The Middlesex County Museum and Historical Society is one of the oldest county museums in the state of Virginia, covering more than 400 years of local history. The museum’s exhibits feature an array of objects and items not seen together before: fossils and Indian artifacts, 19th Century textiles and clothing, a 1930s country store, agricultural and industrial tools, historical money, toys, and medical instruments. The exhibits contain stories of the past, including local African American history, Civil War, Revolutionary War, WWI, and WWII eras.

These exhibits and the museum’s educational outreach are made possible through the outstanding support of volunteers. Renee Loustaunau is a volunteer who provides ongoing exhibit support with research, design, and implementation. She says, “So much happened in the 300 years of the Middle Peninsula history that was of great significance in the development of this country, and I find it fun and rewarding to help in bringing it to the attention of our current population.”

Volunteer Bob Prichard says, “I have spent most of my life as a professional historian of American culture and religion, teaching at a graduate school level. The part about that work that I have most loved is the chance to investigate and retell stories that illuminate the common life of the people of this nation and of the various communities of which they are a part. Now retired, I find that participating in the Middlesex County Museum and Historical Society gives me the opportunity to continue to pursue that interest with a focus on the community in which I live and to meet others with similar interests.”

Claudia Soucek is a volunteer at the museum who provides ongoing support of staff, school, and board to research topics identified as special interest to students, for the creation of exhibits, genealogy research, and special articles. Claudia says, “Because of the historical wealth of documents in the Middlesex Clerk’s Office, researching a topic draws me into many avenues of county history. One can get lost in time.”

Volunteer Vel Gray says, “Assisting with a presentation involving map skills with some students from Middlesex High School was a rewarding experience. The students’ attention and enthusiastic participation in the lesson made it a positive learning experience for all.”

Learn more about the Middlesex County Museum and Historical Society and how to get involved at middlesexmuseum.com.

To learn more about how to get involved and discover new volunteer opportunities in the River Counties of Virginia, visit the new volunteer hub for the region at VolunteerRiverCounties.org.