About Us
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
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
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!
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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
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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 RootsFacebook 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 FacebookYouTube 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 YouTubeTripAdvisor
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.
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