ABOUT US

Mission

The Norfolk County Historical Society of Chesapeake, Virginia received its charter from the Commonwealth of Virginia on October 10, 1963, the same year that the City of Chesapeake was formed through the merger of Norfolk County and the City of South Norfolk. The historical society is committed to preserving and sharing the history of the City of Chesapeake and surrounding areas for its residents and for future generations.

The Historical Society...

Provides historical programs that are open to the public;
Contributes to the development of the Wallace Memorial History Room Collection;
Makes information available concerning the history of Chesapeake, Norfolk County and the surrounding area;
Provides volunteer assistance in the Wallace Memorial Room;
Publishes and sells books and pamphlets dealing with local history;
Supports the identification and registration of Chesapeake structures of historic significance;
Sponsors the development of a collection of oral histories;
Sponsors genealogy classes;
Supports the concept of an Architectural Review Committee for the protection of the City’s historic structures and sites.

To see a list of our Board of Directors, click here.

Wallace Memorial Room

The Wallace Memorial Room is a part of the Chesapeake Central Library at 298 Cedar Road and serves as headquarters to the Norfolk County Historical Society. It houses a collection of materials for use in historical and genealogical research with emphasis on the City of Chesapeake and the surrounding areas of Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina. The library and the Norfolk County Historical Society contribute to the continuing development of the collection. In addition to research materials, the Wallace Room has a collection of artifacts of local interest on display.

Mrs. Sabine Wallace Drury, through the Historical Society, donated the cost of construction of the room which is a memorial to her father William Wallace (1878-1950).

Hours and Location

The Wallace Room is located on the 2nd floor of the Chesapeake Central Library. The Wallace Room and the Library are open:

Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday - 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

NOTICE: The Wallace Room will be locked when a volunteer is not available in the room. If you need access to the materials in the room, please ask the librarian at the Reference Desk outside the room for assistance.

Our Volunteers

We invite history buffs to join us at our quarterly general membership meetings, visit us in the Wallace Memorial Room at Chesapeake Central Library at 298 Cedar Road, 23322 or email us to share their finds or ask questions. Our volunteer staff members in the Wallace Room are professional, courteous and efficient and look forward to seeing you.

298 Cedar Road

Chesapeake VA, 23322

Phone: 757-382-8408

nchs.wallaceroom@gmail.com