LANCASTER LORE
Tidbits of History

One of the pioneering African-American figures in Lancaster County was John Henry Winder, Jr. A native of White Stone, Winder was educated at Howard University and Amherst College. Returning to White Stone to teach in the first two-room school for area blacks, Winder became a lifelong champion of education for African-Americans, who at the time usually didn't continue schooling beyond the fourth grade. According to his niece Viola Taylor, when he died in 1980 at the age of 93, Winder also had the distinction of being the first registered African-American voter in Lancaster County.

WELCOME TO OUR WEB SITE!
The Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library is in its 50th year serving the families and communities of Lancaster County and Virginia's Northern Neck.

OUR MISSION
To discover, collect, preserve, understand and interpret the history of Lancaster and surrounding counties of the Commonwealth of Virginia for the enjoyment and educational benefit of all residents, succeeding generations and visitors to the area.

SHOP ONLINE FOR MBWM GIFTS
Northern Neck Heritage Tours has dedicated an area of its website to MBWM's online gift shop. The gift shop includes several books of local historical and genealogical significance as well as a number of gifts bearing the MBWM logo. Click here to enter the MBWM Gift Shop. This link will open in a new browser window.

GENEALOGY DATABASE
MBWM.ORG maintains a searchable, online database containing many of the research materials located in our Genealogy Library. The database currently references 2750 items with new additions weekly. Visit our Online Database today!

VISIT US!
We are located on Mary Ball Road (Route 3) at Lancaster Court House in the heart of Lancaster's historic court house village. Driving directions are available to help you find your way.

Please call ahead to arrange group tours.

Fees: $2.00 to visit the Museum House and grounds, $5.00 to work at the Library. Members are not charged.