Who We Are
The
Norfolk County Historical Society of Chesapeake, Virginia was organized on
October 10, 1963, the same year that the City of Chesapeake was formed through
the merger of Norfolk County and the City of South Norfolk.
The
society is committed to the preservation and dissemination of the history of
the city of Chesapeake and surrounding areas. It is a tax-exempt
corporation chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Society
. . . Provides historical programs
that are open to the public.
. . . Contributes to the development of the Wallace Memorial Room
Collection. Visit the Wallace Memorial
Room
. . . Is committed to making information available concerning the
history of Chesapeake, Norfolk County and the surrounding
area.
. . . Provides volunteer assistance in the Wallace Memorial
Room.
. . . Publishes and sells books and
pamphlets dealing with local history.
. . . Identifies, registers and marks Chesapeake structures of
historic significance.
. . . Sponsors the development of a collection of oral
histories.
. . . Sponsors genealogy classes.
. . . Supports the concept of an Architectural Review Committee
for protection of the city's historic structures and sites.
Chesapeake's Roots
In
1636, less than three decades after the settling of Jamestown, New Norfolk was
formed from Elizabeth City County, one of the nine original shires of the
Colony of Virginia. In 1637, New Norfolk was divided into Lower Norfolk
County and Upper Norfolk County. Lower Norfolk County encompasses the
area that is now the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia
Beach. Lower Norfolk County's first court was held on May 15, 1637, and
was presided over by Captain Adam Thoroughgood.
Chesapeake is the most direct descendent of Lower Norfolk
County. The records housed in care of Chesapeake's Clerk of the Circuit
Court are the oldest records held by any of the four cities that were once
Lower Norfolk County; they date back to 1637 and the first court held in the
jurisdiction.
History of Chesapeake
Battle of Great
Bridge
Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways
History Foundation
Visit Great Bridge Battlefield
& Waterways History Foundation's Website
Local Historical Societies and
Organizations
Historical Society Membership
Membership in the Norfolk County Historical Society of Chesapeake,
Virginia is open to all interested persons. Members are notified by mail
of the three yearly membership meetings and the annual dinner meeting.
Dues are $10 per year. You may download the membership application on this site or
pick one up at the Chesapeake Central Library. Please mail your check or
money order made payable to "Norfolk County Historical Society of Chesapeake"
to:
Norfolk County Historical Society of
Chesapeake
298 Cedar
Road
Chesapeake, VA
23322-5598
Volunteers
The
Chesapeake Public Library and the Norfolk County Historical Society welcome
volunteers for the Wallace Memorial Room. One does not have to be a
member of the Historical Society to be a volunteer. Volunteers perform
duties such as researching local history and genealogy information requests
that the Historical Society receives, identifying materials of historical
interest, assisting library customers in the Wallace Room, organizing
materials, shelving, etc. If interested in being a volunteer, contact the
Chesapeake Public Library at 410-7100. |
