Northampton Historic Preservation Society

This is the first in a series of Northampton Historic Preservation Society genealogy lectures planned by Eastville historian, Dr. David Scott.  Dr. Scott will share his tips on how to use the resources of the Northampton County Clerk’s Office, which houses the oldest continuous court records in America. Learn how to use these remarkable records to aid your research and, perhaps, to solve some mysteries in your family history. 

During a power point presentation, Dr. Scott will introduce participants to the record room in the clerk's office, detail how to use these valuable original records, and answer general research questions. He will be then available in the clerk's office after the presentation for the remainder of the day to assist participants who would like to explore the Clerk’s Office for information based upon what they have learned at the lecture.

The Northampton Historic Preservation Society (NHPS) is pleased to announce that The Cabell Foundation has awarded a one-to-one $50,000 challenge grant to support the restoration and preservation of the 1907 jail building on the Northampton County Court Green in Eastville, Virginia. The Society plans to use the 1907 Jail as a museum to recognize the history of all the jails that once stood on the historic court green.

This project will complete a five-building combination of exhibits and buildings reflecting Northampton County governance over the past three hundred years.  The existing self-guided tour includes an overview of the Northampton Court Green history in an exhibit room of the 1899 Courthouse (now County Administration Building) and exhibits in the 1731 Courthouse, the Old Clerk's Office (ca.1800) and the Debtors Prison (ca.1814). The addition of the 1907 Jail Museum will become the fifth stop on this educational tour. 

Northampton Court Green buildings showcase architectural styles from the last three centuries and provide informative exhibits for students, academicians, and other visitors about activities that took place on the historic court green. With the restoration of the 1907 Jail, the Northampton County Historic Court Green is certain to be one of the most intact and restored court greens in the country. In order to receive The Cabell Foundation challenge grant, NHPS must raise $50,000 in cash and pledges.

The Cabell Foundation challenge grant relies on community involvement through contributions to support preservation efforts! Every gift counts! One-time or monthly donations may be made with the donation button below.  Contact Mike Ash at 757-678-0963 or email: nhps100@gmail.com for more information about the project or to discuss your pledge, contribution, or becoming a sponsor. 

The Northampton Historic Preservation Society is pleased to announce the winners of an essay contest the NHPS sponsored on the life and contributions of Peter Jacob Carter.

Victoria Arvidson won the First Place prize of $100.00. Second Place for the $75.00 prize went to Ramsey Revelle, and Jacob Morrison won $50.00 for Third Place. (Picture, left to right - Jacob Morrison, Victoria Arvidson, and Ramsey Revelle,)

NHPS congratulates the winners for rising to the challenge and submitting such outstanding essays!   The Northampton Historic Preservation Society is committed to promoting the history and preservation of 300+ years in Northampton County, Virginia, and encouraging this interest in our young people is one of our priorities. Thank you to all who participated.