Founded in 1996 to identify, catalogue and where possible restore the unique history of Rural Retreat, VA and the surrounding area. Utilizing our resources to improve the social and economic conditions in our area and for the betterment of area communities. It is the hope of the Rural Retreat Historical Society that with the above actions a level of awareness will be raised, with the ultimate goal of educating the public.

The incorporated and non-profit Rural Retreat Historical Society has grown into an organization that fills a wide variety of needs for our small community.

Our Volunteer Committee arranges housing and work sites for volunteer groups that we sponsor. We average 120 students per year and this program is our majory source of funding.