Welcome!
Welcome to the Northumberland County Historical Society website. We are located just off the Courthouse Square of Heathsville, VA in Northumberland County. You are invited to browse our website and learn more about the heritage of those who came before us and to become a part of the future of Northumberland County. Our building is now more accessible to everyone. There are stair lifts to all three levels plus the ramp at the back of the building.
Upcoming Events
Please see our “Upcoming Events” Page for information on the Heathsville Farmers Market.
60th Anniversary
2023 is a special year for the Northumberland County Historical Society. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Society which was started in 1963 by the leadership of Dr. J. Motley Booker and other interested parties. Please see the “NCHS History” page for more details of the Society’s past.
As NCHS moves into the future, the Board wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all of the past Board members, Bulletin editors and authors, volunteers, secretaries and genealogy specialists whose willingness to serve this Historical Society has brought it to the present time. NCHS looks forward to serving its community for a long time to come.
New Museum Exhibit
The museum area of Northumberland County Historical Society library has an exhibit featuring the medical supplies and books of its local doctors in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. This exhibit features three beloved family doctors in the county who include: Dr. R. E. Booker, Jr. (An Autobiography of My Grandfather’s Saddle Bags), Dr. Joseph Basye (Ledgers of services and charges rendered to his patients), and Dr. James S. Gilliam (A Quiet Glory: The Life and Times of Dr. James S. Gilliam by Dr. Susan Anthony-Tolbert and Dorien Tolbert). One can see the old medicine bottles, unique (and perhaps scary) medical instruments and, of course, the doctors’ black medical bags. This exhibit can be viewed in the NCHS library during normal business hours. The Society wishes to thank Scott McGuire for collecting the above items and creating the display.
Mission
The Society exists to preserve the history and genealogy of the people as well as the memory of the historical events of Northumberland County, Virginia. It is also the mission of the Society to educate the public in the rich history and genealogy of Northumberland County, the “Mother County” of the Northern Neck of Virginia.
The Bulletin
Published since 1964, The Bulletin of the Northumberland County Historical Society is well known both locally and nationally. The Bulletin contains original articles on the people, places, and events of Northumberland County and the Northern Neck of VA, chronicling our history since the seventeenth century. Copies of all issues since 1964 may be purchased by calling or e-mailing the Society during business hours.
Research Fee Charges
For those who come into our library to do their own research, the fee is $10.00 per day for non-members plus 25 cents per page for copies. Members can research in person for free and pay for copies.
For those who send in requests for research by phone, e-mail, or letter, the fee is $20.00 for the first two hours of research plus 25 cents per page for copies requested. If the research goes beyond the initial two hours, the fee is $10.00 per hour. This applies to members or non-members. The Society charges a $10.00 fee for copies of materials in our library made by any electronic device.