The Botetourt County Historical Society, Inc. has announced a new installation, The Good Word: Family Bibles from Botetourt County, on view now at the Botetourt Museum of History & Culture in Fincastle. This special display will explore the rich history and personal stories preserved within the pages of family Bibles, offering a unique glimpse into the faith, traditions, and genealogies of Botetourt County families.
Family Bibles have long held a special place in households, serving not only as spiritual guides but also as repositories of family history. Many of these treasured volumes contain handwritten records of births, marriages, and deaths – sometimes the only documentation of these life events. The display will highlight a variety of Bibles, from those with intricate illustrations and German translations to tiny pocket Bibles carried by soldiers during wartime. Visitors will also learn about the heartfelt mementos often tucked within their pages, such as pressed flowers, hair clippings, and notes from loved ones.
Of particular importance, this temporary showcase will shed light on the inclusion of enslaved individuals’ names in some family Bibles. These rare records provide vital information for descendants seeking to trace their lineage and acknowledge a painful but essential part of local history.
The Good Word aims to connect the community with its roots, showcasing how these Bibles serve as living archives of faith, memory, and heritage.
The Botetourt Museum of History & Culture invites the public to experience The Good Word: Family Bibles of Botetourt and discover the remarkable stories hidden within these sacred pages.
For more information, contact Lynsey Crantz Allie at execdirectorbchs@gmail.com or visit https://bothistsoc.wordpress.com/
~ Botetourt County Historical Society
