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.
When most people think of pirates, their imagination sails south to the Caribbean or across the Atlantic. But as our speaker reminds us, the Chesapeake Bay itself was once a hotbed of piracy, privateering, and naval intrigue.
The 17th and 18th centuries turned the Chesapeake into one of the busiest waterways in the New World. Its fertile tobacco trade, bustling shipping routes, and countless rivers and inlets made it both prosperous — and perilously vulnerable. Pirates lurked in these waters, ambushing merchant ships, terrorizing settlements, and carving their names into our region’s history.
Guiding us through this fascinating story is Donald G. Shomette, a renowned maritime historian and author.
His groundbreaking work has uncovered the hidden world of pirates and privateers who operated right here in the Bay. From legendary figures like Blackbeard to little-known local raiders, Shomette brings to life the danger, drama, and enduring legacy of piracy in our own backyard.
Come join us in welcoming Donald G. Shomette as we journey into the dark and daring history of pirates on the Chesapeake Bay
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.
