The Mathews County Historical Society recently received the Michael A. Hoffman Award from the Council of Virginia Archaeologists.

The award, named in memory of a professor of anthropology at the University of Virginia, recognizes persons and organizations outside of the professional archaeological community that have made significant contributions to archaeological site preservation or historic preservation within the commonwealth, said a press release.

With its primary mission finding, preserving, and presenting the history of the county, the Mathews County Historical Society has pursued several projects over the past few years with exceptional results, said the release.

Those projects include finding previously unknown archaeological sites, such as a 1650 tobacco farm and a 1740 major plantation in the county, and obtaining a $181,000 grant to help fund preservation of architectural history, a coastline survey of potential ecological sites, and a new dock for the New Point Lightho...