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| Powhatan County Historical Society ...
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Organized 1975
Located in the Old Jail ~ Rear Courthouse Square
Powhatan Village
Powhatan County, Virginia
(804) 598-1139
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In 1975, a pressing need to form a county
historical society was recognized by Dorothy Cosby and Helen Lawton, two
retired school teachers. "Don't you think we oughta do
something about ..." Dorothy began in her own inimitable way.
They gave a luncheon at the Cosby home, Tuesday January 25, 1975, with
Mr. Elie Weeks of Goochland County as a special guest to explain the
details involved in getting a society started.
Ten women from various
areas of Powhatan County who had expressed an interest in forming such a
society attended. Those present were Mesdames C. N. Elam, Charles
Cella, Julian Binford, T. G. West, Louis Allen, J. G. Palmore, Taylor
Smith, E. P. Hicks, C. F. Noble, and Miss Elizabeth Gills.
"The
purpose of organizing a historical society is to preserve and present
the history of Powhatan County. It is hoped that through the
acquisition of manuscripts, printed source materials, and artifacts
relating to the county's history, we can keep alive the county's
inspiring history." These were the first goals set by the
society.
Under Dorothy Cosby's leadership, the
Society worked with the
Bicentennial Commission in preparing for both the Bicentennial
celebration held in June 1976 and the celebration of the 200th
anniversary of Powhatan County, 1977. The Society's main project
was the sale of historical plates designed by Mrs. Mary Jane Stokes, a
local artist. Proceeds from the sale helped finance the writing of
a History of Powhatan County.
Between 1977-1980, the Society grew
under the leadership of Second Vice-President Helen Lawton. The
Society's chief interest was helping Mr. Richard Couture, author, to
complete his research and writing of the County's history.
Highlights
of the first years include the Bronze Plaque placed at Derwent, Robert
E. Lee's post-war sanctuary; the printing of three calendars of homes,
churches, and scenes in Powhatan for the Bicentennial; securing a
Coat-of-Arms; and sponsoring many illustrious guest speakers at the
Society's meetings.
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