The Preservation of Northern Neck History and Genealogy:

Joining NCHS is an opportunity for you and your family to learn about local history and genealogy and to help make that opportunity available to future generations through your support. NCHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and contributions are tax-deductible. We depend on membership dues and contributions to continue to provide a pleasant facility for the preservation of records and artifacts, research, instruction, and fellowship among those with an interest in local history and genealogy. 

Unlimited Access to Research Library:

Nonmembers pay a fee of $10.00 per person per day for access to our library and reading room. As a member, you are only asked to pay for copies made for you. Library access provides the member with a vast selection of resources, whether your interest is researching the history of the area or the genealogy of families going back to the original inhabitants in 1648.

Historical and Genealogical Resources:

NCHS has a comprehensive collection of resources for researching history and genealogy in the entire Northern Neck, other areas of the state, and Maryland. Many local artifacts are displayed in the second-floor museum and the library.  

Unpublished Local Resources for Family History Research:

NCHS has an extensive collection of local family histories and research notes that have been contributed by family members and local researchers. We also have many family Bibles that local families have donated. Much of this information is not available elsewhere.

Histories of Local Structures and Locations:

There are cabinets full of drawings, photos, newspaper and magazine articles, letters, scrapbooks, and personal recollections about local businesses, schools, churches, homes, and other structures as well as old maps and plats, newspapers, and school yearbooks. Again, this material is not available elsewhere. 

Assistance from Staff:

Trained staff is available at our facility to assist you with your research, and there is a spacious reading room with computer terminals and wi-fi access for your laptop. If you are unable to visit our library, our staff will research a subject for you for a very reasonable fee. Learn more about Research Assistance.

Educational Workshops, Guest Speakers, and Programs:

Programs that are related to local history are presented at four scheduled meetings each year. The content might include speakers, book presentations and signings, musical presentations, history reenactors, etc. Other programs and activities are announced throughout the year. 

The Bulletin of the Northumberland County Historical Society

The Bulletin is a nationally recognized scholarly periodical published annually since 1964. It is included with an annual membership. Extra copies and old editions are available for purchase. Articles cover the entire range of local history from the mid-seventeenth century to the present.