Mission

The Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia serves as the center for Chesterfield history. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, interpret and promote the county’s unique past for the education of present and future generations.  
     

Castlewood                 Magnolia Grange          Old Jail               Museum

SPEAKERS:  Do You Need A Speaker for your event?
We have volunteers that would provide a presentation to your organization.   Call the office of the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia for more information at 804-796-7121.  Some programs are free and some Presentations are offered Tuesday-Friday.  Cost: $35.00 for non-profits/ $50.00 for private groups and groups outside of Chesterfield County.  Contact Bryan Truzzie at 804-751-4946 or truzzieb@chesterfield.gov to arrange a presentation or for additional information.  You may also Call the office of the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia for more information at 804-796-7121.

Ø  Chesterfield County: A Historical Perspective:  This presentation details the rich history of Chesterfield County, spanning over 250 years.   (Free)

Ø  Chesterfield Historical Society; an Overview:  This program tells about the mission, goals,  and functions of the CHS, detailing the committees and their individual projects and programs. (Free)

Ø  Beginning Genealogy  This presentation introduces the amateur to the process of genealogical research. Topics covered include what to ask, whom to ask, tools of the trade, record sources, and more. Handouts provide to give participants a starting point for their family tree research. (Free.)

Ø  Resources of the Chesterfield County Historical Society Library:  This presentation tells the story of the CHS and elaborates upon the individual components of the library collection, explaining what each category includes.

Ø  Chesterfield County’s Historic Courthouse Green:  Learn about the Colonial history of Chesterfield’s old Courthouse Green and hear the stories surrounding its monuments and historic structures. 

Ø  Heirloom Herbs: Their History and Folklore:  Did you know that basil was used as an air freshener, insect repellent, digestive medicine, good luck charm, and symbol of love, in addition to its culinary uses? Explore the historical uses and folklore of this and other familiar garden Herbs   such as rosemary, sage, fennel and thyme.   

Ø  Historic Chesterfield County Courthouse:  Learn about the history surrounding Chesterfield County’s original 1750 courthouse,  including several well-known trials and other historic events that took place on its grounds. 

Ø  Historic Coal Mines of Chesterfield County: Chesterfield is home to the first commercial coal mines in the New World.  From 1703 to the early 1900’s, the mines produced abundant supplies of coal.  Find out how this industry shaped the history of the county. 

Ø  Historic Mills of Chesterfield County: An Abundance of Water Power:  This presentation will provide an insightful glimpse into the history of mill power that was prevalent during the 18^th and  19^th centuries, from the county’s oldest mill at Swift Creek to the mills at Ettrick and Matoaca. 

Ø  Historic Trees of Chesterfield County:  Silent Witnesses to Our Past:  Listen to the stories surrounding Chesterfield’s most notable trees.  Learn about the Nunnally oak tree that has been standing for nearly 2 centuries at the old courthouse, the “cucumber” magnolia tree, planted in   1833 at Violet Bank, and other unusual and historic local trees.  

Ø  History of Chesterfield County’s Parks and Recreation Department: Learn about the development of the County’s Parks, athletic and recreational facilities and programs, over the last     3 decades.  

Ø  What’s in a Name?  The Origins of Plant Names: Hear the stories behind the origins of common plant names such as granny’s bonnet, forget-me-not, pansy, and Queen Anne’s lace.   Also learn a little about the history of scientific names, which help us to make sense out of the sometimes confusing, but always interesting, world of plant names! 

Ø  Historic Chesterfield Slide Presentations :  This is an overview of the above PowerPoint presentations.  Programs run about an hour in length, and are presented by staff of the History Section of Chesterfield County’s Department of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Chesterfield Historical Society.  Although we would enjoy having your group visit us at the County Museum  or Magnolia Grange Museum House, the above programs are also available on an outreach basis.