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.
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 seminar or contact him directly at brisbotls@hotmail.com
The kit is NOT required to attend the seminar.
Living History Weekend at Fairview Farm & Homestead
Join us for a captivating Living History Weekend at the historic Fairview Farm & Homestead, located at 908 Hillman Highway in Abingdon, Virginia. Experience an immersive Civil War era event with reenactors, demonstrations, and authentic camp life.
On Friday, September 26th, the event is reserved for private groups only. On Saturday, September 27th, the public is invited to attend for just $5 per person (children 12 and under are free).
Visitors can interact with knowledgeable reenactors and enjoy hands-on demonstrations of American Civil War history, including military firearms displays, cavalry presentations, and cannon station operations.
Special appearances by Sam Winkler will bring history to life as he portrays both President Jefferson Davis and Dr. Samuel Witchell, a colorful snake oil salesman of the period.
Experience Civil War medical practices with the camp surgeon, and explore domestic life through quilting, candle making, and herbal medicine exhibits. Traditional crafts such as spinning, loom demonstrations, flax processing, and authentic "cooking of the brine" techniques will be showcased.
The 1812 Cabin will be decorated in period style with historical narratives, and local historian Stephen Wolfsberger will share compelling stories from the region's past.
Event Details
- Dates: Friday, September 26 (Private groups only), Saturday, September 27 (Open to public)
- Time (Saturday): 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
- Location: Fairview Farm & Homestead, 908 Hillman Highway, Abingdon, VA
- Cost: $5 per person (Children 12 and under free)
Amenities
A food truck will be available both days for visitor convenience.
Location & Directions
Fairview Farm & Homestead is located at 908 Hillman Highway in Abingdon, Virginia.
View Fairview Farm on MapMore Information
For more information, please call 276-477-0212 or 276-944-3000.
Fall 2025 Evening With The Spirits At The Sinking Spring Cemetery
Join us for a unique seated presentation featuring some of the most popular spirits from our summer cemetery tours in the historic Sinking Spring Cemetery.
This one-hour seated event takes place in the historic cemetery established in the 1770s by the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church. The land was purchased from Dr. Thomas Walker, an explorer and wealthy land speculator who promoted the development of Abingdon.
Event Details
- Cost: $5 per person (CASH ONLY)
- Tickets: Available at cemetery gate starting 6:30 PM
- Presentation: Begins at 7:00 PM (1 hour duration)
- Seating: On grass lawn in front of cemetery cabin
What to Bring
We may have a few chairs available, but we ask that you bring your own chairs and blankets if possible for comfortable seating on the grass lawn.
Family-Friendly Note
There is nothing scary about the presentations or location. Content is appropriate for families, however young children may not understand the spirits and may become bored during the hour-long presentation.
Location & Directions
Sinking Spring Cemetery at the intersection of Russell Rd. and Valley St., directly behind the Historical Society building at 341 West Main St.
From I-81: Take Exit 17 (Abingdon). Turn North on Cummings St. (0.8 miles), left on W. Main Street (0.2 miles). Free parking along the street or in the Society parking lot.
View Cemetery on MapMore Information
For more information, please call 276-623-8337 during our regular business hours.
Halloween 2025 Main Street Trick or Treat
The Historical Society will be participating in the fourth annual Main Street Trick-or-Treat which will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, starting at 4:00 p.m. and ending at 6:30 p.m. Come out and enjoy a fun and safe evening of community and candy. This year's footprint will follow previous years, from the Abingdon Police Department to Tanner Street in historic Abingdon. Again this year, make plans to stop by the Abingdon Visitor Center lawn at 208 W. Main Street, where we will be hosting a variety of candy givers and other fun tricks and treats! If your group or business would like to participate on the Visitor Center lawn contact: abolt@abingdon-va.gov There is no registration or fee.
Main Street Trick or Treat Facebook Page
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.
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.
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