FAUQUIER HERITAGE SOCIETY

FOR LOCAL HISTORY & GENEALOGY

8266 EAST MAIN STREET

P.O. BOX 548

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA 20116

540-364-3440

The Fauquier Heritage Society for Local History and Genealogy, Inc. was formed in 1993 for the purpose of creating an archival library to house genealogical and historical materials on the history of Fauquier County. A suitable library facility was made available by a benefactor in the village of Marshall and the Fauquier Heritage Society Library and Archives was dedicated on 14 May 1993. The extensive donated works of John K. Gott, including his research files, books and manuscript papers constitute the nucleus of the library’s collection. Mr. Gott is a nationally recognized local historian and author of books on the history of Fauquier County and the people who settled it.  At a young age he became an avid student of its rich history and has devoted over 50 years of his life to collecting documents, artifacts, photographs, letters and genealogical materials.

In addition to the unique Gott collection the holdings of the library also contain works of other scholarly researchers including that of T. Triplett Russell, a well-regarded local historian, author and descendant of early Fauquier families. Among the highlights of Mr. Russell’s papers are plat maps defining the boundaries and geographic locations of the original Northern Neck Land Grants in the area of Fauquier County. The scope of this research is unduplicated and many persons have come to visit the Fauquier Heritage Society Library to access this information alone.

It is the expectation that these invaluable collections will serve as a centerpiece for an ever-expanding archives of Fauquier County history and genealogy. In the five years of its existence the library has received many donations of research materials and artifacts from persons who wish to share their information with other descendants and researchers. Anyone who has such information on the history of the county, its people or places, is encouraged to donate these materials to the library as a permanent repository for their safekeeping.

In February 1998 under the auspices of the Society, work was begun on developing a computer-based research center funded by a grant from Dr. David Collins. The program is designed as a resource center for students providing them with the ability to pursue historical and genealogical research through the use of computer technology. The computer lab is equipped with 3 work stations, flatbed scanners, a color printer and a 24 hour-a-day Class C Internet presence. A staff person is available for teaching assistance, and the complete collection of the Fauquier Heritage Society Library is available to students, including an extensive map collection , hundreds of photographs and unpublished manuscripts.  Web-authoring projects can be undertaken to include the Internet-publishing of many of these materials as well as personal research work.

The Fauquier Heritage Society publishes a quarterly newsletter containing information of historical and genealogical importance, as well as a query column to which inquiries may be submitted for publication. A subscription to the newsletter is a benefit of membership, which at this time consists of over 500 persons nationwide. Membership dues are $10 for individual, $15 family, $25 sustaining and $100 for lifetime members.

The library is open to the public for research purposes Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Other hours may be scheduled by appointment if requested at least a week in advance. Arrangements can be made in writing or by calling the society at 540-364-3440. John Gott is available for personal interviews at the library every Wednesday during its regular business hours.