Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library facts for kids
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| Established | 1958 |
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| Location | Lancaster, Virginia |
The Lancaster VA Historical Society, also known as the Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library, is a special place in Virginia, United States. It's a museum and a historical archive located in the beautiful Northern Neck area, near the Chesapeake Bay. Its main goal is to keep the history of Lancaster County, Virginia safe and share it with everyone.
This museum first opened its doors in 1958. It was named to honor Mary Ball Washington, who was the mother of George Washington, America's first president. Mary Ball was born in Lancaster County, Virginia, and her family had lived there for a long time.
What You Can Find Inside
The Library at the Mary Ball Washington Museum has a huge collection of books and materials. These items help people research their family history and learn about the past. The records go all the way back to 1651, covering more than 350 years of history!
You can find about 10,000 books, magazines, and old handwritten documents here. They focus on Lancaster County and the wider Northern Neck area. There are also materials about nearby counties like Middlesex and Essex. The Museum works hard to bring back the amazing stories and rich history of the people who lived in The Northern Neck.
Exploring the Historic Buildings
The museum and library are open for everyone to visit. You can take tours of the old buildings and see interesting exhibits. They also offer educational programs where you can learn new things. If you're curious about your own family's past, you can even trace your family history here!
The museum is part of a group of five historic buildings. These buildings are located in the Lancaster Courthouse Historic District. Besides the main museum and library, the complex includes:
- The Old Jail, built in 1820.
- The Clerk's Office, which dates back to around 1797.
- The Lancaster House.
- The Steuart Blakemore Building, built around 1900.
See also
- Lancaster Court House Historic District
