Tompkins Cottage, near the Mathews historic courthouse district, is headquarters to the Mathews County Historical Society. The oldest wooden structure in the courthouse, it was used as a mercantile store starting in 1815 by Christopher Tompkins, father of Captain Sally Tompkins, the first female commissioned officer in the U.S. military. In later years, the cottage served a variety of commercial and domestic uses.

Museum and gift shop, exhibits on Mathews history. Open Fridays and Saturdays during the spring and summer, 11 am - 2 pm. Call for tours during off season. No admission charge but donations are welcome.