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imageThe 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

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This is a Friends of
the Museum Website


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ONLINE
EXHIBITS

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 MORE ...
 

ABOUT US

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.  READ MORE ...
 

2012 MUSEUM
CALENDAR

(If you have questions about our events, please feel free to contact Aaron Davis at 276-523-1322.)

 

This Site Sponsored by THE SLEMP FOUNDATION EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENT


Old-time traditional fiddle tune "Johnny the Blacksmith" played by  Paul Smith,
Gathering In The Gap Music Festival 2008 Fiddle Champion"



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