Dandridge building sought by New Kent Historical Society

Martha Dandridge Women’s Club building (above) is a target pursued by New Kent Historical Society in an effort to convert it into a permanent museum.

The New Kent Historical Society has been given the opportunity to purchase the Martha Dandridge Woman’s Club building that could be used as a permanent museum.

Members of the society and the community attended a specially called meeting of the society on Sunday, Jan. 5 to discuss the purchase and fundraising for the museum.

The property, currently the Martha Dandridge Woman’s Club, has a long history of educating people of New Kent County. Originally a two-room schoolhouse, it later became an elementary school when the 1930s school building opened.

The Woman’s Club began meeting there in 1936 when the elementary children began attending classes at the “new building.” In 1956, the club purchased the building at a public auction when the New Kent School Board decided it no longer needed the property.

The club supported many New Kent activities, including giving a scholarship to a graduating senior, the New Kent Humane Society, along with other social activities. With the sale of their property, they will continue their philanthropic works.

If the sale is approved, the Historical Society plans to preserve the integrity of the building and use it for a much needed a museum to depict the history of New Kent County. The Society feels that since it has been lucky enough to be offered this property at a fair price that it cannot pass on the opportunity to educate residents and visitors alike on life in New Kent as it was years ago.

The Society would continue to operate its headquarters in the 1909 Jail, which houses an abundance of New Kent genealogical information and are currently soliciting donations.

The property will be open to the public after the Jan. 12 meeting for public viewing.