About the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society

Ker Place is the headquarters of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society located in Onancock, VA. This magnificent Federal period Georgian style house was built in 1799-1803 for prosperous merchant farmer John Sheperd Ker and his wife Agnes Corbin Ker and their family. The elegant home has been restored to its original appearance as noted in John Ker’s inventory. Rich colors, detailed plaster work, and finely crafted woodwork are found throughout the house. Period antique furnishings create an authentic ambiance of plantation life in the early 19th century on the Eastern Shore.

Hopkins & Brothers Store was owned and operated by the Hopkins family from 1842 to 1965. A fleet of sailing vessels and later steamboats shipped local farmers' produce to market from Hopkins Wharf and brought back needed supplies and commodities from the eastern seaboard. The store now houses a dockside restaurant where vistors can explore its rich history through exhibits and photographs.

The Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop was owned and operated by Mr.Outlaw from 1927 to 1990. The building has been preserved and opens for special events to provide interpretive demonstrations of blacksmithing and to tell the story of Mr. Outlaw, a successful African-American entrepreneur and community leader on the Eastern Shore.