Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia

Chartered on September 23, 1981, to meet the growing demand for genealogical and historical research, the Society traces its origins to a Museum Society organized in 1961.  It was responsible for the first County Museum which opened in 1980.  We are a volunteer organization governed by approved by-laws and all volunteer Board of Directors that provides leadership to CHSV committees to develop educational and fundraising programs and conduct research.   The Society offers more than 60 events and programs each year which attracts around 10,000 patrons including 1,000 school children.  Our Events Calendar includes an annual winter lecture series, genealogy workshops, rotating exhibits, tours of Civil War sites, paranormal investigations, elegant themed teas served with bone china and finger sandwiches, summer camps for kids and much more.  Visit us at the Historic Trinity Church , 10111 Ironbridge Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832.  Membership

CHSV Research Library

Thank you for the opportunity to assist in your research on people, places, and events in Chesterfield County history. As the birthplace of the second permanent English settlement in the New World with the first hospital, coal mines, ironworks, tobacco farming, and many other significant events, we have a history we are proud to share!  We are only able to conduct research on Chesterfield County history and residents. Please note that there is a minimum charge of $25.00 per research request. Copies and postage are extra. Upon evaluation of your request, you will be contacted to discuss the request and anticipated charge. If your old Bible has Chesterfield connections, please consider making photocopies and contributing the family history to the Chesterfield Historical Society  of Virginia's Library. The need is great for researchers in the library.  Research Library

Genealogy Library

The Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia is pleased to offer assistance with focused, limited research requests.  There is no charge for patrons who come into our library to conduct their own research, other than a minimal copy charge.  Donations, of course, are always appreciated to our non-profit organization.  Our volunteers are willing to help you find your elusive ancestors.  Use to the link below to see more. We welcome specific research requests; please e-mail to admin@chesterfieldhistory.com.  Please note that copy and mailing charges will be added to any materials that need to be mailed via USPS.  We do not undertake extensive research; for a list of professional genealogists, please contact the Library of Virginia. Genealogy

 Rediscover Chesterfield’s History.  In Chesterfield County, visitors can experience over 400 years of history spanning the pre-colonial era through the early 20^th century. Visit our historic sites and take part in our programs and events to learn some unique firsts that happened here. https://www.chesterfield.gov/819/History

Visit our Research Library/span> and discover your Chesterfield ancestors and their rich history.  Our volunteers are there to assist you if needed..  See our library page for more information.  See The New Film on the Library Committee     

Test Site

Chesterfield County Historic Sites

Point of Rocks is a historic site on the Appomattox River  is designated "Pont of Rocks Park".  Abraham Lincoln walked with Union Generals discussing ways to win a war.   Clara Barton served as the head nurse to many wounded and sick Union soldiers in the largest hospital in the world. The house was used for the surgeons quarters and is still standing and currently, the house is being stabilized. Evidence of Indians who lived on the river is just below the house.  It is one of Chesterfield's most historic sites and not yet open to the public.

The "Magnolia Grange House Museum" is an elegant Federal period home built in 1822, named for the circle of magnolia trees that once graced its front lawns.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Magnolia Grange’s distinctive architectural features include elaborate ceiling motifs, a half-turn open carved stairway  and  hand-painted scenic wallpaper produced by Zuber, a French manufacturer.

Historic 1817 Castlewood was built ca. 1817-1819 by Parke Poindexter. Poindexter was the Clerk of the Court at Chesterfield County from 1812 until 1847, almost 35 years. The original landowner was Henry Winfree, who received the property as a land grant in 1754. County Clerk Mr. Poindexter purchased the 180-acre tract in 1816 and began his efforts to construct a new home. One of the three or four finest Federal period houses in the county, Castlewood features a formal five-part plan differing from any other recorded Virginia dwelling.

Help Save Chesterfield County's Rich History

"C. 1860 Summerseat"  - According to tradition, this 19^th century house was used by a county magistrate as the “seat” of his court during summer months due to the muddy and rutted roads which made travel to the courthouse in the center of the county almost impossible.  The lower brick portion of the house was the “jail” or “detention center, complete with bars that held prisoners or those persons awaiting trial.  It is not a large building at 18 by 16 feet.  The house is part of Virginia State University.

C. 1879 Trinity Church - The old church sits in a stand of a few trees not quite visible from Krause Road but adjacent to Ironbridge Road where it is plainly noticeable.  It offers an unobstructed view at that corner.  Not so vacant any longer and no longer a huge storage shed for odds and ends, it serves a new purpose in its longevity of survival.  It is alive with activity once again.  Presently, the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia is utilizing the building as its headquarters and library until historic Castlewood is renovated.  Historic Castlewood, ca. 1817-1819, sits nearby to the church just across Krause Road and was once the parsonage for the Methodist.

        Genealogy Research

Summer Camps for Children