Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society

Mission:
The Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the heritage and history of Martinsville and Henry County, Virginia. Established in 1996, the Society serves as a central resource for the collection, preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of regional history.

Services and Programs:

• Heritage Center & Museum: Located in the historic Henry County Courthouse, the museum features exhibits on local history and houses a nationally significant antiques collection in its annex. Exhibits include firearms spanning 600 years, artisan and defense canes, antique toys, Native American artifacts, a gambling parlor, horse tack, and George Catlin art.
• Research Library: The annex includes a research library with rare and specialized volumes related to the museum's collections, offering information not available online.
• Educational Outreach: The Society provides educational services to individuals and institutions, sponsors research and publications in regional history, and collects and transcribes oral histories.
• Heritage Gift Shop: The on-site shop offers unique and traditional toys, games, and historical items, open during museum hours.
• Event Space: A section of the annex is available for event rentals, with tables, chairs, and a food preparation area provided.
• Community Engagement: The Society encourages community involvement through volunteer opportunities and membership, and hosts events and celebrations related to local history.

Admission and Eligibility:

• Admission: Free for members; $10 for non-members; $5 for seniors (65+) and youth (ages 2-17); free for infants. Memberships can be purchased on-site.
• Service Area: While focused on Martinsville and Henry County, the Society provides educational resources and access to its museum and programs to all interested individuals, including those from surrounding regions.

Additional Information:

• The Society manages and repurposes the restored Historic Henry County Courthouse.
• Ongoing expansion includes new exhibits and event programming, with updates announced via newsletters and local media.