Goochland Historical Society
Search this Website
Announcements
BOOK TALK WITH FRANCIS GARY POWERS JR
We are thrilled to invite you to an extraordinary afternoon at the Charles Luck Stone Center, located at 343 River Road West, Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, 23103, on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 3:30 pm. Join us for an enlightening presentation by Francis Gary Powers, Jr., as he unveils his latest literary work, “Spy Pilot,” which delves into the fascinating and pivotal U2 Spy Plane Incident of 1960 involving his father, Francis Gary Powers. This event promises to be not only insightful but also a unique opportunity to engage with history through the eyes of someone who carries this legacy. Following the presentation, we invite you to enjoy a delightful reception where you can meet the author and have your copy signed, fostering a sense of community and connection among all attendees. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an inspiring afternoon that celebrates history, storytelling, and the power of personal narrative.
GOOCHLAND COUNTY HISTORIC MAP VIEWER NOW AVAILABLE
Goochland County is excited to announce the creation of the Historic Map Viewer. This interactive map allows users to view maps of the County dating as far back as 1820.
This initiative is the result of a public-private partnership between the Goochland County Geographic Information System (GIS) Department and the Goochland County Historical Society.
The Historic Map Viewer enables users to overlay the current online digital mapping system with historic maps from 1820, 1863, 1880, 1919, and 1932 when county roads were taken over by the Virginia Department of highways.
The Historic Map Viewer can be found on the County’s website at: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/7a02b5e7baed41529e9b4e5abd4e62e1/.
SPRING LECTURE WITH GREGG KIMBALL
Mark your calendars and prepare to be enthralled as the Goochland County Historical Society invites you to a captivating presentation by author Gregg D. Kimball on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Central High School Cultural and Educational Center. Dive into the fascinating world of Jimmie Lee Strother, whose life story intertwines music, murder, and memory, as Kimball unveils his latest work, Searching For Jimmie Strother.
Imagine the poignant sounds of the Piedmont region echoing through the halls, as Strother, blinded by a tragic accident, performed for the legendary folklorist John Lomax back in June 1936. This extraordinary artist not only captured the essence of old spirituals and country breakdowns but also the emerging rhythms of blues and ragtime, defying the boundaries of genre. Kimball’s biographical journey promises to revive Strother’s legacy, shedding light on the rich tapestry of creativity and history that shaped his life. And don’t miss the chance to snag a signed copy of the book while enjoying delightful refreshments.
This event is free and open to the public.
For further information, call or email the GCHS at 804-556-3966 or goochlandhistory@comcast.net.
HOLIDAY HOURS
The Goochland County Historical Society will be closed next week, Wednesday, December 25 through Friday, December 27, 2024. We will also be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. We will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025 for our regular hours. We are sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause.
2025 CALENDAR IS HERE!
In 2006, the Goochland County Historical Society started offering its Vintage Goochland calendars, featuring old photographs of people, places, and events in and around the county. Since then, the calendar has served as an annual fund raiser for the Society. The 2025 calendar features photographs showing places around Goochland then and now. It is now on sale for $15.00 each for up to 7 copies, 8-19 copies are $12 each, 20+ copies are $8 each. They usually sell out, so support the Society and reserve your copy now by calling (804-556-3966), ordering online (www.goochlandhistory.org) or emailing the Society(goochlandhistory@comcast.net).
