New London Projects
Discovering and Preserving the Rich History of New London, Virginia
Founded in 1754 as the first county seat of Bedford County, New London’s history spans nearly three centuries, from the era of the American Revolution into the twentieth century. Its story includes local farming families, westward-bound settlers, free and enslaved African American workers, plantation owners, merchants, soldiers, craftsmen, educators, and influential Americans such as Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson.
Today, much of New London’s history is forgotten or hidden, but the surviving sites and buildings provide a rich laboratory for student research, involvement, and community service.
Student Opportunities
The two New London sites owned by Liberty University–Mead’s Tavern and the Bedford Alum Springs Hotel property–provide opportunities for Liberty students to work with preservation professionals and gain hands-on experience. Our history students learn firsthand about historic preservation, archaeology, interpretation, and community engagement.
See Student Research Projects
- Mead’s Tavern becomes a school for girls: Roland Academy (PDF)
- Around the Hearth: Where Archaeology and Public History Intersect at Mead’s Tavern: Archaeology at Mead’s Tavern
- New London revitalized: Bedford Alum Springs Hotel
Community Collaboration
Our students work closely with Friends of New London and other local history enthusiasts to tell the stories hidden in this little-known community. The research and restoration work at Mead’s Tavern and the Bedford Alum Springs Hotel property provide a tangible pathway into learning about and teaching key aspects of our past.
How You Can Help
Support the preservation of the Liberty-owned New London Projects by donating today.
- Help fund the restoration of historic sites
- Provide students with unique learning opportunities
- Promote the preservation and rediscovery of local and national history
New London Properties and Opportunities
Experience the two Liberty University-owned historic properties, Mead’s Tavern and the Bedford Alum Springs Hotel property.
Mead’s Tavern
Built in 1763, Mead’s Tavern holds a wealth of architectural and archaeological history. Liberty acquired the building from Friends of New London in 2015. Since then, the tavern has gained new life as a place of education, research, and discovery.
Bedford Alum Springs Hotel
The surviving early 20th-century resort hotel building overlooks a six-acre site that once included a Revolutionary-era arsenal and a store, house, and tavern dating to the 18th century. Since Liberty acquired the property in 2018, it has become a center for archaeological, architectural, and landscape investigation.
New London Day
Join Friends of New London and Liberty University on October 4, 2025 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) for New London Day, featuring the preservation and restoration of Mead’s Tavern and the Bedford Alum Springs Hotel property. New London Day is a free event.
More about Historic New London, Virginia
Learn more about New London and its historic properties.
History of New London
Written by a student intern and published by the Historical Society of Western Virginia, this article provides an overview of the span of New London’s history.
New London Collection
This digital collection contains materials related to New London, its historic buildings, and the stories of its people.
Friends of New London
This local historical society owns three properties in New London. They are working to restore buildings that hold other layers of New London’s history, including the African American United Methodist Church and the Holt-Ashwell House.
