Virginia is home to over 550 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From major institutions in Richmond to small-town societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to Virginia's rich past.
Featured Historical Societies
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Founded: 1926
World's largest living history museum preserving and interpreting 18th-century colonial capital. Features restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and extensive collections documenting colonial Virginia, Revolutionary War era, and founding of American democracy
Website: colonialwilliamsburg.org
Monticello (Thomas Jefferson Foundation)
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Founded: 1923
Preserves Thomas Jefferson's mountaintop plantation home and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explores Jefferson's life, architecture, slavery at Monticello, and his legacy as founding father, inventor, and third U.S. president
Website: monticello.org
Norfolk County Historical Society of Chesapeake
Location: Chesapeake, VA
Virginia Historical Society (Virginia Museum of History & Culture)
Location: Richmond, VA
Founded: 1831
One of America's oldest historical societies, now operating as Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Houses extensive collections documenting Virginia's role in American history from Jamestown settlement through Civil War, colonial period, and state's influence on founding of the nation
Website: virginiahistory.org
Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Arlington Historical Society
Location: Arlington, VA
Augusta County Historical Society
Location: Staunton, VA
Campbell County Historical Society
Location: Rustburg, VA
Chesterfield Historical Society
Location: Chesterfield, VA
Founded: 1981
Clarke County Historical Association
Location: Berryville, VA
Founded: 1939
Danville Historical Society
Location: Danville, VA
Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society
Location: Onancock, VA
Eaton County Historical Society
Location: Charlotte, VA
Fauquier Historical Society
Location: Warrenton, VA
Founded: 1962
Goochland County Historical Society
Location: Goochland, VA
Founded: 1968
Halifax County Historical Society
Location: Halifax, VA
Founded: 1973
Henrico County Historical Society
Location: Henrico, VA
Founded: 1975
Historic Petersburg Foundation
Location: Petersburg, VA
Founded: 1967
Historic Prince William
Location: Manassas, VA
Isle of Wight County Historical Society
Location: Smithfield, VA
Loudoun County Historical Society
Location: Leesburg, VA
Louisa County Historical Society
Location: Louisa, VA
Founded: 1966
Norfolk Historical Society
Location: Norfolk, VA
Rappahannock Historical Society
Location: Washington, VA
Rocktown History
Location: Harrisonburg, VA
Shenandoah County Historical Society
Location: Woodstock, VA
Tazewell County Historical Society
Location: Tazewell, VA
Warren Heritage Society
Location: Front Royal, VA
Founded: 1971
Winchester Frederick County Historical Society
Location: Winchester, VA
Submit a Society
Know of other Virginia historical societies? Help us expand this directory by submitting organizations you're familiar with.
Submit a Society →Additional Virginia History Resources
- Virginia Historical Society - Statewide history organization
- Virginia Department of Historic Resources - State historic preservation office
- Library of Virginia - State library and archives in Richmond