Historical Society News and Events
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HSWCV News and Events

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.

Share Your Story: The Society is looking for historical accounts, tales, and reminiscences about local history to publish in the Bulletin. Contributions can be in any format—researched articles, short stories, family histories, or even interesting factoids. Email us to share your forgotten history with Society members.

2026 Annual Dinner and Business Meeting

Annual Dinner June 13, 2026

The Annual Meeting and Dinner of the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This event will offer members an opportunity to review the accomplishments of the Society over the past year. Attendees can look forward to an evening of engaging discussion, fellowship, and a shared dinner.

June 13, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, One Partnership Cir, Abingdon, Virginia
The meeting is free. The dinner is $30 per person
2026 Annual Dinner Image 12026 Annual Dinner Image 2
Save the date! The Annual Meeting and Dinner of the Historical Society will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 6 PM to 8:30 PM at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. We will have an annual report and business meeting followed by dinner and a program. It is planned that Social Hour will start at 6 PM with a wine bar. The Business meeting will begin at 6:30 PM followed by a buffet at 7PM. The program will start at 7:45 PM.

About the Event

The meeting is free to attend. The wine bar is open with a tip jar and you can BYOB if you want. If you decide to eat dinner, the tickets are $30 per person and are available at the Society office at 341 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia. For more information, or to reserve a ticket, please call 276-623-8337 during our regular business hours. NOTE: If you are going to pay at the door, please RSVP now so we can provide an attendance number for the caterer.The program is yet to be determined

Event Details

Date: Saturday, July 13, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Location: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center

Admission: The meeting is free. The dinner is $30 per person

Tickets for the dinner are not currently on sale. For more information, or to reserve a ticket, please call 276-623-8337 during our regular business hours or email us at office@hswcv.org

2026 Living History Tour of the Sinking Spring Cemetery

Cemetery Tour July 25, 2026

Step back in time with our Living History Tour featuring period-costumed interpreters who bring the stories of Washington County's earliest residents to life.

July 25, 2026
6:00 PM - 7:45 PM
Sinking Spring Cemetery, 123 Russell Road Northwest, Abingdon, Virginia
$5 per person (cash only at the gate)
2026 Cemetery Tour Image 12026 Cemetery Tour Image 2
Join a knowledgeable guide and small group as you walk among the historic graves. Professional historical interpreters in period costume will share captivating stories of past local residents, bringing the rich history of Washington County and Abingdon to life through personal narratives and historical context.

About the Tour

Established in the 1770s by the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church on 11 acres purchased from Dr. Thomas Walker, this historic cemetery holds the stories of Abingdon's founding families. The land was acquired from Dr. Walker, an explorer and wealthy land speculator who promoted the development of the Town of Abingdon.

Family-Friendly Experience: The tour content is appropriate for families, though very small children may become tired or bored during the hour-long walk. There is nothing scary about the presentations or location. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven ground.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM (ticket sales at the gate starts 5:45 PM)

Location: Sinking Spring Cemetery

Admission: $5 per person (cash only at the gate)

Questions? Call us at 276-623-8337 or email office@hswcv.org

D2 Headstone Cleaning Kits Now Available

Now Available

Complete cleaning kit assembled by expert Charlie Barnette - $55 + tax

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 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. Online ordering not currently available.

Expert Guidance

Want to learn how to use the kit? Bring it to Charlie's seminar or contact him at brisbotls@hotmail.com

The kit is NOT required to attend the seminar.

New: Family Reunion Planning Resources

New Resource

Comprehensive guide to venues, lodging, and services in Washington County

Family Reunion Resources
Planning a family reunion in Washington County? The Historical Society has created a central resource to help you find local venues, lodging, and food services for your gathering.
Using our website, you can locate local venues, lodging, and food services that offer a warm welcome to your family and an introduction to the historic sites and scenes in our region.

For Local Businesses

Would you like to be listed on our Family Reunion Resource Page?

Download Application Form

Email completed application to office@hswcv.org

Ongoing: Veteran Video Interview Project

Ongoing Project

Watch interviews with Southwest Virginia veterans - new videos added regularly

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.

Veteran Voices of Southwest Virginia

This ongoing program features video recordings collected by the advisory board and archived by the Historical Society. Ten-minute interviews capture military experiences from veterans living across Southwest Virginia.

Veteran Gatherings

Veterans meet regularly at the Food City Deli in Abingdon, Virginia:

First Tuesday of each month

Third Saturday of each month

To participate in the interview project, contact Kim Kingsley, Abingdon Town Clerk, at (276) 492-2149.

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