Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum

About The Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum

The Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum organization was founded in 2005 and established as a 501 C 3 non-profit in 2007. The group is a membership organization that meets monthly to plan and promote activities to support the efforts of the museum. The group has initiated or promoted a number of projects including:

Assisting with rotating and off-site exhibits, public programs and special events.
Hosting the annual music festival “Gathering in the Gap.”
Sponsoring the annual Hoots & Haints Family Festival, Festival of Trees events and historical Bus Tours
Assisting in setting up the museum’s virtual exhibit room.
Providing needed equipment , supplies and support for the museum’s programs.
Providing assistance to the museum by hosting various volunteer groups throughout the year.
Host a Facebook page and websites for the museum and the Gathering in the Gap Festival.

Upcoming Events

The park had very special visitors on Saturday, December 4. Wise Primary brought their ‘Twas the Stuffed Animal Sleepover Before Christmas’ to the 26th Annual Festival of Trees. All the stuffies loved visiting the Festival of Trees. They even made a surprise visit to the 101 Train Car.

For more information about the Festival of Trees and night viewings, please call the park at 276-523-1322.

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The mission of the Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum

is to act as a Citizens Support Organization in assisting to identify and promote activities to conserve, enhance, and interpret the cultural and historic resources of the Southwest Virginia Museum.

Join Us!

Friends members have unique opportunities to participate in museum activities and events! Friends members earn volunteer incentives through Virginia State Parks! Becoming a “Friend” of the museum is the best way to support the programs and facilities of your museum!

Potential members may click here to view an online application (which may be printed) or submit a request for application via the email form below. Written applications should be returned to the Friends of the Museum, either in person, or at the following address:

Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum
106 West 1st Street North
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
Membership dues are $10.00 per person, per year.

Additionally, all Friends members must complete a Virginia State Parks Volunteer Application. The form will be provided to you at your first meeting. As a Virginia State Park volunteer, you will receive incentives for your volunteer efforts at the Southwest Virginia Museum.

Structure of The Organization

During June of each year, the Nominating Committee brings forth a slate of officers and directors to serve for the coming membership year. The annual membership runs from September 1 – August 31 of each year. Officers and Directors include:

President: Betty Fleenor
Vice-President: Rebecca Stapleton
Treasurer: Deborah Wright
Secretary: Elizabeth Minor
Immediate Past President: Sally Dunton

All business decisions of the organization are made at the monthly meeting and voted on by the membership.