History:
The Bond County Historical Society was organized in 1955 as a result of the efforts of John H. Nolan. For over half a century Mr. Nolan collected information on the history of the county and wrote letters tracking down former residents across the United States. In the early 1950's he wrote regular articles for the Greenville Advocate and became known as an unofficial historian of the area. He also began informal meetings with a small group of people to discuss the county’s history. Mr. Nolan soon put out an appeal for the creation of a historical society, and interest quickly grew.
On October 11, 1955 the Bond County Historical Society was formed with 111 charter members and John Nolan as President and Historian. Other officers elected at the first meeting included Mrs. Charles J. Dawdy, First Vice President; Ms. Evelyne McCracken, Second Vice President; Mrs. Cornelia Davis, Secretary; and C. Douglas Hoiles, Treasurer. A constitution and bylaws were adopted and regular meetings scheduled.
Since the opening of the Hoiles-Davis Museum, the Bond County Historical Society has worked to obtain and preserve items important to the history of the county and its communities. The society also began sponsoring Bond County Heritage Day in Greenville each year in April. The Heritage Day Quilt Show has become a major event and draws hundreds of people each year. In 2003 the society published its popular book Images of America, Greenville and Bond County, containing hundreds of vintage pictures. In 2005 the newsletter Historically Yours was started and regularly sent to members. In 2006 the society went online with its website, www.bondcountyhistorical.org, as a way to inform the public on the history of Bond County and the society’s events. These activities, and more, continue to be the mission of the Bond County Historical Society as it continues into its second 50 years