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New History Museum Trail Links Museums and Historic Sites From Colonial Williamsburg Through the Northern Neck

The museum trail will feature nearly 40 sites, some of them somewhat “off the beaten path”, and a web site that will lead them along an exciting path of discovery.

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Visitors and residents of Tidewater, Va. will soon have a roadmap to lead them from the famed Colonial Williamsburg and along a rural path that showcases nearly 40 small historic sites and museums. Literally.

The Tidewater Virginia Historical Society – formerly known as the Colonial Capital Branch of Preservation Virginia – is building a History Museum Trail that starts in Williamsburg and stretches throughout the Middle Peninsula, into the Northern Neck. It links many of the museums and historic sites along Virginia’s byways, encouraging visitors and residents to experience more of the region’s rich history. Physically the trail starts in Williamsburg. For the traveler, though, the trail starts in front of a computer or on a smart phone at www.tv-hs.org. The History Museum Trail will feature an interactive web based map (with mobile applications) with information about each museum and historic site located within a short drive of Williamsburg. This trail will include travel directions to get seamlessly from one site to another, and places to lodge and eat along the way.  The first version of the trail’s web map is expected to be available online this summer.  Each museum features unique collections with a local slate on their area’s traditional culture and heritage, as well as how it played into the overall growth of the state and country. Trail visitors will also be able to search and choose to visit museums that feature specific historical topics of interest, including Civil War, African American, maritime and 18^th Century Anglican churches. “The Tidewater Virginia Historical Society’s vision to create a museum trail in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck is an opportunity to showcase the region and contribute to local economies,” said Virginia Del. Keith Hodges. “Through sales, income and employment, the museum trail positions the area for unprecedented growth.”  The Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula are already destinations for many vacationers utilizing the region’s vast natural resources to boat and play along the Chesapeake Bay’s waters. “We are very excited by this new opportunity for the museum to expand our base of visitors,” said Middlesex County Museum and Historical Society Board President Marilyn South.

The Middlesex County Museum & Historical Society is located in Saluda, on the Middle Peninsula, and is one of the stops along the trail. This small museum covers more than 400 years of local history with expanded exhibits featuring fossils and Indian artifacts, 19th Century textiles and clothing, a 1930s country store, agricultural and industrial tools, historical money, toys and medical instruments.  The Middlesex exhibits also contain stories of the county’s past, including our African American history, Civil War, Revolutionary War, WWI and WWII eras, and tales of its most famous local resident, Lt. Gen. "Chesty" Puller, the most decorated Marine in U.S. Marine Corps history.  “It is only natural that we highlight the many historical gems that lie waiting to be uncovered,” Hodges said. “The economic growth, both direct and indirect will greatly impact our region with very little capital outlay. The vision of these of these dedicated volunteers will create a natural roadmap to enable visitors to navigate our beautiful and historic peninsulas." 

ABOUT THE TIDEWATER VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY:  Following 125 years of service to the preservation of Virginia’s antiquities as the Colonial Capital Branch of Preservation Virginia, the Williamsburg based historical society is expanding its services into the new organization of the Tidewater Virginia Historical Society.  The society’s territory stretches from east of the fall line, north to the Potomac River.  “The Board of Directors, volunteers and partners of the society serve as promoters and interpreters of history, archeology, preservation and cultural heritage.” said Board member Forrest Morgan. The society works to actively promote and partner with historical, archeological and other like non-profit organizations such as the Middle Peninsula’s Fairfield Foundation. The society is also planning lectures, tours, educational programs and periodic social events continuing the traditions of the Colonial Capital Branch..

Because of the society’s history in preservation and historical education, its members and partners will serve as a resource to other historic societies looking for resources, speakers, guidance and education.  In addition to the History Museum Trail, the Tidewater Virginia Historical Society is planning a public archaeology project. Thanks to a partnership with the Fairfield Foundation and York County, a new archaeological dig will kick off to explore a former Carter’s Grove slave quarter in New Quarter Park. Details about the project and how the public will be able to participate will be available at a later date.

Learn more about the Tidewater Virginia Historical Society at:   www.tv-hs.org.  For more information, email information@tv-hs.org.