Southwest Virginia Museum
Phone: (276) 523-1322
The museum is housed in a mansion built in the 1880s by Rufus Ayers, a Virginia attorney general. The museum was acquired by the commonwealth in 1946 from the Slemp Foundation, established by C. Bascom Slemp, private secretary to President Calvin Coolidge and a member of the U. S. Congress. The museum was officially dedicated by the state in 1948. It features a collection comprised of more than 20,000 pieces, about one third of which is on display at any given time. The museum chronicles the exploration and development of the town and surrounding area during the 1890s coal boom, as well as the pioneer period. It offers activities for kids, scout and school programs, workshops, an annual Festival of Trees program and a walking tour of the grounds. The museum sells archival supplies and offers the opportunity to have pictures of collection pieces copied, as well as copies of reference files. Also offered is a unique gift shop and a Victorian Parlor Conference Room available for rent by calling the museum.
Directions
The museum is in Big Stone Gap, off U. S. 23, at the corner of W. First Street and Wood Avenue. It is 14 miles south of Norton and 35 miles northwest of Kingsport, Tenn. The facility is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Neighboring areas of Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina are only a one to two hour drive away. Its address is 10 West First Street, North Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
Reservations: http://www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/reserve.htmMore info at http://www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/swvamus.htm
Virginia Parks
Virginia Handbook
Comprehensive coverage of the state for visitors and Virginia residents alike. The rolling hills of horse country, Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains and numerous wineries are among the state"™s offerings.
Merchant: eBooks
Best of Virginia Jigsaw Puzzle 1000pc
Sale Price: $8.90*
Retail: $14.99 (41% off!)
(Stuff Kids Like)
Virginia offers visitors one of the most beautiful & fertile landscapes in the U.S. There are fabulous attractions here; caverns, wineries, scenic highways, amusement parks, ocean beaches, great resorts & country inns, & even ski areas.
Merchant: Stuff Kids Like
Amusement Parks of Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware
Sale Price: $13.46*
Retail: $19.95 (33% off!)
(Overstock Books)
Description not available. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.
Merchant: Overstock Books
Blue Ridge 2020
Sale Price: $18.25*
Retail: $19.95 (9% off!)
(Overstock Books)
The mountain chain known as the Blue Ridge traces a 550-mile arc through Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia. Along the way, it encompasses Shenandoah National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, t...
Merchant: Overstock Books