WESTMORELAND COUNTY MUSEUM
Our Mission Statement
“The purpose of the Westmoreland County Museum and Library is to preserve the history of Westmoreland County and its people through its collections, library, research materials, exhibits, and educational programs in order to increase the understanding and
appreciation of the County’s heritage.”
Westmoreland County, Virginia is ancestral home of three of our nations first five presidents – George Washington, James Monroe and James Madison. The only two brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence- Richard Henry and Francis Lightfoot Lee were also Westmoreland County residents. The County is also the location of Nomini Hall, where Robert Carter III voluntarily freed nearly 500 of his enslaved people, beginning in 1791. This manumission is the largest known release of the enslaved in North America prior to the American Civil War.
Founded in 1939, the Westmoreland County Museum, Inc. preserves and advances the history of our special place in the Northern Neck. Stop by the original museum to view the Charles Willson Peale painting of William Pitt (Lord Chatham) from 1768, as well as furniture donated by the Washington family.
The Historic Courthouse features rotating exhibits on local history and includes the Henry Hungerford Library and Genealogical Research Center. Make sure to stop in the Wakefield Building on Saturdays to shop at our Mercantile and make yourself a float at the Soda Shoppe.
Latest News & Updates
Below are our latest updates. Click Here to view past updates.
Help Us Restore Our Story “Together, We Restore Our Story.”
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to stand with Westmoreland County Museum as we protect the memories, artifacts, and stories that shape our shared history. Your support ensures that future generations can learn from the past, discover their roots, and experience the richness of our community’s heritage in meaningful and engaging ways.
Your Giving Tuesday donation will go toward:
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New exhibit display cases and equipment
Creating modern, safe, and visually engaging displays that allow us to share more artifacts and tell a broader story of Westmoreland County. -
Document and photograph digitization equipment
Preserving fragile historical materials before they are lost to time—while also opening up virtual access for students, researchers, and history lovers everywhere. -
AncestryLibrary and Fold3 genealogy software
Expanding our genealogy center with powerful tools that help community members explore their family trees, military records, and personal histories. -
Web-based artifact and library database software
Transforming our collections into a searchable, online resource—making our museum more accessible, transparent, and connected to the wider public.
Your Giving Tuesday gift is more than a donation—it’s an investment in preserving the stories that define us.
Together, We Restore Our Story.
THANK YOU All for Your Donations
The Westmoreland County Museum relies on the generosity of individuals like you to continue preserving and sharing the rich history of our region. Your donation helps us maintain historic sites, curate educational exhibits, host cultural events, and provide meaningful programs for all ages. Every contribution—large or small—makes a lasting impact on our ability to celebrate the stories, people, and heritage that shape Westmoreland County. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift today and join us in keeping history alive for generations to come.
