News and Events
Stay updated with the latest happenings at the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia. Join us for educational programs, special events, and community activities that celebrate our rich local heritage. Keep in mind, the Society is looking for historical accounts, tales, reminiscences about local history to put in the Bulletin. Contributions can be in any format whether it be a researched article, a short story, family history, even factoids. Give it some thought, you might be able to share some "forgotten history" with Society members. If you want to contribute please email the Society at office@hswcv.org.
2025-2026 Holiday and Winter Hours
Please note our adjusted hours for the Thanksgiving holiday and winter season. We'll be available by appointment during the winter months.
Thanksgiving Holiday
Closed: Thursday, November 27 through Monday, December 1, 2025
Reopen: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Winter Season
Closes: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Reopens: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Winter Appointments Available
If you plan on visiting us during the Winter months, we will be open by appointment only. To arrange an appointment, contact office@hswcv.org.
Inclement Weather Policy
The library will be closed during inclement winter weather following the Washington County Virginia School System snow day closing schedule.
Contact Information
For questions about our hours or to schedule a winter appointment, please email office@hswcv.org or call 276-623-8337 during regular business hours.
D2 Headstone Cleaning Kit
Our resident cemetery expert Charlie Barnette has assembled a complete headstone cleaning kit for purchase. Perfect for maintaining family monuments and cemetery headstones.
Kit Includes:
- One quart spray bottle of D2 Biological Solution
- Cleaning brush
- Pair of protective gloves
- Two toothbrushes for detail work
- Two picking sticks
- Complete instruction sheet
How to Purchase
- In Person: Available for purchase at the Historical Society library
- By Phone: Call 276-623-8337 to place an order
- By Email: office@hswcv.org
Note: Shipping available - contact us for details and shipping costs. Online ordering not currently available.
Expert Guidance
Want to learn how to use the kit? Bring it to Charlie's Headstone Cleaning Seminar or contact him directly at brisbotls@hotmail.com
The kit is NOT required to attend the seminar.
About the Expert
Charlie Barnette has extensive experience in cemetery monument repair and restoration throughout Washington County. If you've seen a newly cleaned old headstone in a local cemetery, it's likely one of Charlie's projects!
Historical Society Family Reunion Resources
Planning a family reunion in Washington County? The Historical Society is creating a central resource to help you find local venues, lodging, and food services for your gathering.
Using our website, you will be able to locate local venues, lodging, and food services that can offer a warm welcome to your family and an introduction to the historic sites and scenes in our region.
Family Reunion Resources
Access our comprehensive guide to planning your family reunion in Washington County:
Visit Family Reunion Resource PageFor Local Businesses
If you are a business and would like to be listed on our Family Reunion Resource Page, please complete our application:
Email completed application to office@hswcv.org
Our Mission
We're committed to helping families connect with their heritage while enjoying all that historic Washington County has to offer. Our resource page will continue to grow as we partner with local businesses to serve reunion organizers.
What You'll Find
- • Local venue options for gatherings of all sizes
- • Lodging recommendations throughout the area
- • Food services and catering options
- • Information about historic sites and attractions
- • Resources for planning your perfect reunion
Veteran Video Interviews
The Veterans Advisory Board of Abingdon is partnering with the Historical Society to document and share the stories of Southwest Virginia veterans through video interviews.
The Veterans Advisory Board of the Town of Abingdon, Virginia, established in 2022, is developing this exciting project to honor and raise awareness of veterans throughout Southwest Virginia. The initiative involves interviewing veterans with connections to Washington County and sharing their stories through brief, edited videos.
Veteran Voices of Southwest Virginia
This ongoing program features video recordings collected by the advisory board and archived by the Historical Society. The project includes stories from veterans living across Southwest Virginia.
- • Ten-minute interviews about military experiences
- • Video recorded and made available online
- • Open to all veterans in the region
View the Archive
Watch veteran interviews and learn about their experiences on our dedicated veterans page:
Visit Veterans Video ArchiveVeteran Gatherings
Veterans meet regularly at the Food City Deli in Abingdon, Virginia:
- First Tuesday of each month
- Third Saturday of each month
Get Involved
For more information about participating in the veteran interview project, contact Kim Kingsley, Abingdon Town Clerk, at 276-492-2149.
About the Veterans Advisory Board
The Veterans Advisory Board of the Town of Abingdon was established in 2022 to honor and support local veterans. This video interview project is one of several initiatives aimed at preserving veteran stories and raising awareness of their service to our country.
Stay Connected
Don't miss future events and updates from the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia.