Accomack Board votes to donate three items from Debtors Prison to Heritage Center

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to donate three stored items from the Debtor’s Prison to the Eastern Shore of Virginia Heritage Center in Parksley at their meeting Wednesday night.

The historic Debtors Prison in Accomac is slated for renovations during 2025-2026 as part of preparations for the 250th anniversary of the United States. In advance of the work, officials are coordinating the removal of numerous artifacts currently housed in the building.

The stored items include belongings owned by Accomack County, private individuals, and Preservation Virginia. County staff have compiled a comprehensive inventory and will begin contacting the rightful owners to determine the future of the artifacts.

Following the renovation, the site is expected to host rotating public exhibits curated by local history organizations, including the Town of Accomac, the Eastern Shore of Virginia Heritage Center, and ShoreHistory. These programs aim to showcase regional history and engage the community through shared heritage.

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Heritage Center, a division of the Eastern Shore Public Library System, has expressed interest in acquiring three notable items: a framed 1756 illustration of the Accomac Courthouse, a framed order book page signed by Thomas Bayly, and a painting of Old St. George’s Church. County staff have recommended donating these pieces to the Heritage Center to support ongoing preservation and public education efforts.