Though founded in 1968, the Society had no home
until, in 1980, the Goochland Board of Supervisors
gave permission for the Society to adapt the Old
Stone Jail (c. 1833) on the Courthouse Green into
a museum and library.  From
1980 to 1997, the Jail served as the first headquarters
building for the Society. The Jail was constructed
when the James River & Kanawaha Canal was being
built westward along the James River. River stones
were brought up the hill to the site.
After the building was no longer used as a jail,
restoration resulted in the removal of all the original
cells and iron bars and fittings. Recently
refurbished, the Jail Museum now
houses the Society's new exhibit tracing the
history of Goochland from the 1700s to the 20th
Century.
The exhibit details the formation of the county
in 1728 by Sir William Gooch, Lt. Governor. Early
Indian relics and the first patent for land dated
1703 begin Goochland's history. The exhibit continues
with Revolutionary War notes, early homes, and first
settlers. Details on the Canal (1831) agriculture,
mining, and people give a survey of historic facts
relating Goochland's early history.
With little Civil War activity in the county, restoration
and activities moving into the 19th Century bring
Goochland up to present day history. Organizations
such as Fire & Rescue, churches, and important
citizens are presented with interesting artifacts.
The Jail Museum is located on the
Courthouse Green at Goochland Court House, Goochland,
Virginia on State Route 6, approximately 25 miles
west of Richmond's Capitol Square. Directions
Hours: Open by appointment. Call for information.
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