Founded in 1876 by those interested in preserving Baptist history and by the Baptist General Association of Virginia, the Virginia Baptist Historical Society soon became a premier institution within the field of historical organizations in religious history. It early became a repository of Baptist congregational records and other tangible documents and artifacts of the Baptist story. Its collection became widely used by scholars, local church historians, denominational workers, pastors and students of Baptist history.

Its facility on the University of Richmond campus was built through the aid of Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia and was dedicated in 1955 as a memorial to the Baptists who struggled to secure religious liberty. The Heritage Gallery opened in 1992 and is visited each year by hundreds of individuals and many church groups. The Gallery includes the 36-panel mural on Virginia Baptist history by artist Sidney E. King. Changing exhibits make the Gallery a favorite for returning visitors.

The Society collects, preserves and makes available the records of Virginia Baptists. By its very name the Society is a group of individuals most interested in its purposes and membership is open to those interested. The current membership fee is fifteen dollars annually.

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The Virginia Baptist Historical Society is supported through contributions from members and friends. Anyone interested in the ministry of the Society is encouraged to consider a gift. Since 1876 the Society’s mission continues to be “to discover, procure and preserve whatever may relate to the history of Christianity and to the Baptist denomination of Virginia in particular.” Its tag line is “A Ministry Through History”. The Society actively collects, preserves and makes available the tangible pieces of Baptist history. The Society maintains a research library, archives and museum and is interested in receiving gifts of related books, personal papers, photographs, church records, and other tangible artifacts. The Society is a ministry partner of the Baptist General Association of Virginia.

The Virginia Baptist Historical Society appreciates financial and in-kind gifts; and as a registered 501-3c tax exempt non-profit organization, gifts are tax deductible to the extent of the law..

To Send a contribution or to contact us regarding a gift: