Our members inherit the spirit of individualism from Warwick County residents of the past. Known for their independence from Federal and State government, preferring to run things for themselves, they were known as "Free Staters" for their wily disposition. WCHS honors these wily Warwickians and continues their legacy.
Join the Warwick County Historical Society for its season opener with a special VA250 commemorative program. Patrick Henry Jolly, fourth and fifth great-grandson of the renowned colonial orator and governor Patrick Henry, will regale us about his esteemed ancestor. The presentation will include a delivery of his infamous speech that occurred 251 years ago on March 23, 1775. That firebrand phrase, spoken to the Second Virginia Convention at St. John's Church in Richmond, aimed to convince the audience that inaction against British rule would have dire consequences. Henry argued that war with Britain was inevitable and advocated for the formation of a militia to defend American liberties. His stirring words helped set the stage for our country's war for independence. Don your tri-corner hat or bonnet to relive this critical moment on the road to Revolution.
The program begins at 11:30 with lunch. Guests are welcome to bring their own or pre-order a $15 box lunch by contacting (757) 525-7372. This event is free and open to the public. The 1884 Warwick Courthouse is located at 14415 Old Courthouse Way, Newport News, VA. For more information, www.warwickcountyva.org.
We have it in our power to begin the world over again. The cause of America is in a sense the cause of all mankind. Many circumstances have and will arise, which are not local, but universal. –Thomas Paine
Educator Michael Steen of the Watermen’s Museum and Chair of the Yorktown VA250 Committee and Bill Rose with Shades of our Past will lead an exploration of the writings of Thomas Paine and drafting of the Virginia Declaration of Rights in 1776. Rose will engage the audience as Archibald Cary (Chair of the Bill of Rights Committee) and Stein will perform period songs. Expect an engaging, fun audience participation learning experience with living history and live music, offering a unique picture into our shared colonial history. America: Made in Virginia!
The program begins at 11:30 with lunch. Guests are welcome to bring their own or pre-order a $15 box lunch by contacting (757) 525-7372. This event is free and open to the public. The 1884 Warwick Courthouse is located at 14415 Old Courthouse Way, Newport News, VA. For more information, www.warwickcountyva.org.
Historians have spilled plenty of ink on the leaders of the Continental Army and French forces at the 1781 Siege of Yorktown. But less is known about the top leadership of the Virginia Militia forces who were also at that decisive engagement. Several, including Brig. Gen. George Weedon, Col. James Innes, and Lt. Col. William Darke were former Continental Army officers with extensive battlefield experience. Others, such as Col. Sampson Mathews, Col. John Page, and Col. Sir John Peyton, were prominent civic leaders who took to the field to defend their native state. Using a wide array of sources and compelling images, Dr. Sean M. Heuvel, instructor with Christopher Newport University’s Department of Leadership and American History, will explore the lives and service of the regimental and brigade level Virginia Militia commanders who served at Yorktown. His book will be available for sale and autograph.
The program begins at 11:30 with lunch. Guests are welcome to bring their own or pre-order a $15 box lunch by contacting (757) 525-7372. This event is free and open to the public. The 1884 Warwick Courthouse is located at 14415 Old Courthouse Way, Newport News, VA. For more information, www.warwickcountyva.org.
Pines are believed to be the oldest trees on earth. With over 90 species, pine trees have a long history. Isle of Wight County Museum Director Jennifer England will highlight their colonial history to include their use as naval stores and a source of Vitamin C. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a pinecone craft and pine needle-flavored tea.
The program begins at 11:30 with lunch. Guests are welcome to bring their own or pre-order a $15 box lunch by contacting (757) 525-7372. This event is free and open to the public. The 1884 Warwick Courthouse is located at 14415 Old Courthouse Way, Newport News, VA. For more information, www.warwickcountyva.org.
Join with Michael Steen, Education Director of the Watermen’s Museum in Yorktown and costumed living historians from Shades of the Past for a presentation about how Virginia's constitution was created. Audience participation, music and more will make this an engaging and lively learning experience.
The drafting of the first Virginia Constitution began in early 1776, amid the American colonies' break with Britain. Founding fathers George Mason and James Madison played central roles in shaping the document. Madison's involvement in Virginia’s founding charter would later inform his work on the United States Constitution.
Adopted on June 29, 1776, the Constitution formally dissolved Virginia’s allegiance to the British crown and accused King George III of tyranny. It created a bicameral legislature—the General Assembly—and established a weak executive branch, with a governor elected annually by the legislature. The accompanying Virginia Declaration of Rights, drafted by Mason, outlined core political principles, including the inherent rights of individuals and the fundamental purpose of government. Its language deeply influenced the U.S. Declaration of Independence and later served as a model for the U.S. Bill of Rights.
While revolutionary in tone, the 1776 Constitution preserved many aspects of colonial governance. Drawing on Enlightenment philosophy—especially John Locke's theories of natural rights—the framers emphasized legislative supremacy and separation of powers, though in practice most authority remained in the General Assembly. Both the executive and judiciary were appointed by the legislature, creating little institutional independence.
The program begins at 11:30 with lunch. Guests are welcome to bring their own or pre-order a $15 box lunch by contacting (757) 525-7372. This event is free and open to the public. The 1884 Warwick Courthouse is located at 14415 Old Courthouse Way, Newport News, VA. For more information, www.warwickcountyva.org.
When the adventurers aboard the Susan Constant, Discovery and Godspeed stepped foot onto Virginia soil, they brought with them the traditional English love of Cider. Alistair Reece, author of Virginia Cider; A Scrumptious History, and photographer J. Mark Stewart will tell the story of cider in the Old Dominion. Includes book signing and some tasty (non-alcoholic) apple squeezings.
The program begins at 11:30 with lunch. Guests are welcome to bring their own or pre-order a $15 box lunch by contacting (757) 525-7372. This event is free and open to the public. The 1884 Warwick Courthouse is located at 14415 Old Courthouse Way, Newport News, VA. For more information, www.warwickcountyva.org.
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Our organization of all-volunteers is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of old Warwick County, Virginia by building and making available an easy to use, searchable database of more than twenty-thousand historical documents and photos available to everyone.
Your help is needed to complete this mission.
Warwick County Historical Society, Inc. is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization. Make your tax-deductible donation today.
Episcopal Bishop William Meade ca. 1857
