Telephone: 434.985.1834
The Greene County Historical Society Museum and Gallery (Est. 1978)
To discover, collect,
establish or illustrate
the history of
Greene County, Virginia.
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Telephone: 434.985.1834
To discover, collect,
establish or illustrate
the history of
Greene County, Virginia.
"There's much to see here. So take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about us.
We hope you enjoy our site and take a moment to drop us a line and share your story with us."
pic: Nathanael Greene (1742-1786),
Major General in the Continental Army, of the American Revolutionary War.
Prior to 2015, the GCHS housed its collection of artifacts in a small museum located in the Old Jail, a part of the Stanardsville Court Square complex.
In 2012 GCHS became the beneficiary of a bequest from the estate of Linwood A. Rhodes, a Greene County native, who was an avid hunter and fisherman.
This bequest, along with the generosity of Ethyle Cole Giuseppe, also a Greene County native, has enabled the Society to purchase property at 360 Main Street in Stanardsville.
The new location, a beautiful Victorian house from the early 1900's, is now the home for the museum.
In addition, a newly constructed separate gallery, houses the Linwood A. Rhodes wildlife collection.
The Society has two major functions:
First, to discover and collect material that helps to establish or illustrate the history of the area, its explorations, settlement, development, and activities in peace and in war.
The Society's second major function is to facilitate genealogical research.
Visit in person to use our 100,000+ person database and numerous files for family history. Or click on the Genealogy Link and fill in the simple query form to send us a genealogy information request.
The GCHS consists of a Board of Directors, Historians and Genealogists, Museum Minders and Volunteers, an Administration Assistant (part-time), and our members:
GCHS President - Joann Powell
Vice President - Jeanne Rexroad
Treasurer - Roger Powell
Recording Secretary - Dawn Muir
Jackie Pamenter
Ellen Thurnau
Marida Lamb
Richard Early
Gary Forrest
Scott Mingledorff
The modern history of Greene County, Virginia began in August, 1716, when Governor Spotswood and his "Knights of the Golden Horseshoe" traveled through Greene on their history-making expedition to the summit of the Blue Ridge Mountains, reaching Swift Run Gap, a short distance from what is now Stanardsville.
Tradition has it the former Governor bestowed golden horseshoes upon his followers at a point approximately three miles west of Stanardsville.
Greene County, named for Nathanael Greene of Revolutionary War fame, was formed in 1838.
Originally, Greene was part of Orange County, but was eventually partitioned from Orange County when settlers complained of the long distance between their farms and the Orange County Seat.
The present courthouse stands on the land donated by William Stanard in 1838, establishing Stanardsville as the County Seat.
Swift Run Gap was used by General Stonewall Jackson during the "War Between the States", to shift troops from the Shenandoah Valley to the Piedmont battle areas. Now U.S. Route 33 crosses the Blue Ridge through this gap.
The Greene County Historical Society relies on memberships and donations to preserve the Museum, Gallery, exhibits, and displays for all to enjoy. Click on the photo to take you to the membership form. Print and send with your check to GCHS. If you prefer online payment, the membership form is also listed in the Gift Shop.
A Greene County family
Ref: Images of America: Greene (Book available from our Gift Shop)
Nathanael Greene :
Major General of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War.
Barn Quilt Panel - Hands around the world.
Suggested amount only.
Please nominate your amount on the form.
Become part of the team at the Greene County Historical Society. Contact us for more details.
Thank you for supporting the Greene County Historical Society through your membership and donations.
The exhibits in the Rhodes Gallery features samples of Mr. Rhode's collection, acquired during his lifetime of travel, hunting, fishing and appreciation of the natural world. It includes hunting and fishing trophies, as well as photography and works of art. The gallery is available for hire.
Greene County Historical Society
360 Main Street, P.O. Box 185, Stanardsville, Virginia 22973, United States
Copyright © 2020 - 2021 Greene County Historical Society - All Rights Reserved.
We acknowledge the Monacan Indian Nation and other Indigenous people of the land we now call Greene County, Virginia. We join with tribal members today in recognizing our obligation to be good stewards of the land and waterways that we call home.
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