New home of the past

 

Goochland County has been around for a while. Depending on which source you cite, it was calved from Henrico in 1727 or 28. Along the way, several other counties were split from Goochland. History includes important events woven into the fabric of people, places, and things or ordinary life.

It's official. The Goochland History Center is open. Board members Vern Fkeming (l) and Scott Johnson(r) watch as Richard Toler cuts the ribbon on the Goochland History Center.

In 1968, a group of people concerned that the cultural heritage of Goochland, the story of its people, places, and past events would be lost, formed the Goochland Historical Society. In addition to publishing a magazine, the Society houses a collection of local history references and artifacts. Other contributions to the community include: refurbished the Old Stone Jail; secured grant money to renovate the Second Union Rosenwald School and Museum (https://secondunionrosenwaldschool.org/), and installed historical interpretative markers on the Courthouse Green.

GHS president Christina Dunn  makes remarks about the new history center to a socially distanced outdoor audience.

During Covid, the Society moved to a new headquarters, named the “Goochland History Center” to better reflect its dynamic focus on preserving and sharing the county’s past. The official ribbon was cut on November 4 on the new space, renovated by and leased from the county.

New shelving will display research materials with ample space to take notes.

The new location, on River Road West adjoining the southern entrance to the Courthouse Complex, is convenient for people involved in genealogical research, who may need to access the records room in the nearby Clerk’s office.  Research materials are displayed on attractive shelving in the light and welcoming space. People also drop in to learn the history of their property. Local artifacts of times gone by are on display.

Local World War II artifacts are currently on display.

Partnering with the County, the History Center will also welcome guests as the Goochland Welcome Center providing information about things to see and do here.

Executive Director James Richmond (r) and Board Member Vern Fleming.

Hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 to 3 and the second Saturday of month from 10 to 3, face covering required.

The History Center’s gift shop offers books with local themes and Goochland centric merchandise including hats and tee shirts emblazoned with the county seal; Christmas ornaments; “Cat’s Meow” renderings of local landmarks, and the ever popular 2021 calendar featuring photos of the county’s past. (Go to  http://www.goochlandhistory.org/ for details.)

 

The 2021 calendar of historic photos is on sale now.