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 betwe
en 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.
