Shore History joins statewide Virginia History Affiliates Program

Shore History, based on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, has been selected as part of a new statewide initiative aimed at strengthening historical organizations and expanding access to educational resources across the Commonwealth.

The organization is among the inaugural group of 24 institutions joining the Virginia History Affiliates program, a newly launched effort organized and funded by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.

Officials say the program is designed to connect museums and historical sites across Virginia, focusing on collaboration in education, preservation, professional development, and long-term sustainability.

For the Eastern Shore, the partnership is expected to enhance Shore History’s ability to preserve and share local stories while placing them within a broader statewide context. Executive Director Hilary Hartnett-Wilson called the affiliation a “transformative step,” noting it will help elevate both the organization’s visibility and its impact.

Participation in the program will give Shore History access to shared exhibitions, educational materials, professional networks, and potential grant funding, along with opportunities to collaborate with other institutions across Virginia.

The initiative comes as Virginia prepares to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, with leaders emphasizing the importance of preserving and connecting local histories.

Shore History, founded in 1957 as the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society, represents the region in the Tidewater cohort, alongside institutions such as the Hampton History Museum and the Pamunkey Indian Museum and Cultural Center.

Program organizers say the long-term goal is to expand the network to more than 100 affiliates, creating a stronger, more connected system of historical organizations throughout Virginia.