ABOUT THE ORANGE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Orange County Historical Society, founded in 1965 is a research, archival, and educational organization dedicated to the discovery, preservation, and dissemination of the history of the people, places, organizations, and events of Orange County and the surrounding area. The Society's reference library contains over 2,000 volumes, and there are over 1,300 files with information on families, historic buildings, events and sites, plus a map and photograph collection.
While information available at the Society's Research Center focuses on Orange County, one will also find some involving neighboring counties, such as Louisa, Louisa, Madison and Greene, in part because several of those counties were once a part of or adjoined Orange, the largest Virginia County ever created.
There is also information on on early occupations of the Virginia Piedmont, the American Civil War, regional commerce and many other fields of interest.
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In addition to the semi-annual newsletter, the Society pursues an active publications programs, involving books as well as pamphlets. (See the Shop Page) Regular membership meetings include presentations on subjects of interest to the membership and are generally held on the last Sunday of each month (excluding February and December). The January meeting is the Society's Annual meeting and is typically held on the last Sunday of the month. The June, July, and August meetings are usually scheduled as picnics at local historic sites. Members also receive special rates on book sales, copying fees, etc. To become a member please check our dues schedule below.
Please Note: The Research Center staff can provide basic collections information, such as whether we have a certain file or book, at no cost. However, because of the pressures of time, the staff cannot undertake extensive research projects.
We would be remiss if we did not note that the Society is a 501(c)(3) organization to which deductible (and greatly appreciated) charitable contributions may be made.
