Friends of New London, Virginia, Inc.

04/20/2026

Check out this feature in Liberty News!

On a piece of grassy land that holds history that is still being discovered to this day, Liberty University Department of History faculty gathered with local historians, dignitaries, and members of the local chapters of the Daughters of the American...

04/18/2026

What a great crowd at yesterday’s DAR plaque dedication!!

Representatives from the Virginia DAR, Hurt & Proffitt, and Liberty University spoke on the significance of the arsenal site in New London. Thank you to all that came to support and celebrate America’s 250th with us!

04/13/2026

THIS FRIDAY! CELEBRATE America's 250th in NEW LONDON!

Join us as the Peaks of Otter and Poplar Forest chapters of the Virginia DAR dedicate a historical marker plaque at the Revolutionary War Arsenal site in New London. This active archeological site was home to a weapons arsenal that played a critical role in Virginia during the American Revolution and beyond. ALL ARE WELCOME!

When- Friday, April 17th, 4:00 pm

Where- The Former Alum Springs Hotel Site, 713 Alum Springs Rd, Forest, VA 24551

See their website for more information: https://www.va250.org/event-detail/?id=24942

03/25/2026

Like and comment if you love works of local history!
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A great turnout at Barnes & Noble for the book signing of Historic Tales of Bedford County. Author and Friends of New London Board member James Siddons discussed a range of topics with readers- from New London to the Bedford Boys. This work of local history is still available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online retailers!

03/24/2026

New London connection in Lynchburg!

Nicholas Kabler left his mark in New London and in Lynchburg as a physician. As one of the owners in the centuries-long history of the Meads Tavern property, the Kabler family made a significant addition to the historic structure. What is noted as the “Kabler office” on the west side of the structure represents a crucial addition to the story of Mead’s Tavern.

03/20/2026

Get your copy signed tomorrow!

Barnes & Noble
Wards Road, Lynchburg
Saturday, 3/21, 1:00-3:00pm

Stop by Barnes & Noble on Wards Road in Lynchburg, tomorrow 3/21 from 1-3 pm, to get your copy of Historic Tales of Bedford County signed by author and Friends of New London board member James Siddons! We look forward to seeing y'all there!

Centuries of American Significance In the mid-1700s, the James River intersection of the Great Western Road and the Great Wagon Road embodied the crossroads of America. Abolitionist and Quaker John Lynch began a ferry service, and in 1754, the area became Bedford...

03/10/2026

The Friends of New London are always working to research the hidden history of New London-
This photo is of Alexander Thompson, of Lot 15, New London village, aged 28 in the 1850 census. He was a wheelwright, and also has been described as a cabinet maker and coffin builder. Alexander was a son of David Jones Thompson, a grandson of Rev War veteran John Thompson (1744 - 1830), great grandson of John Thompson (1716 - 1791), and a great great grandson of Rev. John Thompson (1690 - 1753), who was an early pioneer to this region, noted to have preached along Buffalo Creek. Many thanks to Randy Thompson, a direct descendant of Alexander Thompson, for use of this image. Research is ongoing to learn more of the generations of Thompsons in New London, including their mill and family cemeteries.

02/09/2026

Historic Tales of Bedford County, Virginia is now available! You can now purchase your copy of this American Chronicle authored by our Friends of New London board member, James Siddons. From Patrick Henry's Beef Speech to the sacrifice of the Bedford Boys on D-Day, Bedford has always played a pivotal role in American History.

Comment below if you have your copy!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/historic-tales-of-bedford-county-virginia-james-siddons/1148136847?ean=9781467157346

https://www.amazon.com/Historic-Bedford-Virginia-American-Chronicles/dp/1467157341/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2A6NMZYAG230J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tNJhQgoH9tUG0WBpcmXGkrIXOtInB6drRd71v5uqZrCdh5yAc2HwYWvV92ZdXUMwQy980HylF2lX7BzbGKzS_u-uoliFJXmP3mfXoO-JWcY._fJLJ4Bh1m5DHqubnyeHRtf99UynaxJaWdVvpqzVsNU&dib_tag=se&keywords=historic+tales+of+bedford+county&qid=1770585599&sprefix=historic+tales+of+bedford+county%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-1

Centuries of American Significance In the mid-1700s, the James River intersection of the Great Western Road and the Great Wagon Road embodied the crossroads of America. Abolitionist and Quaker John Lynch began a ferry service, and in 1754, the area became Bedford...

10/24/2025

https://www.facebook.com/100064381881520/posts/1274666668022717/?app=fbl

The next Encyclopedia Virginia EntryPoint is two weeks away!

On November 5, EV managing editor Patti Miller and contributor Sean Gallagher will discuss the history of Chiswell's lead mines, where enslaved workers produced much of the Continental Army's lead shot.

🔗 Registration is required for this free event: https://loom.ly/JN-ueJQ

10/16/2025