Shore History

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Shore History Shore History collects, preserves,
and celebrates Eastern Shore of Virginia
history and culture. The mansion serves as Shore History's headquarters.

Shore History collects, preserves and celebrates the history and culture of Virginia's Eastern Shore. The organization, founded in 1957 as the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society, offers programming for all ages as well as owns and maintains two properties on the National Register of Historic Places. Both are in Onancock, Va., which is centrally located on the 70-mile-long peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Ker Place, built from 1799 to 1803 by John and Agnes Ker, has been dubbed the finest example of Federal-period, Georgian-style architecture on the Eastern Shore. It houses a museum with extensive archives and collections as well as local and traveling exhibits. The home also serves as a rental site for weddings and other special events. The second property, Hopkins & Bro. Store and ferry ticket office at Onancock Wharf, offers a peek into the Shore's maritime history with a lobby exhibit. It currently houses a restaurant and a kayak rental business. The organization also maintains historic Wise Cemetery, where generations of the notable Eastern Shore and Virginia family, are buried. Lastly, the 501(c)(3) operates an upscale home goods consignment shop, the Dogwood Branch. Proceeds from the store benefit Shore History. The shop also is located in Onancock.

Shore History invites you to explore the debates, compromises and personalities that shaped American government.Join us ...
10/18/2026

Shore History invites you to explore the debates, compromises and personalities that shaped American government.

Join us for the Onancock premiere of The American Constitution on Thursday, October 22, at the Roseland Theater. Using the Founders’ own recorded words, this compelling new film brings the Constitutional Convention to life and invites thoughtful, nonpartisan conversation about the document that continues to shape our nation.

Screenings at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Students age 18 and under: FREE
General admission: $10

The 7:00 p.m. screening will be followed by a live discussion with Eastern Shore historian Dennis Custis.

Purchase tickets through the Roseland Theater online or at the box office.
Proceeds benefit Shore History.

What a memorable Living History on the Lawn! Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us at Ker Place to explore, lea...
10/16/2026

What a memorable Living History on the Lawn!

Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us at Ker Place to explore, learn, and connect with history.
From the interpreters portraying Patrick Henry and George Mason to Daniel Firehawk Abbott, representatives of the Accohannock Tribe, Handmade History, Williams Blacksmith, Virginia Navy Galley Norfolk Revenge, Eastern Shore Quilt Guild, Manuscript, DAR Eastern Shore of Virginia Chapter, music by Ampersand and every reenactor, artisan, musician, demonstrator, and vendor who shared their knowledge and talents—thank you for bringing so many stories to life.
Thanks also to Deep South Smokehouse and Kookie Momster for the delicious food.
To our generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and community partners: your support made this special commemorative 250 event possible.
Together, you helped Shore History fulfill our mission to educate, inspire, and preserve—and reminded us how much we can learn when we gather to share our stories.

Ker Place will be open this Saturday October 17th with a docent on duty to guide tours. Notable exhibits on display at ...
10/16/2026

Ker Place will be open this Saturday October 17th with a docent on duty to guide tours. Notable exhibits on display at this time are 'Faces of the Revolution' and the new temporary exhibit 'Liberty or Death' on loan from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.

Living History on the Lawn this weekend at Shore History is open! Our exhibitors are here, the fires are burning for the...
10/10/2026

Living History on the Lawn this weekend at Shore History is open! Our exhibitors are here, the fires are burning for the open fire cooking, and the forge for the blacksmith. Come meet Daniel Firehawk Abbott and the Accohannocks. So much history to see. The VA 250 Mobile Museum is open until 4PM.

Today is the day! Plan to come to Shore History to immerse yourself in history. Living History on the Lawn opens at 10:0...
10/10/2026

Today is the day! Plan to come to Shore History to immerse yourself in history.
Living History on the Lawn opens at 10:00AM.
This event is FREE and open to the public. We extend our gratitude to the sponsors who help us make events like this possible.
The Orr-Smith Foundation, Richard & Caroline T. Gwathmey Memorial Trust, Dr. and Mrs. Wright D. Shields, Matthew Brown & Peter Hartzler, Perdue Farms, Inc., Hampton Roads Community Foundation, Conrad M. Hall & Family, ESVA Tourism,
The VA250 Commission, Virginia Humanities, Weichert Realtors, Mason-Davis

Tonight - Shore History's Living History Weekend begins this evening, Friday October 9th at 5:30 PM. Patrick Henry will...
10/09/2026

Tonight - Shore History's Living History Weekend begins this evening, Friday October 9th at 5:30 PM.
Patrick Henry will be on the front steps of historic Ker Place to deliver his 'Give Me Liberty' speech just as he did in March 1775.
Join us for the evening to enjoy a colonial reception inside following the speech for music by Ampersand, refreshments and first view of the 'Give Me Liberty' exhibit.

History Comes to Life! Meet the people who make Living History on the Lawn an unforgettable experience.Today's spotlight...
10/09/2026

History Comes to Life! Meet the people who make Living History on the Lawn an unforgettable experience.
Today's spotlight is on the Accohannock Indian Tribe. Meet members of one of our indigenous Eastern Shore tribes. Learn about the culture and heritage through conversation, artifacts and demonstrations.
Plan to visit Shore History October 9 & 10 as we honor our 250th anniversary.

Visit our website for more: www.shorehistory.org

History Comes to Life! Meet the people who make Living History on the Lawn an unforgettable experience.Today's spotlight...
10/08/2026

History Comes to Life! Meet the people who make Living History on the Lawn an unforgettable experience.
Today's spotlight is on the LOCAL Food Trucks who will be onsite during Living History on the Lawn at Ker Place on Saturday October 10th 10AM-4PM.
Deep South Smokehouse has the BEST Southern BBQ and the Kookie Momster will be bring more than her fabulous cookies. She will also be serving Mac n' Cheese, ham biscuits and more!
Plan to visit Shore History October 9 & 10 as we honor our 250th anniversary.

Visit our website for more: https://www.shorehistory.org/

History Comes to Life! Meet the people who make Living History on the Lawn an unforgettable experience.Today's spotlight...
10/08/2026

History Comes to Life! Meet the people who make Living History on the Lawn an unforgettable experience.
Today's spotlight is on Williams Blacksmithing. Come meet Mark Williams who has been blacksmithing for 30 years work iron to form tools, hinges, puzzles and hooks over fire.
Plan to visit Shore History October 9 & 10 as we honor our 250th anniversary.

Visit our website for more: https://www.shorehistory.org/

Address

69 Market Street, PO Box 179
Onancock, VA
23417

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 3pm
Wednesday 11am - 3pm
Thursday 11am - 3pm
Friday 11am - 3pm

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