Mathews County Historical Society, Inc.

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Mathews, VA
Mathews County Historical Society, Inc.

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The Mathews County Historical Society, Inc. began preserving the rich history of Mathews County, Virginia more than 50 years ago.

The Society’s Objectives:

Acquire by purchase, lease, gift or otherwise, sites, buildings, structures, objects, records and documents of historic interest in Mathews County and region, and to preserve, restore and maintain the same. Seek, collect, compile and document all available information relating to the history and facts relating to these historic objects. Promote the discussion, exhibition and visitation of these historic properties, and where appropriate, the display of such records and documents and the publication of information concerning them. Solicit gifts of real or personal property for these purposes, which gifts shall be exempt from the payment of income taxes. Educate and inform the people of Mathews County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Provide an organized presence for a historical perspective in Mathews County life and activities

10/23/2026

MCHS has installed an interpretive sign between Mathews County Visitor and Information Center (Sibley’s Store) and Thomas James Store explaining the significance between the three stores that occupy this space. In the photo are, left to right: John Hoffman, president of MCHS; bobbi hatton, chairman of the visitor center board of directors; Chris Brown and Ashley Bassetti of Civil War Trails, fabricators of the sign and Gabrielle Patrice, Executive Director of MCVIC.

10/20/2026

The Haunting of the Hudgins House: An Ever-Evolving Tale, will take...

10/15/2026

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Saturday Afternoon Club at St. Paul Methodist Parsonage in Port Haywood, Va., June 1910

Postcard. Group photo: Mrs. Arthur Winn, Zilla Winn, Hellie Miller, Mary Diggs Brownley, Alice Borum, Carrie Smith, Lydia Diggs Watson, Joycie Smith, Marion Eos Walton, Annie Waller Hudgins, Ruth Singleton, Lucille Brooks Tatterson, Georgie Miles Armistead, Ruby Miller, Amy Hudgins Ripley, Lillian Miles Hall, Ellen Borum, Linda Armistead Diggs, Ruth Hudgins, Pearl Hurst, Kate Diggs Smith, Mary Forrest, and Dell Ransome.

ARCHIVES Box 24 R 93-2 MCHS

10/12/2026

Another incredible Music on Maple in the books! Thank you to Rae the Band and Shane Norris Music for an incredible show. We appreciate all of our sponsors, and attendees for supporting MCVIC and MCHS, and to the Mathews Memorial Library for letting us use the courtyard area.

📷 Nathan Seeley

10/06/2026

Have you picked up your tickets from the Mathews Visitor Center for Friday’s Music on Maple featuring Rae the Band?! We are forecasted for a beautiful fall night! 🍁🍂🎃

09/11/2026

Come say hello this weekend during the Mathews Market Days Festival!

🇺🇸 The cottage will be open tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 5:00 p.m.

📚On Saturday morning, noted author and research historian Martha McCartney will be at the cottage from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. to sign copies of her book, Mathews County, Virginia: Lost Landscapes, Untold Stories. Other historical books and commemorative ornaments will be available for purchase.

👉The Thomas James Store at 44 Maple Avenue, will also be open during the same hours for self-guided tours.

09/08/2026

FROM THE ARCHIVES
We wanted to share a look back at these old photos of the Court House and Library right before our annual Mathews Market Days Festival.

Court House, Mathews, VA
Susan Borum Brewer Collection. February 23, 1999
Postcard, ARCHIVES Box 2 R 14-5 MCHS

Mathews Memorial Library
ARCHIVES Box 46 R 1-198 MML

09/03/2026

Market Days at the Tompkins Cottage and Thomas James Store!
The Mathews County Historical Society invites you to visit the historic Tompkins Cottage during Mathews Market Days!

The cottage will be open Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, September 13, from noon to 5:00 p.m. Come explore this special piece of Mathews County history and learn more about our local heritage.

On Saturday morning, noted author and research historian Martha McCartney will be at the cottage from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. to sign copies of her book, Mathews County,
Virginia: Lost Landscapes, Untold Stories. A selection of MCHS published and other historical books and commemorative ornaments will be available for purchase.
Ca. 1820 Thomas James Store, at 44 Maple Avenue, will also be open during the same hours for self-guided tours.

If you have an interest in join- ing us as a docent, please stop by and let us know. We have a great team of volunteers and could use a few additions. The commitment is minimal; we ask that everyone volunteer at least one Saturday per month.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor enjoying Market Days, be sure to stop by the Tompkins Cottage and discover a little more of Mathews County’s fascinating past. We look forward to seeing you!

Address

P. O. Box 855
Mathews, VA
23109

Website

http://www.mathewshistory.org/

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