Northumberland County Historical Society

09/04/2026

The new book, “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.

07/28/2026

This video tells the story of what was occurring in the Northern Ne...

07/26/2026

On Saturday, July 25, Matt Wasniewski, historian of the U.S. House of Representatives, made a very informative presentation about the history of that historic institution. Having studied the House for over 30 years, Wasniewski was able to bring forth many interesting details and tidbits at the well attended event. The presentation is available on the Northern Neck History Channel on YouTube.

Historian of the U.S. House of Representatives Matt Wasniewaki spok...

07/26/2026

The movie Northern Neck 250, created and produced locally by Mark Huffman and sponsored by the Northumberland County Historical Society and the Kilmarnock Museum is still available for viewing on the Northern Neck History Channel on YouTube. The film tells the story of the Northern Neck's involvement in the Revolutionary War and includes interviews with local people.

This video tells the story of what was occurring in the Northern Ne...

05/06/2026

On Saturday, May 23, the Northumberland County Historical Society hosted a special event. The Old Jail was open to visitors, and our historical and genealogical library in the basement, along with the museum on the second floor, was open to the public. We thank all those who came by to see us despite the inclement weather and we will have another open house in the future.

04/19/2026

Northumberland County native Dr. Emory Lewis spoke to the NCHS today, regaling us with "Tales of a Country Doctor." Here's one of his stories. The full talk may be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM9fqK2cLEA

11/24/2025

On Sunday, December 7, Susan Anthony-Tolbert presented "A Tale of Tea From Tea Rooms of the Early Twentieth Century" at NCHS headquarters at 86 Back Street in Heathsville. Her presentation examined the social, cultural, economic, and political aspects of the advent of rural tea rooms in America in the 1920s and early 1930s, and introduced her newest publication, "Lady Mary Tea Room: A Tale of Tea."

10/08/2025

The Northumberland County Historical Society held its annual fall meeting on Sunday, October 19, at 2:30 p.m.

The full lecture, "Lafayette's Return to America," is available for viewing on the Northern Neck History Channel. All future programs and presentations at the Northumberland County Historical Society will be available on this venue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5dL3UgVdEs

Gregory Burkett gave an outstanding presentation about the return of the Marquis de Lafayette to America in 1824, when Lafayette was welcomed as a war hero amid huge celebrations.

10/08/2025

The two most recent publications from NCHS are in stock at the library: the 2025 edition, Vol. LXII, of the Bulletin of the Northumberland County Historical Society and Index No. 3 for The Northumberland County Historical Society Bulletin Volumes 2014 - 2023. They are also available for purchase online at the Lulu Press Book Store at https://www.lulu.com/shop