Photo courtesy Bath County Historical Society
"Preserving Bath's Past for Generations to Come"
The Bath County Historical Society was formed in 1969 to preserve the history of Bath County for future generations to come.The Historical Society Museum and Research Library is located in Warm Springs, Virginia next to the Bath County Courthouse.
The Museum building was originally a law office which was moved from the original courthouse located at the current Warm Springs Inn. The items in the Museum have all been donated by friends of the Society who want to see Bath County history preserved for future generations. These artifacts are of interest to all those who visit, not only the local people, but visitors from all over the world. From antique side saddles, to period clothing, original historic photos, farm implements and tools, Civil War and Indian Artifacts, even a grand piano, there is something here to interest everyone.
The Research Center and Library addition was completed in 1995 and contains a wealth of information for the researcher and genealogist. Included in the collection are materials and microfilm on Bath and Virginia history as well as information from West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. These along with family histories, both published and unpublished, have aided many visitors in their search for roots. Researchers contribute $5.00 per day for use of the center, unless they are residents of Bath County or Members of the Society, in which case there is no use contribution required.
The Society Gift Corner includes books pertaining to Bath County and area history as well as other seasonal items for purchase.
The office staff includes our administrator, Keene Byrd and his assistants, Sarah Hagen McWilliams and Betsy Byrd. They will assist you in your search for local or family histories. The Society's Spring/Summer/Fall hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00. Winter hours are Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00. Admission is free. Donations are greatly appreciated to offset operational expenses.
The Society publishes three newsletters each year to our membership. Histories of Bath County as well as family genealogies and queries are often included in each issue.
Membership is open to anyone interested in being a part of this valuable preservation effort. For membership information, please contact the Society at (540) 839-2543 or send inquiries via E-mail (listed below) or by regular mail to Box 212, Warm Springs, Virginia 24484.
You are invited to stop by and explore the history of our mountain villages and its people and discover life the way it used to be. Local school groups are also invited.BE SURE TO STOP BY AND SEE THE NEWLY RENOVATED MUSEUM!
CLICK HERE FOR A SNEAK PEEK INSIDE THE SOCIETY MUSEUM
We are here to serve you!Website - www.bathcountyhistory.org
E-mail - bathcountyhistory@tds.netKeene Byrd - Adminstrator
2006/2007 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Peter Pitard - President
Sarah Hagen McWilliams - Vice President
Jean Howell - Treasurer
Betsy Byrd
Sandra Anderson
Richard Armstrong
Nell Carpenter
Beth Ely
Janice McWilliams
John C. Singleton
Michael Wildasin
