Lee County Virginia Historical Society

08/28/2026

LCHGS volunteers are actively cataloging our collections! Come and be a part of preserving Lee County history.

The Library of Virginia is proud to join other archival institutions across the Commonwealth in celebrating Virginia Archives Month this October. This year’s theme, “Remember Me: Death and Memorial in the Archives,” celebrates the memorials in collections, whether that be cemetery registers, photographs, rolls of honor, funeral programs or even the buildings that house the archives. Join us for tours of the Library, tours of Monumental Church and archivist talks on topics including ghost stories in the archives and records left behind by funeral homes and cemeteries.

Learn about 2026 Virginia Archives Month throughout the state at https://www.lva.virginia.gov/events/vam/2026 and register for upcoming programs at the Library at https://bit.ly/LVAArchivesMonthEvents

08/28/2026

There’s always something happening at the Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society!

We have several interesting programs planned for the months ahead. Visit the Events page on our website for information about upcoming speakers, programs, and other activities. https://www.leecountyvahistoricalsociety.org/event-list

We have also had a wonderful response to our summer open hours. Because of your interest and support, our museum and research library will continue to be open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. until further notice, except on legal holidays.

Appointments outside these hours may also be available, depending on volunteer availability. We invite you to attend an upcoming program, explore our collections, or stop by to conduct family or local history research!

08/26/2026

Dolly Parton passed away yesterday. The Town of Jonesville posted this picture of when Dolly came to Jonesville and performed at Cumberland Bowl Park. Where you there when Dolly came to Jonesville? Share your memories here.

Dolly Parton at Cumberland Bowl Park 🌸💙

08/24/2026

🎉 YOU’RE INVITED! 🎉

Join us as Stone Mountain Health Services celebrates 50 YEARS of caring for our communities! 💙💚

📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Jonesville Family Health Center

Come celebrate this incredible milestone with us! We’ll enjoy refreshments, fellowship, memories, and a celebration of 50 years of serving Southwest Virginia.

💚 1976–2026 💙
50 Years of Caring for Our Communities

Thank you for being part of our journey. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

✨ Here’s to the next 50 years! ✨

08/16/2026

The Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society was pleased to welcome participants in the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park’s Melungeon Bus Tour on August 15.

Several members greeted the visitors during their stop in Jonesville, and one member shared her family memories and ancestral connection to the Melungeon community.

Thank you to the park, Wayne Winkler, the tour sponsors, our members, and everyone who joined us. We appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this special exploration of our region's rich heritage.

08/10/2026

The Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society held its monthly meeting on Saturday, August 8. Our speaker for the meeting was Dr. Amy Clark Spain and she spoke about her upcoming book, The Cyclone of Rye Cove.

Clark described the day a storm hit Rye Cove during lunch on May 2, 1929. She recounted witness testimony on how the tornado hit the school and lifted the building before it collapsed. Some students were practicing a play in the auditorium when the school collapsed. Some survivors talked about how the tornado lifted them in the air. After the collapse, the school caught fire due to the stoves still burning.

She also spoke about the injuries survivors endured. Thirteen people were killed during the tornado, twelve children and one teacher. The disaster was memorialized by A.P. Carter of the Carter Family in a song called, "The Cyclone of Rye Cove," due to the horrifying things he had seen when he helped in the aftermath.

The Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society meets every second Saturday at 2 PM. Meetings are held at the society building on Old Friendship Road, five miles west of Jonesville. Currently, the society building is open to the public from 10 AM to 2 PM on Thursdays and Saturdays for the month of August.

08/10/2026

These images were printed in the Richmond Times Dispatch, 9 Oct. 1910 edition with an article about Lee County, Va. written by R.L. Pennington. OpenAI improved the likeness of these images.

08/08/2026

08/08/2026

The livestream will begin after a short business meeting. Thank you for your patience.