Virginia Baptist Historical Society

09/22/2026

JOIN US AT Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest on Thursday!

Please join us for the final program in our 2026 Jefferson's Curiosities Series, Jefferson & Religion, this Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6:30! Our distinguished guest for the evening is Dr. Nathan Taylor, Executive Director of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society and the Center for Baptist Heritage & Studies at the University of Richmond. A w**e and cheese reception will follow the talk and Q&A. Tickets available here: https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/Religion

09/20/2026

EMMAUS BAPTIST CHURCH AT 250
Planted by Elijah Baker in 1776, Emmaus Baptist Church in Providence Forge commemorated their 250th year with a special service on August 2. Nathan Taylor was on hand to share a word about their founding and present a certificate of recognition from VBHS. The church was also recognized by the Dover Baptist Association, as well as the BGAV - Baptist General Association of Virginia. We are grateful for the warm hospitality and ongoing ministry of the congregation and Pastor Tim Madison.

08/06/2026

RESEARCH SUPPORT & TOURS ON PAUSE:
Please be advised that we are not taking in-person research appointments, facilitating distance requests, tours or in-person visits at this time, as we prepare for upcoming renovation work. This will be an extended period of months and we are grateful for your patience and support. There are a few exceptions for institutional partners and churches with major anniversaries. For more, see our more detailed message at:

Virginia Baptist Historical Society and Center for Baptist Heritage & Studies Learn MoreResearch  Tour and Research Services Pause (2026-2027) As we prepare for a major collections and facilities initiative associated with anticipated renovation work in 2027, the Society will begin an open-ended ...

07/02/2026

From Leland's reflections on Independence (1802)...

06/30/2026

We were pleased to advise on this excellent video resource produced by the Religious Liberty Committee of the BGAV - Baptist General Association of Virginia. Many thanks to the Baptist Standard for sharing this timely reminder of the historic Baptist vision for full religious liberty and the Virginia Baptist role in the creation of the First Amendment.
Baptist Association

In this second of a three-part documentary, Ken Pruitt explains the role John Leland played in the struggle for religious freedom.

06/24/2026

Many thanks to our friends at BGAV - Baptist General Association of Virginia for this thoughtful report on our 150th Anniversary celebration and Annual Meeting.

06/04/2026

Program Update: Our friend Melissa Rogers unfortunately sends her deepest regrets at not being able to be with us this evening due to an untimely illness. We wish her a swift recovery! While we will miss her presence, we are pleased to share that our dear friend and renowned church and state expert - and longtime VBHS member - J. Brent Walker, executive director emeritus of BJC will be stepping in for the keynote address, sharing his perspective on our theme: What Baptists Got Right at the Founding and Why It Matters Today. We can think of no one better prepared to do so and look forward to seeing everyone soon! 7:15 pm, River Road Church, Baptist

05/25/2026

Join us! baptistheritage.org/meeting/

05/23/2026

It was a delight to be with the Goshen Baptist Association ministers’ group in recent weeks to reflect upon the Baptist role in disestablishment and religious freedom more broadly, especially through the relationship of Madison with early Va Baptist leaders like John Leland and Aaron Bledsoe. The historic Goshen Association is the custodian of Leland-Madison Park, which commemorates these contributions.

05/15/2026

Thank you, BGAV - Baptist General Association of Virginia for helping us get the word out!

BGAV's ministry partner, Virginia Baptist Historical Society, invites you to its 2026 Annual Meeting and 150th anniversary celebration at River Road Church, Baptist, on Thursday, June 4 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will reflect on 150 years of the work of VBHS as well as 250 years of the United States.

The evening will open with various greetings, including reflections from BGAV president and chief of the Chickahominy Tribe, Stephen R. Adkins, followed by news of the VBHS and the keynote address from Melissa Rogers: "What Baptists Got Right at the Founding and Why It Matters Today."

Registration for the 6:00 p.m. dinner is required; attendance at the annual meeting (beginning at 7:15 p.m.) is open to everyone.https://baptistheritage.org/meeting/