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 organised in 1961. It was responsible for the first County Museum which opened in 1980. We are a charitable volunteer organization governed by approved by-laws and an all volunteer Board of Directors that provides leadership to CHSV committees to develop educational and fundraising programs and conduct research. As the county grows, so does its history and you will find our website covers the county history very well. Visit us on Facebook or at the Historic Trinity Church ,10111 Iron Bridge Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. Note: To access the menu, please use the Site Menu "Hamburger" symbol above. The historic Trinity Church photograph above will always take you back to the "homepage".
Christmas Closings: County Facilities will be closed on Christmas Eve, Tuesday Dec. 24, Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25, and on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1Christmas at Magnolia Grange: Celebrating 275 Years of Chesterfield History: Get an early start to the Holiday Season. Join us for family fun and festivities
MUSEUM NOTICE: The Chesterfield County Museum, the historic 1892 Jail, and Magnolia Grange Museum House operate on a weekly schedule from Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The museum and jail are located on Mimms Loop in the Courthouse Green at the Chesterfield Government Center. Magnolia Grange Museum House is located at 10020 Iron Bridge Road. We are all about Chesterfield history. Read about us. Our county history is fascinating. Give it a try and discover your family roots. While visiting with us, we would love to have you as a member. New train Exhibit opened on October 26, 2024. 
2025 Winter Lecture Series All lectures will take place at 6:00pm at the Beulah Recreation Center, 6901 Hopkins Road, N. Chesterfield, VA 23234 EXCEPT for February 21st!* Admission is free for Historical Society members and $5 for non-members. Contact information: email: admin@chesterfieldhistory.com or call 804-796-7121. See the Flyer for more details.Pictured below is Chesterfield County's Original 1749 Charter issued by Sir William Gooch, Lt Governor of Virginia from 1727 to 1749. This replica is a donation by Lt Rodney Phillips, Chesterfield County Sheriff's Department. Visit the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia's library or the Chesterfield Museum to view the famous document. Click on the photo (below) for a transcribed version. The original document is safely stored in the vault at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.
CHSV Research Resources
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. If your old Bible has Chesterfield connections, please consider making photocopies and contributing your family history to the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia's Library. Thank you for the opportunity to assist in your research on people, places, and events in Chesterfield County history. Please note that there is a minimum charge of $25.00 per research request. For genealogy requests, visit our "Genealogy" section for more detail. Copies and postage are extra. Upon evaluation of your request, you will be contacted to discuss the request and anticipated charge.
Selecting the photographs below will give you an overall view of the CHSV at historic Trinity Church. A dedicated history volunteer will always welcome you at our research library!
Our Volunteer Activities and Sites
Visit our Research and Genealogy Libraries and discover your Chesterfield ancestors and their rich history. Our volunteers are there to assist you if needed. We provide Powerpoint Presentations to Civic Groups, Fraternal Organisations, Schools and other groups when requested.
Join us as a volunteer and as a member of the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia. The photographs below are some of the activities we engage in from research to events like the annual Veteran's Day program and many more. The need is great for researchers/volunteers.
Notice: Please visit the Chesterfield Parks and Recreation registration site to register for Parks and Recreation programs and other Historical Society programs. You can also access the P&R "Active Lifestyles" programs on this site. (see links below)
Popular Events and Programs
ж Paranormal Events ж Parks and Recreation History Programs ж Chesterfield Museum Programs ж Home School Programs ж Magnolia Grange Programs ж New Museum Exhibit ж Scout Programs ж Sheriff's Office Exhibit ж Summer Camp Programs ж Winter Lectures ж
The Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia is a 501c (3) Charitable Organization.
Mission: To collect, preserve, interpret and promote the county’s past for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.