The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library [VA]

Description

The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, located at the site of Woodrow Wilson's birth in Staunton, VA, provides a museum and memorial for the presidency and life of Woodrow Wilson. The library consists of a museum, which takes visitors through Wilson's life, and a vast research library, which offers all papers from Wilson's presidency.

The library offers field trip programs, guided tours, galleries and exhibits, and educational outreach programs. The website offers resources for teachers, visitor information, a brief biography of Woodrow Wilson, and online access to the library.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum [VA]

Description

Gadsby's Tavern Museum consists of two buildings, a circa 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel. The buildings are named for Englishman John Gadsby who operated them from 1796 to 1808. Mr. Gadsby's establishment was a center of political, business, and social life in early Alexandria. The tavern was the setting for dancing assemblies, theatrical and musical performances, and meetings of local organizations. George Washington enjoyed the hospitality provided by tavernkeepers and twice attended the annual Birthnight Ball held in his honor. Other prominent patrons included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Visitors are invited to take a moment to journey back to the 18th-century tavern and hotel where famous historical figures and everyday people dined and slept and learn about the history, architecture, decorative arts, social customs, food, and clothing of a past era.

The museum offers tours, educational programs, classes, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

Historic Dumfries Virginia and the Weems-Botts Museum

Description

Historic Dumphries Virginia seeks to preserve and share the history of Dumfries, Virginia. To this end, the organization operates the Weems-Botts Museum. This museum preserves the at least 250-year-old home of Parson Weems, the author who popularized a number of legends about George Washington, including the cherry tree tale. The home later served as the residence of Benjamin Botts, who successfully defended Aaron Burr during his treason trial.

The museum offers period rooms and research opportunities. A fee is required in order to pursue research.

Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society and Ker Place

Description

Ker Place is a circa 1800 Federal-style residence, now serving as a historic house museum. The museum provides information on the history of Virginia's Eastern shore. This structure serves as the headquarters of and is operated by the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society.

The society and museum offer guided tours, an archaeology lab, period rooms, and history camps.

Sherwood Forest Plantation [VA]

Description

Sherwood Forest Plantation was once home to John Tyler (1790-1862), the first United States Vice President to ascend to the Presidency. Tyler's term (1841-1845) began after then President William Henry Harrison (1773-1841) died. The plantation was originally owned by Harrison, but was later purchased by Tyler. During his life, Tyler also served as Virginia Governor, senator, and delegate; member of the House of Representatives; U.S. Senator; member of the Confederate Congress; and Chancellor of The College of William and Mary. The residence itself is Virginia Tidewater in style with Greek Revival additions. It sits on 25 acres containing gardens designed by landscape architect Andrew Jackson Downing (1815-1852), a gingko tree gifted by Commodore Matthew Perry (1794-1958) after his 1850s return from Japan, a 17th-century tobacco barn, milk house, smoke house, garden house, kitchen and laundry, and law office. The home is furnished with pieces which belonged to the Tyler family.

The site offers period rooms. Lunch boxes are available on request.

Franklin County Historical Society and Museum [Virginia]

Description

The Society was chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1968 for the stated purpose of collecting and preserving the history of Franklin County, VA. To that end, it offers memberships to the general public to encourage interest in local history. It also operates a history museum and research library to provide public access to collected materials.

The museum offers exhibits; the society offers research library access and occasional educational and recreational events.

Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

Description

The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum commemorates and honors outstanding Virginia athletes, sports journalists, coaches, and other influential sports figures. Topics addressed through exhibits include college sports, sports media, the Redskins, automobile racing, golf, the Olympics, major historical and current Virginia sports events, nutrition, and sports medicine, among other items.

The hall offers an introductory film, traditional and interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, racing simulations, educational programs which meet state standards, school educational outreach programs, teacher workshops, and Scout programs.

The Bedford Historical Society [VA]

Description

The Bedford Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the historical heritage of Bedford, Virginia, and the surrounding area. The society is headquartered in the Wharton House, a brick house which was built in 1883. The home now serves as a historic house museum.

The society offers exhibits and guided tours within the Wharton House. The website offers visitor information, a copy of the society newsletter, and a history of the society.

Ellwood Manor [VA]

Description

The 5,000-acre Ellwood represents a fairly typical antebellum agricultural property. Built circa 1790 by William Jones, the residence served as a Confederate hospital for the wounded of the 1863 Battle of Chancellorsville; and Gouverneur K. Warren used the grounds as a Union headquarters during the 1864 Battle of the Wilderness. Following the battle, Ellwood's caretakers, Confederate sympathizers, were imprisoned; and the estate was abandoned for the next eight years. The Ellwood cemetery holds "Stonewall" Jackson's amputated arm, and several of the 25,000 dead of the Battle of the Wilderness were temporarily interred on site.

The estate offers house tours. Ellwood Manor is located within the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial.