Preserving mathews history

Established in 1964 and incorporated in 1970, the Mathews County Historical Society (MCHS) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax exempt organization created and operated for the preservation, education, and promotion of Mathews County’s history, traditions, and heritage. To fulfill its mission, the Society has published works, collected rare documents and photographs, maps, artifacts, genealogical and architectural information pertaining to the county. These resources are made available to the public at the Mathews Memorial Library located at 251 Main Street. 

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NEWSLETTERS

MCHS Gift Certificate

visit these historic sites

Thomas James Store

Visit one of the best preserved stores in the South on Saturdays, April through October.

Tompkins Cottage Museum

Visit the Tompkins Cottage Museum on Saturdays, April through October.

Search the archives

Navigate through the Mathews Archives online and at the Mathews Memorial Library.

EXPLORE HISTORY

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Upcoming Events

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Take a look at the Mathews County Historical Society's upcoming events including lectures, music concerts, and educational opportunities.

EVENTS

Fall Newsletter, 2025

The MCHS Archivist and the library’s Head of History and Genealogy can assist you with finding historical and genealogical information.

CONTACT US

EXPLORE MATHEWS ARCHIVES

Connect with Mathews County History
Explore your Local Heritage
Remember County Traditions 

Tompkins cottage docents opportunity

As our 2026 season approaches, we will be holding docent training for the Tompkins Cottage on Saturday in March 21nd from 10am to noon.  

We would love to add a few more docents this year!  The Tompkins Cottage Museum is open on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm from April through October and on special occasions. 
 
If interested, please email us: [email protected]