversation as cousins shared photographs, family stories, genealogy discoveries, and memories while welcoming newer generations into the Association.

The afternoon was devoted to one of the reunion’s highlights—a visit to the Historic Henkel (Hinkle) House, formerly owned by the late Joseph Tusing. Gretchen Tusing Hendricks led attendees on a fascinating tour of the historic home and surrounding grounds, sharing stories of the house, its preservation, and its connection to the Henkel family and the history of New Market. Walking through one of the family’s historic landmarks gave attendees a unique opportunity to experience the places where generations of their ancestors lived and worked.

Saturday evening concluded with the Association’s Annual Banquet and Business Meeting at Southern Kitchen Restaurant. Members enjoyed an excellent meal while conducting the Association’s annual business, reviewing accomplishments, discussing future projects, and reaffirming the organization’s commitment to preserving the history and genealogy of the descendants of Rev. Anthony Jacob Henckel.

Secretary Lori Hinkle Hoover provided members with an update on the Association’s website and discussed efforts to continue expanding online resources that make family history more accessible to descendants across the country.

Vice President Greg Adamson presented an overview of the life and ministry of Rev. Paul Henkel (1754–1825). His presentation highlighted Rev. Henkel’s extraordinary work as an itinerant Lutheran pastor who organized numerous congregations throughout the Shenandoah Valley, Southwest Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. Members were reminded that Rev. Henkel’s tireless missionary work helped establish Lutheran churches across the expanding American frontier, leaving a legacy that continues more than two centuries later.

The Association extends sincere appreciation to all of the officers, presenters, volunteers, and local hosts who made the reunion possible. Special thanks are extended to Gretchen Tusing Hendricks for sharing her family’s home and memories, to Bob Moore for his work preserving Emmanuel Lutheran Church, to Greg Adamson for his historical presentation, and to everyone who traveled to New Market to celebrate another successful Henckel Family Reunion.

As members returned home, they carried with them not only new memories and renewed friendships, but also a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage that continues to unite the Henckel family across generations. We look forward to gathering again next year to continue preserving and celebrating our family’s remarkable story.