Interested in learning more? Thomas Balch library offers numerous community programs to help you explore our collections further. Programs include but are not limited to lectures on history and genealogy, tours, classes, and exhibits. Stay up-to-date about upcoming programs and events with the latest issue of Balch Column, or learn about other opportunities below.

School Programs

Library Staff welcomes the opportunity to work with educators to bring history and genealogy into the classroom! Let us know what topic or era we can help your students explore through primary sources, or contact us with project ideas and student questions.  Class visits to the library can also be arranged. Contact us for more information.

Tours

Group tours and orientations of the Library are available on request. Contact us for more information. Tour Programs for family reunion groups, seniors, scout groups and other clubs are available.

Stop by the library for more information about walking tours of Leesburg including Opening Doors to Leesburg’s past, and the Town of Leesburg’s “TourLeesburg" online, iPhone, and Android smartphone app.

Offsite Events

Thomas Balch Library Staff are available for lectures, talks and other events outside the library. Contact us for more information.

Loudoun History Awards

The Loudoun History Awards are sponsored by Thomas Balch Library Advisory Commission and hosted by the Thomas Balch Library. They were established to recognize contributions of local historian, John Elbert Divine (1911-1996), in preserving Loudoun County history. Divine was recognized nationally for his knowledge and understanding of the Civil War and regionally for his willingness to share historical information with others. He authored two books in the >Virginia Regimental Series" on the Civil War: The 8th Virginia Infantry and The 35th Battalion Virginia Cavalry.

He also edited To Talk is Treason, an account of Waterford during the Civil War, and co-authored Loudoun County in the Civil War. In addition, he co-founded Loudoun County Historical Society.

Loudoun History Awards highlight diverse aspects of the county’s history. They honor individuals who have made significant contributions to preserving Loudoun’s past through collection of county documents and memorabilia, preservation of historic landmarks, visual arts, writing and long-term involvement in local history organizations. Presented annually since 1993, except in 2000 when renovation of Thomas Balch Library prevented the event, and 2020 (Covid-19), these awards have recognized some of Loudoun County’s best known historians, writers, preservationists, and conservationists.

Please see our  History Awards Brochure for a list of past recipients and details on the nomination process.