The
Southwest Virginia Museum
is a member of the American
Association of Museums, the
American Association of State
and Local History, and the
Virginia Association of Museums
We currently have fifteen
(15) online exhibits. They include things like
Shimmer and Shine, Famous Authors, Riches In Stitches,
Famous Musicians, Elected Leaders, Life and Art of James
True, Early Clothing, and so much
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The 2009 season at
the Southwest Virginia Museum kicks off on March 1st
as the museum re-opens to the public. Our programs
this year feature a number of returning favorites, such
as our holiday wreath-making workshop, the "Mystery in
the Mountains" whodunit evening, and the popular "Lunch
on the Lawn" summer music series. We will also
introduce several new workshops for children and adults
that celebrate the history and culture of Southwest
Virginia. These include a children's toy-making
class and "The Art of Bonsai," a hands-on tutorial in an
ancient tradition.
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In 1885
Rufus Ayers served as Virginia's Attorney General.
He and other gentlemen such as John Imboden, Charles
Sears, George Carter, and John Taggart felt that Big
Stone Gap could become the "Pittsburgh of the South"
because of its iron ore and coal deposits. Rufus was
instrumental in helping develop the coal and iron ore
industry in Southwest Virginia and bringing the
railroads to this area. Big Stone Gap, however, did not
become the next Pittsburgh due to the economic
depression.
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