Norfolk County Historical Society of Chesapeake, Virginia
Preserving and Sharing Chesapeake, VA History Since October 1963
Accepting Applications for
First Families of Norfolk County, Virginia
Beginning November 2024
Does your family tree have deep roots in Tidewater? If your ancestors resided in Norfolk County from 1636 to 1876, you may be eligible for membership in our genealogy program First Families of Norfolk County, Virginia. The First Families Program provides a way to preserve your family history research as part of our genealogy collection and to honor your Norfolk County ancestors.
The Norfolk County Historical Society of Chesapeake, Virginia offers two levels of membership:
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First Families of Norfolk County, Virginia – Application Fee is $35. Applicants must prove that their direct ancestor was a legal resident of Norfolk County, Virginia during the period of 1636 to 1776.
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Centennial Families of Norfolk County, Virginia – Application fee is $25. Applicants must prove that their direct ancestor was a legal resident of Norfolk County, Virginia during the period of 1777 to 1876.
Download First Families Application
Download Cover Letter/Instructions
Complete a First Families application and provide primary source documents to prove that your direct ancestor resided in Norfolk County, Virginia, between 1636 and 1876 and to verify your lineal descent. Hearsay and secondary sources will be deemed insufficient. Completed applications and supporting documents must be accompanied by the pertinent application fee.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee of trained family historians, using uniform genealogical standards (as defined by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). Kickstart your research by downloading the NCHSC First Families Application Form.
Approved applications and supporting source documents will be safely digitized and archived in our secured family history files in the Wallace Memorial History Room, located on the second floor of the Chesapeake Central Public Library at 298 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, Virginia. Members will receive a customized First Families Membership Certificate and Member Number, as well as entry on our official First Families of Norfolk County Roster. Membership presentations will be made at our quarterly membership meeting.
Collection of Family Histories
in the Wallace Room
The Wallace Memorial Room houses a collection of family histories as well as other genealogical information for use by patrons. An index to over 100 available family histories in the Wallace Room may point you in a new direction in your research. Ask a volunteer for assistance.
Have you documented your family history? Donate a copy of your family tree to the Wallace Room. We will be happy to add it to our growing collection so that it is available now and for future generations. We invite you to update your donated family tree as you continue your research.
Other Activities and Programs
Our family history researchers in the Norfolk County Historical Society participate in local and state genealogical events. We will keep you posted as these events are scheduled.