Our Home
Society Headquarters
From a county office to our permanent home at Happy Retreat — the story of our three locations across nearly a century.
Our Story
A Brief History
The Society has had headquarters at three locations over its history. From humble beginnings in a county office building, we eventually found a permanent home at the historic Happy Retreat estate.
In 1969, after leaving the Esta Burton Hilleary House, the Society’s Library was moved to the Old Charles Town Library, its artifacts were placed in the Jefferson County Museum, and meetings were held at various locations throughout the county. Thankfully, that is not the end of the story.
Three Homes
Our Locations
1942–1951
County Offices Building
George & Congress Streets, Charles Town
The Society's first office was located in the County Offices Building on the northwest corner of George and Congress Street in Charles Town.
1951–1969
Esta Burton Hilleary House
George Street & Hunter Avenue, Charles Town
The Society became one of the owners of this historic house. A fireproof vault was built by Rev. John W. Link to house artifacts, and meetings were held in "The Hall of the Society."
2016–Present
Happy Retreat
600 Mordington Avenue, Charles Town
Our permanent home, graciously offered by the Friends of Happy Retreat. The space includes a renovated office and research room with modern technology and extensive archives.
Current LocationOur Permanent Home
Happy Retreat
In March 2016, the Friends of Happy Retreat approached the Society’s Directors and offered us office space at Happy Retreat, which was gratefully accepted.
Since then, both an office and research room have been renovated with the addition of cabinets and bookshelves, in-room air conditioning, and the latest in technology. Most of this work has been accomplished on a voluntary basis by the Society’s Directors. Donations of books, office supplies and office furniture, and framed maps, prints, and photographs have put the finishing touches on the new home of the Jefferson County Historical Society.
It is our hope, especially after the third move of countless boxes of Tombstone Inscriptions, that Happy Retreat will be the Society’s permanent home.
Visit us
Explore Our Research Room
Members and researchers are welcome to visit our headquarters at Happy Retreat to explore our archives and library.
Learn More