There are a number of items currently on display at the Bassett Historical Center which were loaned or given to us by friends and patrons. A chart of the recently released research into the Henry and Pittsylvania County ancestors of Michelle Obama is on display. Rebecca Dyer has on display a collection of WWII memorabilia which includes rings, a glass, photos, ammunition, and silk hankies and pillow covers. Memorial knives featuring protraits of various Civil War generals was donated by David Kipfinger. A blue shell-edge platter of unknown provenance dating from the late 1800s is on loan from Peter Ramsey. Teddy Compton has several displays containing antique children's dishes, a glass humidor, lusterware, a tricycle, a wagon, a wooden sled, and WWII memorabilia including medals, buttons, pins, patches, bullets and stamps and more.

Doug Stegall has a display case filled with fascinating items including a ladies snuff box (1790-1810), an 18th century chestnut open pontil wine bottle, a ca.1840 fine spring lancet bleeder, a human hair watch fob, scrimshaw, wine and tobacco decanters, a ca.1850 wooden tea caddy, an 1838 powder flask and an 18th century spoon mold. His Civil War era collection includes a stencil for uniforms and equipment, a Confederate cap, a whiskey flask, stone marbles, a crucible, a brass candle snuffer, a snuff box, ID tags made from coins, a doctor's box and medical scales, a Bible and wallets.

The final draft of the Henry County Heritage Book has been sent to the printer. About half of the proofs have been sent back for a last review by members of the committee. The other proofs should arrive soon. The committee hopes the finished book will be back by November or December, although there is no guarantee as to the exact date.We expect a 300-400 page book,  8x14 in hardcover, about the history and heritage of Martinsville and Henry County, Virginia. The Henry County Heritage Book Committee is an all-volunteer group of 15 people. All profit from the sale of the book goes to the Building Fund of the Bassett Historical Center.The Henry County Heritage Book Committee is taking orders for the book. Post-publication price is $75. If you would like a copy, please, come into the Center and add your name to the list. Hopefully, we will be able to provide copies to those on the list when the books arrive. We would like to thank Tom Perry for all the time and work he has put into making this book a reality.