Our Plan

Mission Statement 

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Heritage Center of the Eastern Shore Public Library collects, preserves, and makes available to the public documents, images and rare published materials that record the rich and complex history of Accomack and Northampton Counties. Approved at the ESPL Board of Trustees meeting June 8, 2021.

Vision Statement 

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Heritage Center enables families to discover their history and write their own stories and those of their communities.  The Center’s unique resources are accessible to scholars from everywhere. Approved by the Eastern Shore Public Library Board of Trustees on July 14, 2021.

Value Statement 

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Heritage Center believes that the unique historical resources that it preserves and protects should be available to a wider audience in their search to understand the past, relate to the present and plan for the future.  Therefore, we value:

  • Historical Stewardship – We collect, preserve and share our rich heritage.  We seek to include all the voices in our community.
  • Partnerships – We build collaborative relationships with educational systems, cultural institutions, community-based organizations and local governments.
  • Inclusiveness and Discovery – We provide resources for everyone to experience the adventure of exploring documentary heritage.
  • Sustainability – We ensure that the past has a future.

Approved by the Eastern Shore Public Library Board of Trustees on July 14, 2021.