Museums Virginia
General

Browse Museums

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center
Williamsburg, Virginia

Art, Culture, General, History, Historic House, Library, Nature Centers, Park, Specialized

The oldest institution in the country devoted exclusively to collecting, exhibiting, and researching American Folk Art.

Adam Thoroughgood House
Virginia Beach, Virginia

General, History, Historic House

Reopened in May 2011 after extensive restoration, the Adam Thoroughgood House has long been the subject of study and debate.

Archeological Society of Virginia
Richmond, Virginia

Archaeology, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society

This organization of avocational and professional archaeologists is dedicated to the preservation of the past through volunteer activities and public education.

Ben Lomond Historic Site
Manassas, Virginia

Archaeology, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Park

Ben Lomond is an antebellum farm that served as a hospital during the Civil War. The home was referenced in many Civil War Era documents as the Pringle House because of the men who lived here in 1861. Many of the soldiers that were brought to the hospital penned their names and brief messages on the walls of the home.

Burwell-Morgan Mill
Boyce, Virginia

Culture, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Library, Park, Specialized

The Burwell-Morgan Mill, established in 1785, is the oldest operable merchant mill in the Shenandoah Valley. In the mid-nineteenth century the mill operated twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, processing more than sixty thousand bushels of wheat per year. The community of Millwood grew around this commercial center as related businesses were established, and by way of the seaports at Alexandria and Baltimore, mill products were shipped abroad.

Central Rappahannock Heritage Center
Fredericksburg, Virginia

Church, Culture, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Library, Military, Specialized

The Central Rappahannock Heritage Center, Inc. is the nation's first regional archives dedicated to preserving for research and posterity materials documenting the lives and work of the people.The center is a grass-roots history archive for Fredericksburg and the Counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline and King George.

Executive Mansion
Richmond, Virginia

Culture, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Library

The Executive Mansion is the oldest continually occupied governor’s residence built for that purpose in the United States. The Mansion serves as a home for Virginia's Governors, a place for public events and is also open at certain times for visitors. The current residents of the Executive Mansion are Governor Robert F. McDonnell and his family.

Germanna Historical Site and Visitor's Center
Locust Grove, Virginia

Culture, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Library

We invite you to come visit us and enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique architecture found in this area of Virginia so rich in history. This land speaks of a great triumph of the human spirit and the rich legacy of colonial Virginia.

Harrison Museum of African-American Culture
Roanoke, Virginia

General

Located in a Nationally Registered historic landmark, the museum is the site of the first African American high school in Southwestern Virginia. Exhibits and celebrates African American culture and heritage in Southwest Virginia. Meeting facilities available, gift shop on site.

Henricus Foundation/ Henricus Historical Park
Chesterfield, Virginia

Archaeology, Children's, Culture, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Natural History, Park, Specialized

This new English settlement would be called “The Commonwealth of Henrico” or “Henricus” in honor of the eldest son of King James I, Prince Henry. The recreated English settlement represents various military, trades, and farming elements of Henricus during the early colonial period from 1611-1622.

Abingdon Medical Museum
Abingdon, Virginia

General, History, Specialized

Abingdon Medical Museum was established by Dr Damian Sooklal in August of 2010, with the main goal of educating and informing the public about the history of medicine. By preserving medical artifacts and sharing them with the wider public, we hope to create a unique educational experience, and further enrich the cultural environment of the region.

American Armoured Foundation - Tank Museum
Danville, Virginia

General, History, Library, Military, Specialized

AAF is a journey like no other into the fascinating world of military history. View artifacts dating from 1509 to present during your tour of the finest and most extensive international tank and cavalry collection in the world. Your journey with us begins with an exhibit of civil war soldiers riding a horse drawn gatling gun and limber, with a war dog by their side. Next is the collection of Tank toys or AFV's as many call them. Over 300 toys are in this collection and some that as a little boy I bet you even played with. The get ready for some rock N roll with our Elvis in the Army exhibit. Elvis was in the 3rd Army stationed in German, but he did his tour of duty for this great nation.

Ball-Sellers House
Arlington, Virginia

General, History, Historic House, Historical Society

Donated to the Arlington Historical Society in 1975, this is Arlington's oldest residence. It was built around 1742. It is a rare example of the homes where the working class people of the time lived. It is occupied by a caretaker for the Society and the interior may be seen by calling ahead. The small house - with its original logs, clapboard roof and pegged floorboards - is one room with a loft and an attached lean-to room at the rear. The house was built by John Ball on a 166-acre land grant from Lord Thomas Fairfax and later owned by William Carlin, tailor to George Washington. Three generations of the Carlin family owned the property for more than 100 years. The third generation, brother and sister Andrew and Anne, ran a dairy farm and built the 1880 house that adjoins the Ball cabin.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre
Bristow, Virginia

Archaeology, Culture, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Nature Centers, Park

The Brentsville site consists of 28 acres with five historic buildings and various archaeological sites. These include the 1822 Courthouse and Jail, the ca. 1830 John Hall Home, ca. 1875 Union Church and the 1928 One Room Schoolhouse and the Brentsville Tavern archaeological site. The site also includes a mile long nature trail highlighting the area’s natural resources.

Cape Henry Lighthouse
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Children's, Culture, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Nature Centers, Park, Science

The first federally funded lighthouse, was built to guide maritime commerce at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. It is standing near the “First Landing” site where English settlers arrived in 1607. It has stood sentinel since it was completed in 1792. Authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. Designed by New York architect John McComb. In active use for nearly a century before being replaced by a new cast iron lighthouse still standing nearby. It is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the United States.

Dahlgren Heritage Museum
Dahlgren, Virginia

General, History, Military, Specialized

You've heard about the guns and the computers. They're a big part of the Dahlgren story. But there's so much more to how this Navy base has impacted the community, the nation and the world. That's what you will soon find in the Dahlgren Heritage Museum.

Fort Huger
Isle of Wight County, Virginia

General, History, Military, Park

Fort Huger is a strategic Civil War fort located on a bluff overlooking the James River. This fort, along with Fort Boykin, was established to block the approach by land and river to the Confederate capital in Richmond. In 1861, Confederate engineer Col. Andrew Talcott surveyed several defensive sites along the James River to protect Richmond including Harden's Bluff and nearby Fort Boykin.

Gum Springs Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center
Alexandria, Virginia

Art, Church, Culture, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society

Featured Exhibits: The Museum is featuring an photographic exhibit of Gum Springs' residents and founding families. Many of these photos are close to 100 years old, some older.

Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society
Dayton, Virginia

Archaeology, Art, Culture, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Library, Military, Specialized

"Invincible Spirit: History in the Heart of the Shenandoah " tells the history of Rockingham County and Harrisonburg from pre-Columbus times through the present. Here, you can learn which Native American groups utilized the Valley, understand the local impact of our nation's wars, explore a pioneer toolshed, discover what industries fed the pre-Civil War economy, and appreciate the new diversity of our community. And, don't miss the sixteen-foot neon pencil that formerly 'pointed' the way to Service Stationers on Market Street for years. You can pay that old friend - bright as ever - a visit right here at the Heritage Museum.

Heritage Farm Museum of Loudoun County
Sterling, Virginia

Children's, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Specialized

The Heritage Farm Musem preserves the history of agriculture and promotes the agricultural heritage of Loudoun County.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

February 2 - 6, 2025

Las Vegas, Nevada

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025

Westgate Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada

Hosted by: Public Lands Alliance

The Public Lands Alliance Convention and Trade Show brings together nonprofits, land management agencies and companies to learn, network and engage on public lands issues. The 2025 Convention and Trade Show will take place Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV

Connect with peers, explore the latest in public lands products, and return inspired with new strategies and resources for success in conservation and visitor engagement

Our annual Convention and Trade Show (PLA) is the premier gathering for leaders in the public lands sector to network, gain essential tools, and explore products that enhance the visitor experience and support conservation, preservation, and enrichment efforts.

For more information, please call 301-946-9475.

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

February 5 - 7, 2025

Milledgeville, Georgia

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

Wednesday, February 5 - Friday, February 7, 2025

Ina Dillard Russell Library Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, Georgia

Hosted by: Georgia Association of Museums

The Whole Story Is The Meanin

“For the fiction writer himself the whole story is the meaning, because it is an experience, not an abstraction.”― Flannery O'Connor, Mystery and Manners: Occasional Pros

Join us in Milledgeville, Georgia, for the annual Georgia Association of Museums conference as we explore the profound wisdom of Milledgeville author Flannery O'Connor’s words. In a world where narratives intersect and perspectives diverge, this theme invites proposals that delve into the essence of storytelling within museums and cultural institutions. Our work in the museum field requires us to look at stories from as many angles and perspectives as possible so that we might do our best to tell the “whole story.

Through thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and engaging presentations, we will uncover the layers of meaning embedded within every artifact, exhibition, and historical account. Just as O’Connor masterfully crafted narratives that resonate with universal truths, museums hold the power to illuminate the whole story behind many objects, artworks, and cultural phenomena

We will examine how museums can embrace inclusivity, diversity, and authenticity in their storytelling practices. By acknowledging multiple perspectives and amplifying marginalized voices, we can enrich our understanding of the past and present, fostering empathy and connection within our communities.

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

Monday, February 17 - Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hosted by: Small Museum Association

The annual SMA conference attracts more than 300 museum professionals, board members, and volunteers from a wide variety of small museums. They attend sessions on topics ranging from collections and education to staffing and board issues.

We offer a large Museum Resource Hall and plenty of informal networking opportunities for you to talk with (and get ideas from!) other small museum professionals and volunteers

Theme for 2025: Make It Happen!!!

Is there an exhibit, program, or fundraiser that you've been talking about doing for years? Do you feel stuck because of procrastination, lack of board support, or insufficient funds? It's time to take action

At SMA 2025, small museum professionals will share their tips and tricks of how they made it happen!

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

Tuesday, February 18 - Saturday, February 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

Hosted by: California Association of Museums

CAM is hard at work planning for the 2025 conference, set to take place from February 18–22, 2025 in San Francisco. We look forward to highlighting best practices and innovative ideas from California's museum community

The California Association of Museums is excited to continue offering in-person programming for 2025. We will not be requiring proof of COVID vaccination/s, but highly encourage vaccination and boosters. For the health and safety of our colleagues, masks are also encouraged (but not required). Capacity and spaces will be thoughtfully considered in the planning of this event.

For more information, please email programs@calmuseums.org.

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

Tuesday, March 11 - Friday, March 14, 2025

Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee

Hosted by: Tennessee Association of Museums

Tennessee museums are full of hope. But how are they turning hope into reality

With the Semiquincentennial quickly approaching in 2026, the state's museum community if approaching a turning point, and is now a great time to take stock and develop a vision for the future

The Tennessee Association of Museums' 64th Annual Conference in Knoxville will challenge the state's museums to think ahead and share their hopes, the best practices and strategies for turning those hoes into realities, and the rewards that come from aspirational thinking

The 2025 TAM Annual Conference will take place at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN.

For more information, please call 615-495-3354 or email hawkins@aaslh.org.

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