The Bedford County Historical Society operates the Pioneer Library, the county's most extensive collection of historical and genealogical materials. The society's Pioneer Library serves as a repository for all types of historical information and welcomes donations of materials.

We provide the resources and facilities for a broad spectrum of historical and genealogical research with knowledgeable staff to assist.

We also sponsor numerous programs, activities, exhibits and seminars throughout the year to highlight areas or events of historical significance to the county and surrounding regions.

BCHS Closing on Mondays during the Winter

The Bedford County Historical Society will be closed on Mondays for the months of January, February and March. We will reopen on Mondays beginning in April, 2012.

Croyle Family Book now available at BCHS

The Bedford County Historical Society has for sale the book, My Search for the Truth, by Wallace Croyle. This book is sold only For details click here.

Bedford County Historical Society Seeks Volunteers

The Bedford County Historical Society is seeking volunteers to help at our Pioneer Library. Volunteers are needed to assist patrons with genealogical research. Classes will be given at the Society at the address above in February and March on Mondays from 1:00-3:00pm. If you are interested, please contact Gillian K. Leach at the phone number above.

Nominations for Historian of the Year for 2011

The Bedford County Historical Society is seeking nominations for "Historian of the Year" for 2011. The nominee will be honored at the Annual Society Banquet on Saturday, April 21, 2012. To download details and nominee criteria, click here.

150th Anniversary of the Civil War Commemorative Medal

The Bedford County Historical Society has had a special medal produced to commemorate the 150th anniversary of America's Civil War. Pictured on the front is the "The Old Man on the Monument." The reverse side pictures an outline of Bedford County. To see pictures of the medal or to purchase one, click here.

Notice - Expanded Obituary Index

In December 2012 we added around 10,000 obituaries to our online obituary index. We now have around 100,000 obituaries available for researchers to request. Be sure to check the index for names that may not have been there when you searched in the past. Click here for more details.

Garn Family Book now available at BCHS

The Bedford County Historical Society has for sale a new book, The Garn Family including Carn, Garnes, Garns, and Gern, by Lynn E. Garn. This book is sold only by BCHS. For details click here.

Recognition of Korean War Veterans

The Bedford County Historical Society is searching for names and information about residents of Bedford County who served in, were captured in, or died in the Korean War. Click here for more details.

5 Year Commemoration of the Civil War

In April 2011, the Bedford County Historical Society and other historical organizations in Bedford County will begin to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. Over the next 5 years until 2015 there will be re-enactments, lectures, exhibits, and events to commemorate our ancestors that fought to preserve the Union. Click here for more details.