In the Amelia County Historical Library is a bronze plaque, which states: “Henry Edmond Jackson, Founder and Organizer, Amelia Historical Library, 1958.” This plaque honors Mr. Jackson for his vision and foresight in helping to establish a place for Amelia’s historical artifacts and documents to be stored safely. Mr. Jackson shared his thoughts with many others on the need for a place to preserve our heritage.

On June 9, 1958, Judge J. Garland Jefferson issued a court Order authorizing the use of a shelf in the County Clerk’s Office for the purpose of storing historical and genealogical material. The collection was named the “Jefferson Historical Collection” in honor of Judge Jefferson’s family. On a later date, the committee that collected and maintained these items of interest was named the Amelia Historical Committee.

Within a year, the small space allotted for the materials was outgrown. With a generous donation from Mr. Wycliffe Cecil Jackson, a lot on the corner of Church and Virginia Streets was purchased and the present Jackson Building was built. The Amelia Historical Library now had a permanent location in which to display Amelia’s historical artifacts and documents.

The committee adopted a constitution and bylaws on August 6, 1963. The committee adopted a constitution and bylaws on August 6, 1963. Today, The Amelia Historical Committee still strives “to discover, procure, and preserve whatever may relate to the history of the people of Amelia County, Virginia, and to use this material to serve the people of Amelia County in study and research.

The Amelia County Historical society Library is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Annual membership for individuals is $10 and for families, $15. For more information, call (804) 561-3180 or write the Amelia County Historical Society, PO Box 113, Amelia, VA 23002.