Hanover County Historical Society

05/16/2026

History and Hops today on the courthouse green. 2:00-6:00. The courthouse and old jail are open.

05/11/2026

History and Hops is back!

The Hanover County Historical Society will be hosting tours of the Old Jail.

Saturday, May 16, 2026
2 PM – 6 PM

https://www.hanovercounty.gov/1655/History-and-Hops

05/11/2026

Somehow tickets for this event were unavailable the last few days. I want to let you know that sales are now back online. Cost is only $5.00 per ticket. Dr. Kukla was wonderful the last time he joined us. This next event promises to be even better! Please join us!

Dr. Kukla is BACK by popular demand!

04/09/2026

Dr. Kukla is back! Get your ticket now to reserve your seat. Tickets are only $5.00. Click the image below.

Dr. Kukla is BACK by popular demand!

04/09/2026

12/24/2025

December 23, 1824, House Speaker Clay read a letter dated October 17, 1824 from French artist Ary Scheffer.

“Paris, October 17, 1824. “Sir: I send by the ship Cadmus, Captain Francis Allyn (who has kindly promised to take it on to Washington) a full length portrait of General Lafayette, painted by me which I pray you to do me the honor to accept for the Hall of the House of Representatives, over which you preside.

“As a friend and admirer of General Lafayette, and of American Liberty, I feel happy to have it in my power to express, in this way my grateful feelings for the national honors which the free people of the United States are, at this moment, bestowing on the friend and companion in arms of your illustrious Washington, on the man who has been so gloriously received by you as The Nation’s Guest.”

“Accept, sir, with the above testaments for your country, and for the sincere assurance of my profound respect.” A. Scheffer.

The Speaker in following out the instructions of the House, evidently ordered the portrait placed on wall at his left, the painting of Washington being on the wall at his right…

It is apparent, therefore, that when the House moved to its new quarters on December 16, 1857, the por- traits of Washington and of Lafayette were assigned the respective positions which they occupied in the old Hall, for today we find the Vanderlyn painting of Washington on the right of the Speaker and the Ary Scheffer painting of Lafayette on his left. How appropriate it is that the portrait of these great companions in arms should be together in the Hall of the Representatives of the people, for whose independence they struggled !

12/24/2025

Before putting his original tavern up for sale in 1773, Boswell had a tavern in Hanover County in the Vontay area. He opened the early tavern in the 1750s. It’s marked on John Henry’s map as Boswell’s Old Store. Nothing stands on the original site where multiple buildings once stood.

12/13/2025

Winter On The Green tonight till 8:00PM at the Historic Courthouse.

09/12/2025

Happening Tomorrow!

Step Back in Time at Scotchtown!

Join us Saturday, September 13th, from 10 AM to 4 PM for the Henry Takes Command: 7th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line Reenactment and History Extravaganza! Experience a day filled with history—witness 1775 military encampments, musketry demos, and colonial life.

Enjoy demonstrations from the Central Virginia Blacksmith Guild and activities with the Hanover County Parks and Recreation, Louisa County Historical Society, and the Scotchtown DAR!

Kids will love the Colonial games and archaeology fun in the children’s area! Special guest Libby McNamee, Author will be signing books, and you can meet Patrick Henry reenactor Andrew Keehan.

Tickets: General Admission $5 | Manor House Tour $15 | PV Members Free

https://preservationvirginia.org/events/henry-takes-command-7th-virginia-regiment-reenactment/

This is a VA250 - American Revolution 250 Commission, Hanover County, VA250 signature event!

08/23/2025

The Historical Society now has a new Podcast Channel! Our debut Podcast it from our very successful event with Dr. Jon Kukla, author of Patrick Henry: Champion of Liberty. Listen to this enjoyable and educational talk with the link below.

https://hanoverhistory.podbean.com/

07/18/2025