Mission and Vision
The mission of the Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society is to collect, preserve, interpret, and promote awareness of the history and culture of Suffolk and old Nansemond County for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.
The Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society envisions a community of citizens with a love and appreciation of our history, applying knowledge from the past in determining the path for the future.
HISTORY of SNHS:
In 1966, a small group of people in Suffolk and Nansemond County were interested in learning about the history of their area and in preserving the old buildings and artifacts still remaining from the past. Realizing they had these concerns in common and that others might share them, they organized the Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society.
This small group has grown into a membership of over 300, and growing monthly. The Society has become an advocate for the community at large, by bringing attention to people and places that are in danger of being forgotten or lost.
The SNHS is a 501(c)3 organization with its headquarters located at the Phillips-Dawson House on Bank Street. Funding is derived from membership dues, donations, grants, publication sales, and a variety of fundraising events. The Society’s property company, Preservation of Historic Suffolk, Inc., has bought and sold several houses and saved the Suffolk Seaboard Railroad Station. The station operates as a museum, permanently houses a railroad model of old Suffolk and is currently ran by the City of Suffolk.