Welcome
Welcome to the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia! Located in historic downtown Abingdon, 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. 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.
Upcoming Events
Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia
The Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia (HSWCV) is a vibrant center for historical and genealogical research, headquartered in the heart of downtown Abingdon. Since 1936, we have grown from a modest collection into one of Virginia’s premier small historical societies, dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Washington County and Southwest Virginia.
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, Director
- Carl Coalson, Director
- Brett Compton, Director
- Sandra Darden, Director
- Catherine Hagy, Director
- Daniel Smith, Director
Officers
- Walter Jenny, President
- Carl (Bob) Maiden, Vice President
- John Neal, Treasurer
- Pat Hatfield, Secretary
- Mark Hagy, Corresponding Secretary
- Martha Keys, Immediate Past President
Donate
The Historical Society of Washington County is primarily powered by the efforts of our dedicated volunteer staff. We rely on the generous support of our members, donors, and visitors to sustain our operations and fulfill our mission. The majority of our funding comes from membership dues, monetary donations, and sales at our museum gift shop and online store. These vital financial resources are used to cover the day-to-day operating costs of our research library, maintain our archival collections, and undertake critical preservation projects.
By donating to the HSWCV, you are directly supporting our work to collect, protect, and share the rich history of Washington County and the surrounding region. Your contributions, no matter the amount, go towards cataloging new acquisitions, digitizing fragile documents, caring for irreplaceable artifacts, and making our historical resources more accessible to the public. We wholeheartedly appreciate any donation you can provide, whether it's an annual membership, a gift donation, or volunteering your time and expertise. Every bit of support helps us continue being an educational resource and community hub committed to celebrating and preserving the unique heritage of our local area. Thank you for your generosity!
NOTE: When you click on the donate button you will be taken to our donation drive on betterworld.org where you can select or enter a donation amount and pay online. Of course, there are other ways to donate. You can always stop by the Society and donate in person or give us a call at 276-623-8337 and donate by credit card over the phone. If you prefer to use mail, just mail a check to:
Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia
341 West Main Street
P.O. Box 484
Abingdon, VA 24212-0484
Get Involved
Become a Member
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
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.
Related Sites
The Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia has acquired the Rambling Roots website—a remarkable online resource filled with invaluable information about the county's pioneer families, including the ancestors of the late Diana Ryburn Moffett Powell. Rambling Roots was a true labor of love for Diana, a dedicated HSWCV member who resided in California. Over many years, she painstakingly researched and documented the genealogies of the Ryburn family and countless other early settlers of Washington County.
The site's comprehensive index currently lists nearly 700 family surnames. Now under the care of the Historical Society, this genealogical treasure will continue to grow and remain publicly accessible, honoring Diana's legacy and the heritage of Washington County.
Join our Historical Society's Facebook group to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings and connect with other members. With over 12,000 members, it’s a vibrant community where you can ask questions, share insights, and maybe even reconnect with relatives. Membership in the group is open but requires approval to participate.
Please note that joining the Facebook group does not make you an official HSWCV member—we encourage you to formally join the Society as well!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for videos about our work and the regional history we preserve. Whether you're local or across the country, our videos help you stay engaged with the Historical Society’s mission and content from anywhere.
It’s a great way to learn more and stay connected. We hope to see you in the comments!
If you've visited us, we’d be grateful if you'd leave a review on TripAdvisor! Your feedback helps others discover us and allows us to keep improving.
Thank you for helping spread the word about the Historical Society and our efforts.