Historical Society

The Buchanan County Historical Society was formed in 1973. Pauline Owens, a local school teacher, was instrumental in organizing the group. Sam Varney was the first president and Bonnie Elswick was vice-president. Their goal was to preserve our rich heritage, especially our “early culture, crafts and folklore.”

Forty years after the original Society was organized, Buchanan County Historical Society of Virginia is still dedicated to preserving our rich mountain heritage and history.

Since its formation in 1858, Buchanan County has grown into an educational mecca. The land that was once a wilderness where Indians hunted and Daniel Boone traveled became an area that saw action during the Civil War. As the area developed, children grew up, attended schools, raised their families and became a part of the local history. This county sent its native sons to every war the United States has been involved in since the county was formed. These first families of Buchanan County grew, expanded and left a rich history that still surrounds us.

A wise man once said, “You cannot know where you’re going unless you know where you came from.” History shows us where we came from. It also can predict where we are going. Please look at your own family and reflect on their history and the impact they have had on their surroundings. Your grandmother might have been a postmaster. That postmaster may have been one of the most honored people in the community as she handed out letters from a son or husband in Germany during WWII. Your great grandfather may have cut logs and provided the lumber for the community church or school. He may have made the best moonshine in southwest Virginia or he may have been an old-time preacher that lived to the age of 97. These things are our history. This is what makes us unique.

Members of the Buchanan County Historical Society want to find and maintain the history and culture of the area. Look around you at the changes you have seen in the past few years. The town of Grundy has changed, forever. Think about other changes in your lifetime. If we don’t preserve our personal memories of “the way it was,” it will be lost, forever. You can also help in our endeavor to preserve local history by attending a meeting and getting involved. New members are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at the Buchanan County Public Library. The meetings start with local history and genealogical research at 5:00 pm in the library’s Family History section followed by a business session.