Eastern Shore of Virginia
Historical Society Headquarters
 

Kerr Place
Historic House
Museum
circa 1799

A Virginia Historical Landmark
Kerr Place is listed on The National Register of  Historic Places
Onancock, Virginia

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Stately historic Kerr Place is the headquarters of the
Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society

 Kerr Place, the finest example of Federal architecture on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, was built by John Shepherd Ker, a prosperous merchant, shippper and farmer.  Upon Ker's untimely death in 1806, ownership of the house passed to his young widow and then to their son.  In ensuing years, a succession of private owners called  Kerr Place their home until 1960 when it was purchased by the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society.

Unusually-fine craftsmanship was employed on both the exterior of the house and the interior.  Noteworthy interior details are well-executed decorative works of the period.  The current restortion of the house is a continuing process, the vibrant colors as shown  have now been restored in the down stairs rooms of the house.

Furnishings at Kerr Place, representative of those that might have been owned by John S. Ker (original spelling) and his family, assist in the interpretation of this historic house. Of particular note in the parlor is the pianoforte.  This instrument is finely crafted and its gold leaf embellishments are certainly of note to those who have an appreciation for detail.  Dating from the first decade of the 19th century it was made in Vienna.

Second floor museum rooms displaying appropriate exhibits provide a glimpse into the rich history of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.  Interpretative exhibits from the Society's collections currently include a maritime exhibit related to the Barrier Islands.  The second floor rooms are devoted to exhibits from the Historical Society's collections.  The "Ladies Room" contains artifacts that are associated with the women of the period and the "Cropper Room" is dedicated to General John Cropper who served in the Revolution and in the War of 1812.

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Costumed Docent - Katie Harvard
Shown Left and Right

Kerr Place is  open daily Tuesday thru Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM except holidays  (Closed during January and February of each year).  Admission is $4.00 for adults, under age 18 admitted free.  Before leaving historic Kerr Place, visitors are encouraged to visit the Museum Store with its pleasing array of merchandise appealing to shoppers of all ages.  Included are works of art crafted by Eastern Shore artisans and books to interest armchair historians, scholars, and others.  For additional information contact:

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