Current Events ~ Please Scroll To The bottom Of The Page To See Upcoming Events
CURRENT 2026 EVENTS
The Seventeenth Century Northumberland County Map by Mark Gearhart Has Been Reprinted and Is in Stock
It has been a year since local historian Mark Gearhart released his one-of-a-kind 17th Century map at a presentation at NCHS on April 6, 2025. “A Brief and True Report of Northumberland County Virginia” is a one-of-a-kind map that plots the location, acreage, and patent date of the land claims of about 200 original settlers from the 1600s. The map also marks the locations of Indian paths and settlements, roads, churches, and other significant landmarks of the early settlement period. Gearhart envisioned, researched, and plotted this map, the first to represent the original Northumberland settlement in this way. “We think visitors and residents will find special interest in the history identified in this map,” said Gearhart. The program drew a large crowd and by April 11 all copies were sold. NCHS now has exclusive rights to reprint the popular map and is keeping copies in stock. Price is $100 plus $20 for shipping.
The 17th-Century Map is in Print and Available ~ $100 plus $20 Shipping Charges - AVAILABLE NOW
NCHS Is A Founding Partner With Volunteer River Counties
Volunteer River Counties is a collaboration that assists tax exempt organizations in Northumberland, Lancaster, and Middlesex Counties with finding volunteers who are willing to donate some time to local organizations to assist with their daily operations. Conversely, VRC assists those in the community who have spare time and skills they would like to share find a place that needs their help. There are a wide variety of nonprofit organizations who need people who have the time to assist in different capacities. For example, at the Northumberland County Historical Society we have the Old Jail and the Ball Memorial Library and Museum to maintain and operate. We need people who can help with organization, filing, library and museum cataloging and indexing, displaying, data entry, office responsibilities, and acting as docents. Previous experience is not required and we know there are many of you out there who have skills you would like to use or would like to learn about working at a museum and a historical/ genealogical library like the one we operate. Check out the Volunteer River Counties website at https://www.volunteerrivercounties.org if you are curious about the opportunities at NCHS. We have positions listed now.
The 2025 Bulletin & The Bulletin Index, 2014 - 2023 Are Available Online At: lulu.com/shop
Open House at NHS On Saturday, May 23, 9 AM to 2 PM:
Library, Museum, and Old Jail Was Open To Public
Inclement weather affected attendance at our special event at the Ball Memorial Library and Museum on Saturday, May 23, but we did have visitors at the lbrary and the Old Jail and welcomed some new mwmbers. Thank you to those who came out. We will have a similar event in the near future. If you have a little free time and an interest in local history, we could use your assitance. We offer a relaxed environment and no experience is required.
Watch the Popular Northern Neck 250 Film
On the Northern Neck History Channel
Through the generosity of Mark Huffman, creator of the film Northern Neck 250, the film is now available on the Northern Neck History Channel. The sponsors of the film, the Northumberland County Historical Society and the Kilmarnock Museum, join Mark in thanking you for your patronage and your support. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhpGNz0NwUI&t=106s
NCHS Presented a Very Special Speaker at the Annual Meeting
On July 25 at 10:30 AM
On Saturday, July 25, NCHS presented U.S. House of Representatives historian, Matt Wasniewski, as guest speaker at its annual meeting. Wasniewski has been studying and writing about the House of Representatives for nearly 30 years, and was appointed as its historian in 2010. His talk was very informative, interesting, and presented facts and tidbits of information not found in history books. The event was well attended and the usual business was conducted during the business session. The presentation is available in its entirety on the Northern Neck History Channel at YouTube. The following link will take you there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVfrPMGofA8&t=128s
The NCHS Fall Meeting on October 25 Will Feature
the Holley Graded School in Lottsburg
The Northumberland County Historical Society will hold its annual fall meeting on Sunday, October 25, at 2:30 PM at the Ball Memorial Library and Museum, 86 Back Street, Heathsville. Harold Blackwell, president of Holley School Inc., will present a program on the Holley Graded School in Lottsburg. Mr. Blackwell attended Holley School, graduated from Central High School in 1967, served 21 years in the Air Force, and later worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He remains active in community organizations in Maryland and the Northern Neck.
Holley school was established in 1869 by Sallie Holley and Caroline Putnam, who came to Northumberland County after the Civil War, for the purpose of providing educational opportunities to the freed Negro slaves and their children. Although the cornerstone of the school building that stands today bears the date of 1933, there are indications that it was built in stages between 1914 and 1933.
The privately funded endeavor succeeded in educating generations of Black students until it was replaced by a new school built nearby in 1959. After the school was closed it fell into disrepair until a group was organized in 1988 to raise funds for restoration. Holley School was accepted to the Virginia Landmarks Register in April of 1989. The Board noted that the pressed steel walls and ceilings used in construction were unusual for a school building. It was designated a Virginia Historic Landmark & National Historic Site in 1996.
The public is cordially invited to attend this event. Please bring a friend and join us after the program for light refreshments.
NCHS Is Offering Its First Publication About The Old Jail:
"The Old Northumberland County Jail at Heathsville, Virginia"
The Old Northumberland County Jail at Heathsville, Virginia, is in stock and for sale by its publisher, the Northumberland County Historical Society, at 86 Back Street in Heathsville, or it can be ordered online from the Lulu Press Bookstore – www.https://lulu.com/shop then type Northumberland Virginia in the search bar. Softcover – $20; Hardcover – $30
This publication relates the history of the 187-year-old jail from its construction in 1839 to its closing in 1958 after 119 years of continuous service. The story continues with NCHS rescuing the building from destruction in 1963 and beginning the stabilization, rehabilitation, and restoration project that continues to this day.
The 85-page book offers over 30 photographs of the interior and exterior of the old structure, most of them in color, as well as numerous drawings and sketches. Much effort went into restoring the old photos and gathering the information to make a colorful, interesting, and informative book that will be enjoyed by young and old, while teaching and preserving local history. All proceeds from the sale of this book support the “Old Jail Fund” and help preserve this historic landmark for future generations.