Scanning and indexing work being conducted by the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia has been funded in part by a grant from Virginia Humanities.
The Society maintains a series of hard copy documents in files sorted by surname. They are referred to as the "Vertical Files" in reference to the type of file cabinets in which they are stored. You can browse an index of these surnames and associated files by clicking on the link below. Since they are unscanned documents, you will need to visit the library to access the files. It should be noted that these are only a subset of family information which the Society maintains. If your family name is not listed in the Vertical File index, then you should search the databases of digitized documents listed above.
For those researchers unable to visit the Society library, we are happy to answer one or two specific questions for a $25 research fee. Since these requests are handled by volunteers here at the Society, there may be some delays if we receive a high volume of requests.
A Genealogy Research Requestis for subjects directly related to family history. Requests are not limited to a single family, but each request can only ask TWO questions. You can help us by providing as much information as you know about the research subject including what you already know about the genealogy of the family being researched. So, if the research subject being requested is genealogical and fits well with the above description then you can submit a request online or by mail using a request form with payment to the Society.
Genealogy Research RequestOther (Non-Genealogy) Research Requests are for subjects other than family history, such as historical information on an organization, a church, a school, a house, a farm, or a business here in Washington County, Virginia. Of course, requests are not limited to these specific categories, but each request can only ask TWO questions. You can help us by providing as much information as you know about the research subject. So, if the research subject being requested is non-genealogical and fits well with the above description then you can submit a request online or by mail using a General (Non-Genealogy) Research Request Form with payment.
Other (Non-Genealogy) Research RequestThe Historical Society maintains an extensive digital collection of historical photographs, illustrations, maps, and documents. Researchers and members of the public can purchase copies of any image in our online archives. Digital copies are available for personal use and a range of commercial use applications such as publications, exhibitions, books, etc. Simply search our online database, select the desired image, and follow the prompts to place your order. Owning a piece of history from our meticulously preserved collection allows you to create a lasting connection to the rich heritage of our region.
A Personal Use Image Order is for Personal Individual Use Only. These images are not to be used in any commercial, for-profit endeavor; or used in any publication or exhibit (electronic or otherwise) without written consent of the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia; or posted on Internet social media and/or genealogical sites. (Complete a Commercial Use Order Form to request permission for other uses.)
Personal Use Image Order FormCommercial Use Image Orders While the Historical Society is pleased to make our digital archive available for purchase, there are some important restrictions on the commercial use of these images. Any image designated for commercial use may only be utilized for the specific approved purpose outlined at the time of purchase. The images cannot be repurposed, altered, or used in any other commercial product, advertisement, or public display without express written consent and proper licensing from the Society. We ask that you respect the rights and provenance of these historical assets. Unlicensed commercial use constitutes a violation of our policies and copyright law. Review our commercial use guidelines carefully before placing your order.
Commercial Use Image Order Form
Scanning and indexing work being conducted by the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia has been funded in part by a grant from Virginia Humanities.