Museum
Stafford Stories
Explore the stories and images of Stafford County. These stories are part of the history of a county, then a state, then a nation. It’s all connected. Stafford’s stories are America’s stories.
Historical Figure of the Week
Barnett Stewart
Born 1814 – Died 1871
Barnett Stewart (1814-1871) was the son of Bernard/Barnett Stewart (c.1788-c.1845) and Catherine Kendall (c.1793-after 1860) of Stafford County, Virginia. He married Mary E. Bloxham (1824-1876). Barnett was related to the Stewart family who owned Coal Landing on Aquia Creek. The 1839 Stafford County Personal Property Tax Records state that he was then living on Stony Hill, the old Peyton tract. Part of this is now Aquia Harbour subdivision. During the War Between the States, Barnett Stewart lived near Brooke, just east of Stafford Courthouse. McDowell’s troops took from Barnett’s farm 60 bushels of corn, 1 ox, 1 cow, 1 yearling, 360 panels of fence, 16 fowls, and 2 hogs. At the June 1853 term of the Stafford court he was exempted from the county levy on account of age and infirmity. Barnett died of typhoid and was buried in the Norman-Stewart family cemetery near Hope Road (Route 687).
Additional Museum Features
Places
Explore the past with our interactive historical map, featuring artifacts and locations throughout history. Zoom in to discover more information and click on markers to learn more about specific time periods and places.
History Trail
Explore over 20 locations and countless stories that showcase the strength and resilience of the African American community over a span of 300 years in Stafford County.
VR
Explore and experience Stafford’s history during the Revolutionary War period using Virtual Reality. VR headset is not required.
Voices of Stafford
Listen to interviews from Stafford citizens who experienced first-hand the history and development of Stafford County. Among life experiences and changes observed in Stafford, some genealogy is included.
Get Involved
Discover Stafford is looking for volunteers for our upcoming events and projects. If you can spare some time to help out, it would be greatly appreciated. Even just a few hours can make a big difference
