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.

Local historian Mark Gearhart has just released his one-of-a-kind 17th Century map of Northumberland County and has authorized the Northumberland County Historical Society as the agent for distribution. “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 attractive 40-inch by 30-inch map is on display in the Northumberland County Historical Society library. (Wed., Thurs., and Fri. 9:00 to 4:30) Copies are available there for $100 each. USPS shipping is $8.50 each by media mail, or $20 each by ground advantage.

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

New Publication To Be Released Soon

NCHS will publish and offer for sale a new publication titled The Old Northumberland County Jail at Heathsville, Virginia, in the near future. It is a compilation of three articles that erer published in The Bulletin of the Northumberland County Historical Society with new material, including photos.

On Sunday, April 19, at 2:30 PM, the Northumberland County Historical Society hosted its first program of 2026 at the Ball Memorial Library and Museum, 86 Back Street, in Heathsville. Dr. W. Emory Lewis discussed his experiences over 40 years of practicing family medicine in Northumberland County.
Emory is respected and admired for his service to the community, his genial nature, and his abilities as a local historian and storyteller. Tales by a Country Doctor drew a large crowd. The presentation is available on the Northern Neck History Channel  Northumberland Co. Historical Society – “Tales of a Country Doctor”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM9fqK2cLEA

Open House at NHS On Saturday, May 23, 9 AM to 2 PM:
Library, Museum, and Old Jail Will Be Open To Public

     The Northumberland County Historical Society is excited to announce a special event at the Ball Memorial Library and Museum, located at 86 Back Street in Heathsville, on Saturday, May 23, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Old Jail will be open to visitors, as is customary on Farmer’s Market Day. In addition, our historical and genealogical library in the basement, along with the museum on the second floor, will be accessible to the public—no admission fee, ever!

     We encourage everyone to come and explore our extensive collections. Our staff will be available to answer your questions and assist with any projects you’re working on or considering. We are also eager to share the many benefits of becoming a Society member if you are interested. If you have a passion for Northern Neck history, we want you on our team! We’re looking for volunteers and docents—no prior experience required. Flexible hours and a relaxed, interesting environment await you.

     Additionally, we have a diverse selection of books about local history for sale, and we stock the 17th-century map by Mark Gearhart, “A Brief and True Report of Northumberland County, Virginia.” Don’t miss out—come visit us and bring a friend!

Scroll to Top