Bridgewater Historical Society

Bridgewater Historical Society The Bridgewater Historical Society will preserve the history of Bridgewater by collecting memorabilia, stories, articles, books, photos, newspapers, etc.

A brief history of Bridgewater:

The Scotch Irish were the first to arrive in Bridgewater 30 years before the Revolutionary War, led by William Magill Senior the Magills were from Northern Ireland. The Scotch Irish pioneers started in the new world as settlers in Pennsylvania. They came south to the Shenandoah Valley where land was more plentiful in greater quantities. English, Dutch, Welsh, and

German immigrants followed the Scotch Irish and made Bridgewater their home. The Town of Bridgewater was founded in 1835. There have been seven bridges built across the North River the “Old Wooden Covered Bridge” lasted the longest. It was built in 1877 and was replaced in 1916. There was a span of 240 feet. The settlers brought their religious traditions which have continued and blended throughout the years. The First Church of the Brethren was located at the corner of Main Street and Oakwood Drive. The dedication ceremony had over 3000 attendees in 1878. Baptism ceremonies were conducted in open water in 1899 it was noted that four inches of ice had to be cut from the North River to open a baptismal site for 41 members. In 1880 D.C. Flory founded The Spring Creek Normal School, nine years later the name changed to Bridgewater College. In 1937 The Church of the Brethren was torn down and another was built on College Avenue, this building became a part of Bridgewater College when the current Church of the Brethren was built on the hill overlooking the college in 1990. The Dinkel Brothers laid out the Town of Bridgewater in the 1930’s

Hallie Dinkel is the Current Mayor

Celebrate Independence Day Weekend in Historic Bridgewater!Sunday July 5, 2026The Bridgewater Historical SocietyPresents...
05/27/2026

Celebrate Independence Day Weekend in Historic Bridgewater!
Sunday July 5, 2026
The Bridgewater Historical Society
Presents
A self-guided Walking tour, with two significant houses open to the public.
Tour Headquarters and Starting Point –
BHS Museum, 109 S. Main St., Bridgewater, Virginia

The Walking Tour will feature the story of the Dinkel Brothers, Jacob and John, the founders of Bridgewater
Houses Open to the Public:
111 S. Main St. (circa 1849) –
the J.G. Brown and Riddleberger house
215 S. Main St. (circa 1815) – The Former Dinkel Tavern and Jacob
Dinkel’s house.
Refreshments at 215 S. Main St. by the Bridgewater Rotary Club
Also included in the Walking Tour are:
The site of John Dinkel’s 1800’s era mill building
Artifacts and history of John Dinkel’s house
NOTE: John Dinkel’s former home still stands in Bridgewater. However, John’s house, gardens and yard WILL NOT be open for this event. Artifacts and history of John Dinkel’s house will be located adjacent to the property under a tent. There may be a special guest to talk about the house that day. Stay Tuned!!

Walking Tour and Houses open from 1pm – 4pm.
More Info: [email protected] or 540-237-4017
Bridgewater has several nice restaurants. Come have lunch before the tour starts!
See you in Bridgewater!

The Bridgewater Historical Society Museum building, AKA Old Town Hall, gets a new coat of paint yesterday! In addition,...
04/29/2026

The Bridgewater Historical Society Museum building, AKA Old Town Hall, gets a new coat of paint yesterday! In addition, the Story Realm Cabinet has a new display on Bridgewater College, installed by BC Special Collections Librarian Stephanie Gardner and her staff. Stop in and see what is new?

During the Revolutionary War was anything happening in Bridgewater or the surrounding area. Find out at our Annual Fund...
03/27/2026

During the Revolutionary War was anything happening in Bridgewater or the surrounding area. Find out at our Annual Fundraising Banquet Thursday April 16, 2026, Bridgewater United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Meal at 6pm catered by the Circle of Love UWF. Program at 7pm. Our speaker is Dr. Scott Hamilton Smith, professor at Bridgewater College and Curator of collections at Rocktown History in Dayton. See flyer for details on how to reserve a spot. See you there!

The Bridgewater Historical Society Museum is open for business!! Parking in front of our building is possible; the walk...
02/14/2026

The Bridgewater Historical Society Museum is open for business!! Parking in front of our building is possible; the walks are scraped and free of ice. See you at the BHS!

The Bridgewater Historical Society Museum will be closed on Saturday the 31st and most likely some of next week. It is s...
01/31/2026

The Bridgewater Historical Society Museum will be closed on Saturday the 31st and most likely some of next week. It is still surrounded by snow and ice. There is no room to park in front of the building on Main St and there is no safe way to get to the front door. It may be later next week before we can get back in. Update you later. Thanks.

The 2025 Bridgewater Historical Society Christmas ornament features the 1815 era Dinkel Tavern on Main St. If you haven...
12/29/2025

The 2025 Bridgewater Historical Society Christmas ornament features the 1815 era Dinkel Tavern on Main St.
If you haven't seen the ornament stop by during Museum hours. It is selling for $15. Other ornaments featuring Bridgewater scenes are for sale as well.
In addition, the Dinkel Tavern will be open for tours on July 5th of 2026 for the 250th anniversary of the United States. More information in the new year about that, and other area 250th celebrations that will take place in 2026!

Old Town Hall shows off its Christmas spirit. OTH houses the Bridgewater Historical Society Museum and is open Monday -...
12/09/2025

Old Town Hall shows off its Christmas spirit. OTH houses the Bridgewater Historical Society Museum and is open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 3pm and other times by appointment. Need something to do over the upcoming holidays, stop in and see what is new!

During the Christmas Parade on Saturday the Bridgewater Historical Society lost one of its magnetic signs that was attac...
12/09/2025

During the Christmas Parade on Saturday the Bridgewater Historical Society lost one of its magnetic signs that was attached to the driver's door of the 1971 Duece Military Truck that was our entry in the parade. If you have seen the black and white sign with our name on it let us know. You may call us at 540-237-4017, option 2 and leave a message for Greg if he is not able to answer. If you find it, we can come pick it up or it may also be left on our front steps at the Museum at 109 South Main St. Thanks, BHS.

OTH is decked out for July and will be open extended hours for the Town of Bridgewater's Eve of Independence Celebration...
07/02/2025

OTH is decked out for July and will be open extended hours for the Town of Bridgewater's Eve of Independence Celebration on July 3! Drop by on Thursday between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm to experience the Story Realm displays on the histories of Old Town Hall and the Bridgewater Retirement Community.

While you are there, pick up a coupon for a discount at food trucks at Gen Park that evening (while supplies last).

Can’t make it July 3! Old Town Hall is open regularly Monday-Saturday, 10:00 am- 3:00 pm. Closed on July 4th but see you on Saturday the 5th!

The Bridgewater Historical Society Museum is open for 2025! Stop in and see what's new. Now open Monday - Saturday, 10a...
04/18/2025

The Bridgewater Historical Society Museum is open for 2025! Stop in and see what's new. Now open Monday - Saturday, 10am to 3pm. See you at the BHS!

Address

109 S Main Street
Bridgewater, VA
22812

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+15402374017

Website

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