Nelson County Historical Society
Welcome to the Nelson County Historical Society!
 
We invite you to join Nelson County Historical Society. Individual memberships are $25/year and family memberships are $40/year.

ONLINE JOIN 

Make a donation to help us continue our work in preserving Nelson County's rich history.

ONLINE RENEWAL

DONATE 

Once you are a member, we encourage you to take advantage of searchable features to provide you with the very best historical information on Nelson County families and places.

 

 

Oakland Museum is now open 

Located at 5365 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Arrington, Virginia 22922

(U.S. 29) opposite Tye River Elementary School

Oakland Museum is now open for the spring, summer and fall with new exhibits and a number of scheduled events. New exhibits include world renowned naturalist Wirt Robinson’s field kit and tools, a new Nelson County Garden Club exhibit to correspond with the publication of the Society’s book on the many contributions of the club, additions to the music exhibit including displays on teachers Dolores Truesdale and Joe Madison, and the Nelson County Bicentennial quilt made in 2007. Oakland will be open Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Research help is available on Wednesdays from 1 pm - 3 pm at the Nelson Memorial Library
All inquiries for research may be sent to: info@nelsonhistorical.org
Or call (434) 263-8400 and leave a message.  

 
Saturday, April 27, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
 

 
 
The Nelson County Historical Society's Music Heritage Project
will unveil a new exhibit at Oakland Museum featuring Joe Madison, teacher and performer,
followed by The Joe Show at Rapunzel's in Lovingston.
Please join us on Saturday, March 30th - at the Oakland Museum - 5365 Thomas Nelson Highway, Arrington, VA 22922, 
11 am to 12:30 pm for unveiling of Joe Madison exhibit panel and video.
Followed by a tribute show at Rapunzel’s Coffee and Books On Front Street in  Lovingston from 2 pm - 4 pm.
 

 
Beth Massie Goodwin's Talk at Oakland Museum November 4, 2023
 
Beth Massie Goodwin's talk about her personal history drew an overflow crowd to Oakland Museum, Sunday, Nov. 4. Beth talks about her sister's narrow escape from death, her father, Capt. Billy Massie, his early life, and the famous store and mill he ran in the Tyro-Massies Mill community. She also talks about her school years at Fleetwood High School, her fall off a bridge into the Tye River and her rescue by her sister, how she met her husband J.W Goodwin at a dance in the Quonset hut in Lovingston, and her years at Jefferson National Bank in Lovingston.
She also describes her family's experience during Hurricane Camille.
 

 

Statue Unveiling Ceremony in YouTube


 

Incredible walking tour of Lovingston has been moved to

About Nelson County


 

The following organizations or businesses are sponsors of the Nelson County Historical Society.  We hope you will support them as they support the Society's mission.
 
Thanks to our 2024 Business Sponsors:
 

Coming Events
March 30
Rhythms of Yesterday and Today: Unveiling of Joe Madison exhibit panel and video
Tribute to Joe Madison, guitar teacher. Members of the Madison family and Joe's students will attend. Open to the public. Followed by a tribute at ...
April 6
Tartan Day at Oakland Museum
Scottish Heritage, A Tartan Day, and Shortbread Competition Jim Robertson, bagpiper will play and discuss Scottish music, 10- 11 am. Susan McSwain will provide ...
April 27
Nelson County Historical Society Homes and Properties Tour
The properties open for visting are Red Hill Estate, Old Church in Lovingston, Fortune’s Cove House, and Oakland Museum. More information will be available in ...


Nelson CHS Facebook Page