how your support helps

The past few years have taught our organization so many lessons: lessons in resilience and relevance, in community and communication. Probably the most valuable, though, has been coming to understand the importance of listening - both to others and to ourselves. As we began to work differently than we had before the pandemic, we faced questions about exactly what the Historical Society does for residents and visitors on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. As we heard ourselves answer and make decisions about the future, we found “Historical Society” no longer described us very well. We needed an identity that more effectively communicates everything we do. After all,

• We own and actively maintain two nationally registered historic properties, Ker Place and Hopkins & Bro. Store, as well as care for Wise Cemetery, nearly four centuries old;

• We house and staff a museum and archive about the entire Eastern Shore of Virginia, both Accomack and Northampton counties;

• We offer year-round educational and social programming not only at our own sites but also in schools and other local cultural centers;

• We own part of a working wharf with tenant businesses and an exhibit that speaks to the Shore’s maritime history;

• We operate a home furnishings consignment shop that is run largely by volunteers and helps to fund our nonprofit work.

We collect, preserve, and celebrate Eastern Shore history and culture every day, and we needed something different to say just that. Ultimately, we found the answer right here on our own website: Shore History. For years, we have operated online at shorehistory.org. When COVID closed our facilities, we re-prioritized our digitization efforts, expanding public access to thousands of documents and artifacts, something we continue daily. It now seems only fitting that such a big part of our pandemic survival has become the springboard for our new operations umbrella.

Shore History belongs to every one of us. We feel strongly that museums are community anchors. We want to facilitate spaces of historical and cultural value where people feel welcomed and represented. Ker Place, our historic headquarters, is not a shrine. Shore History Lives Here. Joining us as a supporter is an impactful expression of your love for the Shore, and in the spirit of celebration, please accept membership as a gift with a contribution of $50 or more.

Shore History, founded in 1957 as the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society, is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

MEMBERSHIPS

Learn more about our membership benefits.

contribute in Memory
or honor of a loved one

In the online donation process, you may opt to make a donation in someone’s honor or designate your gift in memoriam. An acknowledgment letter will be sent to the honoree or the family of the person you have chosen to memorialize.

leave a legacy

Help us share the Shore’s rich history and culture with future generations. If you would like information about including Shore History in your estate plan,
please contact Executive Director Hilary Hartnett-Wilson at 757-787-8012 or executivedirector@shorehistory.org.

BY MAIL

You also may make a donation in any amount by mailing a check payable to the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society to:

Shore History
P.O. Box 179
Onancock, VA 23417

Questions?

Call our office directly at 757-787-8012.

to make a larger donation of money or real estate

If you are interested in making a monetary donation at a higher level than offered here or to give real estate, please contact Hilary Hartnett-Wilson at 757-787-8012 or executivedirector@shorehistory.org.

give stock

If you would like to donate stock, please contact Hilary Hartnett-Wilson at 757-787-8012 or executivedirector@shorehistory.org for transfer information and answers to any questions.

Matching gifts

Shore History is happy to accept matching gifts. Many companies match employee and retiree gifts to qualifying nonprofit organizations. Your gift could be doubled! Please check with your employer today.