The Bedford County Historical Society operates the Pioneer Library, and the Hall at Kinton's Knob.

The Pioneer Library houses the county's most extensive collection of historical and genealogical materials. It 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.

The Hall at Kinton's Knob is located above the Pioneer Library in our bank‑barn building and provides a unique venue for meetings, showers, parties, and receptions. Click here for information about the Hall and its availability for your event.

Fund Raising Campaign

Late in 2012 we initiated a fund raising campaign to pay for our new home, the historic bank-barn that we have been renting since August, 2012. We encourage members and the community to support our campaign. Click here for more details.

Library Activities and News

More Obituaries Added to Obituary Database

On March 17 we added approximately 5000 new obituaries to our online index of obituaries that are available to researchers. This brings the total to well over 100,000 obituaries that are indexed and online. Click here to see the obituary database.

New Database of Events Added

A recently added database on our web site makes available news clippings from a potpourri of events that occurred in Bedford County. These events include arsons, arrests, anniversaries, births, celebrations, deed transfers, divorces, exonerations, fires, grave robbings, lost & found, marriage licenses, murders, paroles, sentencings, thefts, weddings, wills, and articles about the past. Click here to see the Miscellaneous Events Database.

Quilt Show and Sale - October 5-13, 2013

Our 23rd annual Quilt Show & Sale will be held at on October 6-14. For details about the event and the Pioneer Quilt Challenge, click here.

5 Year Commemoration of the Civil War

In April 2011, the Bedford County Historical Society and other historical organizations in Bedford County began a commemoration of 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. As a part of this commemoration, the Bedford County Historical Society had a special medal produced to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the war. To see pictures of the medal or to purchase one, click here.