Norfolk County Historical Society

The Norfolk County Historical Society of Chesapeake, Virginia was organized on October 10, 1963, the same year that the City of Chesapeake was formed through the merger of Norfolk County and the City of South Norfolk. The society is committed to the preservation and dissemination of the history of the City of Chesapeake and surrounding areas. It is a tax-exempt corporation chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Society

Provides historical programs that are open to the public

Contributes to the development of the Wallace Memorial Room Collection

Is committed to making information available concerning the history of Chesapeake, Norfolk County and the surrounding area

Provides volunteer assistance in the Wallace Memorial Room

Publishes and sells books and pamphlets dealing with local history

Identifies, registers and marks Chesapeake structures of historic significance

Sponsors the development of a collection of oral histories

Sponsors genealogy classes

Supports the concept of an Architectural Review Committee for protection of the city's historic structures and sites

Chesapeake's Roots

In 1636, less than three decades after the settling of Jamestown, New Norfolk was formed from Elizabeth City County, one of the nine original shires of the Colony of Virginia. In 1637, New Norfolk was divided into Lower Norfolk County and Upper Norfolk County. Lower Norfolk County encompasses the area that is now the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. Lower Norfolk County's first court was held on May 15, 1637, and was presided over by Captain Adam Thoroughgood.

Chesapeake is the most direct descendent of Lower Norfolk County. The records housed in care of Chesapeake's Clerk of the Circuit Court are the oldest records held by any of the four cities that were once Lower Norfolk County; they date back to 1637 and the first court held in the jurisdiction.

Visit the Wallace Memorial Room

History of Chesapeake

Historical Periodicals

NCHS Historical Publications Order Publications

The Battle of Great Bridge

Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation

Local Historical Societies and Organizations

Historical Society Membership

Membership in the Norfolk County Historical Society of Chesapeake, Virginia is open to all interested persons. Members are notified by mail of the three yearly membership meetings and the annual dinner meeting. Dues are $10 per year. You may download the membership application on this site or pick one up at the Chesapeake Central Library. Please mail your check or money order made payable to "Norfolk County Historical Society of Chesapeake" to:

Norfolk County Historical Society of Chesapeake
298 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322-5598

Volunteers

The Chesapeake Public Library and the Norfolk County Historical Society welcome volunteers for the Wallace Memorial Room. One does not have to be a member of the Historical Society to be a volunteer. Volunteers perform duties such as researching local history and genealogy information requests that the Historical Society receives, identifying materials of historical interest, assisting library customers in the Wallace Room, organizing materials, shelving, etc. If interested in being a volunteer, contact the Chesapeake Public Library at 410-7100.