Historical Society Library Building
HSWCV Logo

Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia

Preserving Southwest Virginia's Heritage Since 1936

About Us

Welcome to the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia!

Located in historic downtown Abingdon, Virginia, the Historical Society is a leading center in the region for genealogical and historical research. Founded in 1936, our mission is to preserve and share the rich history of Southwest Virginia. Since 1936, we have grown from a modest collection into one of Virginia's premier small historical societies. With a collection that includes over 7,000 books, 200,000 digital images, and more than one million indexed records, we serve as a vital resource for researchers, genealogists, and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you're exploring family roots or studying the stories that shaped our region, we invite you to discover the past with us and celebrate the heritage of Southwest Virginia and Upper East Tennessee.

Visitor Information
The library is staffed by dedicated volunteers. We recommend calling ahead to confirm our hours or to schedule an appointment, especially during winter weather or holiday periods.
Hours
  • Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Closed: Sunday & Monday
  • Closed on all Federal holidays and during inclement winter weather
Contact

Phone: 276-623-8337

Email: office@hswcv.org

Street Address:
341 West Main Street
Abingdon, VA 24210

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 484
Abingdon, VA 24212-0484

Find Us
Board of Directors
  • • Charlie Barnette
  • • Carl Coalson
  • • Brett Compton
  • • Sandra Darden
  • • Catherine Hagy
  • • Daniel Smith
Officers
  • Walter Jenny, President
  • Carl (Bob) Maiden, Vice President
  • John Neal, Treasurer
  • Pat Hatfield, Secretary
  • Mark Hagy, Corresponding Secretary
  • Martha Keys, Immediate Past President
11
Nov
2025
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Join us on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Veterans Memorial Park in Abingdon, Virginia for a special talk by the Historical Society’s President, Walt Jenny: “The World Turn’d Upside Down - The Battle of Yorktown.” This program honors America’s veterans while exploring the decisive Revolutionary War battle that secured our independence.

27
Nov
2025
Thursday, November 27, 2025
2024-2025 Holiday and Winter Hours. The Society is closed for the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday from Thursday, November 27th through Monday, December 1st. We will reopen on Tuesday, December 2nd. We will close for the 2025-2026 Winter season on Sunday, December 21st and reopen on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. (If you plan on visiting us during the Winter months, we will be open by appointment only. To arrange an appointment, contact the office@hswcv.org).

Support Our Mission

Your generous donation helps us preserve and share the rich history of Washington County and Southwest Virginia. Every contribution makes a difference!

Donate Now

Get Involved

Become a Member

Join Today

The Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia is a community of individuals united by a profound respect and reverence for history. Our members share a deep-seated duty to preserve the recorded legacy of the people, places, and pivotal events that have shaped the unique identity of our region over time. We warmly invite you to join us in this vital preservation effort by becoming a member of the HSWCV. As part of our growing community, you'll receive exclusive benefits that keep you connected to the heritage we strive to safeguard.

All members receive a free subscription to our quarterly newsletter, which provides updates on the Society's activities, newly acquired collections, and upcoming programs and events. You'll also gain access to our biannual Society Bulletin - a treasure trove of well-researched articles that allow you to re-visit and better understand the captivating history of our local area. Joining is easy - you can purchase memberships directly on our website, by mailing in an application, or by calling our office at 276-623-8337. We offer a range of membership levels to accommodate all budgets, so everyone can participate in preserving the rich legacy of Washington County.

We hope you'll consider becoming a member and joining us in our mission to collect, protect, and share the remarkable stories that make our region so historically significant. Together, we can ensure this invaluable heritage is passed down to future generations.

Volunteer With Us

Email Us

Volunteers are the backbone of the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia. Their contributions are essential to the successful operation of our organization and the execution of our wide-ranging activities. We offer a diverse array of volunteering opportunities to accommodate all skill sets, interests, and availability. Whether you have just a few hours to spare or can commit to a regular volunteer schedule, there are countless ways you can get involved and make a meaningful difference. Greet and assist visitors at our museum and research library, help plan engaging programs and special events, conduct genealogical research, or lend your expertise to setting up new exhibits that showcase our rich historical collections.

For those with a passion for preservation, we welcome volunteers to assist with cataloging, digitizing, and caring for our invaluable artifacts, documents, and photographs. Your organizational skills and attention to detail can play a vital role in ensuring this irreplaceable heritage is properly maintained and accessible to researchers and the public. We actively seek a diverse volunteer corps comprised of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Your unique experiences and perspectives can provide fresh ideas and energy to help us better fulfill our mission. Whether you commit to a regular schedule or wish to contribute on a one-time project basis, your involvement is deeply appreciated.

To inquire about available volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and availability, please contact the Historical Society by email at office@hswcv.org or call us directly at 1-276-623-8337. We look forward to welcoming you to our team of dedicated volunteers who are the driving force behind preserving the history of Washington County.

Connect With Us

Rambling Roots

The Historical Society has acquired the Rambling Roots website, expanding our digital resources for genealogical research in Southwest Virginia.

Visit Rambling Roots
Facebook Group

Join our Historical Society's Facebook group to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings, share research tips, and connect with fellow history enthusiasts.

Join on Facebook
YouTube Channel

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for videos about our work and the regional history we preserve, including lectures, tours, and special presentations.

Watch on YouTube
TripAdvisor

If you've visited us, we'd be grateful if you'd leave a review on TripAdvisor. Your feedback helps others discover our historical treasures.

Leave a Review