Northumberland County Historical Society

NCHS—since 1963: At its inception, the founders of the Northumberland County Historical Society avowed that its mission is to "Preserve the history and genealogy of the people and the memory of the historical events of Northumberland County, Virginia, and to educate the public about the 'Mother County' of the Northern Neck of Virginia."

    The Northumberland County Historical Society owes its existence to the proactive stance of local citizens. In 1963, a group of concerned locals, led by Dr. J. Motley Booker, formed a committee to save the vacant Old Jail building from destruction by the county. By 1964, they had persuaded the Board of Supervisors to spare the structure, which was constructed in 1839, with the promise that they would repair and restore the historic jail at no cost to the county, thereby preserving local history. Their initiative and community spirit are a source of pride for us all.    

     The group immediately began raising funds for the restoration project through donations, memberships in the newly formed Northumberland County Historical Society, and sales of The Bulletin of the Northumberland County Historical Society. This annual journal has been published continuously since 1964, and likewise, the restoration project continues, a testament to the Society's sustained efforts.

     In its early years, NCHS used the Old Jail to hold meetings and store documents and relics. Now it is open for tours on special occasions, or arrangements can be made for visits. The Ball Memorial Library and Museum, which houses an extensive library, a meeting room, a museum, and an office headquarters for NCHS, was completed in 1978.

     The facility at 86 Back Street in Heathsville is open on Wednesdays through Fridays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, as well as for special events. Visitors are always welcome at the library and museum.

NCHS—Preserving history and educating the public: NCHS offers the public an excellent library that is rich in historical and genealogical resources, as well as court records for Northumberland County dating back to its colonization. Our records for the other Northern Neck counties and much of Maryland are also extensive. We have professional genealogists on staff who assist our guests and conduct remote research for those who are unable to visit the area, ensuring the highest quality of service.

     The museum at the Northumberland County Historical Society is a treasure trove representing sixty-one years of accumulating local artifacts and relics of every description and from every era. From Indian artifacts that predate the colonial period to items from the early twentieth-century canning factories, and everything in between, including objects from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, as well as nineteenth-century medical supplies, our collection is a diverse and fascinating journey through time.

     The most unique feature, and the inspiration for NCHS, the Old Jail, is open to the public for the Heathsville Farmers Market from April through October and is available for other events. This historic site, an excellent example of utilitarian nineteenth-century architecture, is open to the public, inviting visitors to experience what it's like to be inside a nineteenth-century jail cell. Docents are on hand to provide a fascinating history and answer questions, ensuring everyone feels welcome and included.

     NCHS presents a diverse range of speakers at four regularly scheduled programs each year in our lecture room. These programs can be book reviews, lectures, musical performances, or any other content related to Northumberland County History. Our speakers include authors or scholars distinguished in various fields of historical, cultural, or genealogical studies, as well as local personalities with interesting stories about the bygone days. We also feature musicians who specialize in entertainment from earlier historical periods, as well as photographers who preserve historical landmarks through their camera lenses. There's something for everyone at NCHS.

     The Bulletin of the Northumberland County Historical Society serves as the foundation of our organization. This journal is published annually, is generally 75 - 100 pages in length, and is one of the benefits of being a member at NCHS. It was essential to the establishment of NCHS and has always been our connection to our many members across the United States. Every member looks forward to receiving their copy. The Bulletin provides information that is meaningful, educational, and interesting to Northumberland residents, their descendants, and to those who have never visited the county but find its history or stories about its inhabitants to be fascinating. The Bulletin also offers publishing opportunities for every type of author, novice or scholar.

     Although we are enamored of the past, NCHS is firmly grounded in the twenty-first century. We have Wi-Fi access in the library, a presence on Facebook, and an up-to-date website. On 4 July 2025, we began a series titled "Countdown to Independence" that is available on the Northern Neck History Channel. There will be twelve more short films in the series, ending on 4 July 2026, that depict activities in Northumberland County during the revolutionary period. Historical excerpts from The Bulletin or other sources will appear concurrently in the Rappahannock Record.