Two New Exhibits Launch the New Year at the MHC Heritage Museum

The MHC Heritage Museum is ringing in the new year with two exciting new exhibits that celebrate speed, style, and the stories that shaped Martinsville-Henry County. Beginning Friday, January 9, visitors can explore “From Still to Speed: A History of NASCAR” and “A History of Setting Style.”

Both exhibits will debut with a free public reception Friday, January 9th from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the museum, located at 1 E. Main Street in Martinsville. Admission is free for members, with regular admission rates applying for non-members. Guests can enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres while being among the first to experience these captivating exhibits.

From Moonshine to Motorsports: The Roots of NASCAR

Stock car racing has deep roots in Virginia and the Carolinas—born not on racetracks, but in the hills and valleys where moonshine stills once operated. During the early 1900s, and especially throughout Prohibition (1920–1933), bootleggers modified their vehicles to be faster and stronger in order to outrun law enforcement.

What began as necessity soon turned into competition. Drivers raced their souped-up cars against one another for fun, unknowingly laying the foundation for what would become NASCAR.

The evolution of stock cars has been nothing short of remarkable. At NASCAR’s first official race in 1949, vehicles averaged 68 miles per hour over 200 laps. Today, the stock car speed record stands at 244.9 miles per hour, set in 2007 by a car built by Joey Arrington.

Arrington is now working on a new car with the ambitious goal of reaching 250 miles per hour, commemorating the 250th anniversary of both Virginia and the United States.

Stock Car Speed with Lex Hairston

The design and graphics for Arrington’s latest speed machine are being created by Lex Hairston of Streetribe Designs, who also serves as curator of “From Still to Speed.” Hairston’s exhibit dives deep into NASCAR’s thrilling history, highlighting legendary rivalries, family connections, and major technological advancements that transformed the sport.

Hairston is joined by Samantha Wall, a museum intern and student in the Historic Preservation and Classical Archaeology programs at the University of Mary Washington. Wall is a 2023 graduate of Martinsville High School and a 2025 graduate of Patrick & Henry Community College.

Setting Style: A Look at Mid-Century Elegance

Offering a striking contrast to roaring engines, “A History of Setting Style” explores the refined, formal lifestyles of the mid-20th century. The exhibit centers on the Fagg and Globman families, original owners of the three homes featured in this year’s Historic Garden Week tour hosted by the Garden Club of Virginia (GCV).

Historic Garden Week will take place Wednesday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and includes tours of:

• 928 Mulberry Road, home of Dr. James Julian
• 1 Dan-Lee Terrace, home of Dr. Andrew and Anna Gehrken
• 9 Dan-Lee Terrace, home of Dr. Ben and Debbie Lewis

The Mulberry Road home was built in 1936 by Martinsville pharmacist Dr. Bob Fagg and his wife, Katherine. A civic leader for decades, Dr. Fagg operated his pharmacy at the heart of downtown—Franklin and Main streets—across from the courthouse.

The Dan-Lee Terrace homes were built in the early 1950s by members of the Globman family, led by Abe Globman, often referred to as Martinsville’s “Merchant Prince.”

Martinsville’s Merchant Prince

Abe and Masha Globman arrived in Martinsville in 1915 as shopkeepers, raising their children in the family store where Masha cooked meals over a pot-bellied stove. Over time, the business grew into a retail powerhouse—reaching 120,000 square feet by 1961 and becoming one of the largest department stores in Virginia and North Carolina. It was also among the first to feature an escalator.

Shoppers traveled from miles around to visit Globman’s, which offered the latest fashions sourced from New York City and other major style centers. For generations, it was the place to shop for the newest trends.

Living (and Learning) the Style

Curated by the Garden Study Club, with assistance from Davis Scott, the museum’s Staff Aide, the exhibit brings this elegant era to life. MHC Historical Society Executive Director Holly Kozelsky also provided support and serves as the 2026 Historic Garden Week Chair.

“A History of Setting Style” features:

• Formal table settings with silver, china, and crystal
• Flower-arranging tools and mechanics—including gravity-defying techniques
• A spotlight on women’s clubs from the 1940s–1960s, a time when Martinsville and Henry County were home to dozens of garden, bridge, and book clubs

Visitors will not only see how people lived—but also learn how to recreate these styles at home. Instructional diagrams and take-home tutorial flyers explain proper table settings and floral design techniques.

Plan Your Visit

Reception RSVP:
mhchistoricalsociety@gmail.org
276-403-5361

Membership Information:
Visit the museum or explore memberships at mhchistoricalsociety.org/memberships

Historic Garden Week Tickets:

• Adults: $25
• Children (5–17): $15
• Ages 5 & under: Free
• South Region Combo Ticket: $75 (Martinsville, Danville-Chatham, and Roanoke or Lake Gaston)

Advance tickets will be available at the MHC Heritage Museum starting January 9, and online beginning February 16 at gcvirginia.org/historic-garden-week/tickets/.

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Music Night – Friday, January 9th. Gap Civil will play in the Alumni Hall. Gate opens at 5 pm,  and the band starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is a $5 CASH donation. Come enjoy some great mountain music and dancing! Concessions, including our ever-popular Spencer Penn hot dogs, will be sold. 

Chair Aerobics – Tuesdays at 9 a.m. with Judi Perrin. 45 minutes of exercise, strength building and fun! $5 fee

Bingocize- Starting January 6th Bingocize will return Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am. Free class of stretching, information and Bingo! Thank you to Southern Area Agency on Aging for making this class possible.

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Founders Day
The next Sunday Afternoon Lecture program will be the annual Founders Day, at 3 p.m. January 18. This year’s Founders Day will focus on the early medical professionals of the area.

Holiday Hours
During the holiday season, the MHC Heritage Museum will be open regular hours — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays — with these exceptions:
• Closed at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, for Christmas Eve
• Closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, for Christmas
• Closed on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, for New Year’s Day

Snow and Ice Days
Inclement Weather Policy: On days the schools are closed for inclement weather, the museum may be closed as well. If the roads aren’t too bad and the staff are able to drive in, the museum will be open. If you would like to visit the museum on a “snow day,” call 276-403-5361 or visit our Facebook page, facebook.com/MHCHeritageMuseum, to be sure we are here. If you do not have a response, the museum is likely closed.

City gets back to having a tremendous Christmas Tree
Thanks to an anonymous donor, this year’s uptown Martinsville Christmas celebration revives some of the spirit and tradition of Christmases past.

This Friday’s North Pole Jingle, from 5-7 p.m., is Uptown’s kick-off of the Christmas season. It includes Holidays at the Market, special late hours and offers from local merchants and – most dramatically –the lighting of a massive Christmas tree.

The 22-foot Christmas tree was paid for by an anonymous donor and ordered by Myiah Terry, Management Analyst for the City of Martinsville. It was scheduled to arrive in one transfer-trailer truck Tuesday at the city warehouse. On Wednesday, city workers will deliver the tree, requiring the use of more than one city truck, to the courtyard of the MHC Heritage Museum in the former Henry County Courthouse at 1 E. Main St.

The museum’s courtyard was deemed to be the only uptown place large enough to set up the tree, MHC Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Brenell Thomas told MHC Historical Society Executive Director Holly Kozelsky on Monday.

Kozelsky said that the historical society was pleased to be able to offer the spot for the tree. It seemed like a continuation of a courthouse Christmas tree tradition dating back to 1916.

Also, having the impressive Christmas tree lit during the North Pole Jingle echoes the uptown Christmas celebrations which were attended by thousands of residents each year during the 1900s.

From 1916
It was the Elks who started the tradition of a town Christmas tree on the front lawn of the courthouse, and giving out gifts at that tree on Christmas day. The Elks’ first tree was in 1916, with gifts to 175 children, and by 1921, the Elks’ last year with it, they provided gifts for 1,000 children.

Then the Christmas tree and gift tradition was taken over by the Knights of Pythias, whose headquarters was in the Pythian Building just across Jones Street from the courthouse. The tree was usually erected on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve and remained standing until mid or late January.

S.T. Fulcher said that in the program’s heyday, Abe Globman,the department store owner, offered to the Pythians all the toys which had not sold by Christmas Eve. His son and son-in-law “Leon Globman and Dan Greene also were big contributors,” Fulcher said. Madison Aliff of Martinsville Produce offered all the nuts, fruits and candy left over on Christmas Eve as well. Fulcher recalled Charlie Pinkard, Albert Stultz, Johnny Mize, Roger Love,Sue Love and Jame Mize picking up all the donations.

At 2 or 3 p.m. on Christmas Day, Pythians and their wives and other volunteers distributed gifts, fruits, nuts and candies to between 1,000 and 1,500 children at their decorated tree. Usually that was on the lawn of the Henry County Courthouse (now the MHC Heritage Museum); the courthouse block was known as “Public Square” and was the center of community life. When weather was bad, it would be held in other locations, such as at the Banner Warehouse.

As the business atmosphere changed from locally owned stores to many large chain stores, there were fewer and fewer donations of toys.

By 1983, the tree’s final year, $2,000 was raised annually for the Peter S. Ford Memorial Christmas Tree Fund.
Santa arrived by plane

During the mid-1900s, the local shopping season was kicked off in dramatic fashion when crowds of thousands came to Public Square (the courtyard of the courthouse) to see Santa Claus, amidst great fanfare.

Santa’s visit to Public Square in 1949 brought the estimated largest crowd ever assembled there, between 8,000 and 10,000 people. Santa Claus arrived on an airplane which circled Martinsville three or four times.That was the official opening of Martinsville’s Christmas season; Mayor Nick Prillaman turned on the city’s Christmas street lights and the merchants unveiled their Christmas window displays for the first time as the plane circled. Then it landed at Lester airport (where Liberty Fair shopping center is now). The Martinsville High School Band played “Here Comes Santa Claus” as he got off the plane. A fire truck carried Santa to Public Square in a slow-moving parade in which the band kept playing. At Public Square, Santa climbed the firetruck’s ladder which was then raised so that everyone could see him wave. Most stores set Christmas shopping hours as open until 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, and also Friday, Dec. 23, and on Christmas Eve, merchants would remain open for as long as they pleased. Stores normally closed at 5:30 p.m., but in the week before Christmas they would stay open until 6 p.m.

The next year, Santa Claus flew to Chicago, Washington and Danville before arriving in Martinsville. An estimated 6,000 to 7,000 people joined the Christmas festivities downtown, and the Fayette street parking lot was jam-packed with children seeing Santa Claus. He was picked up in Martinsville by a city fire truck which took him to the waiting crowds. He was lifted 30 feet into the air to wave at the children, and several children were able to hoisted above the truck to speak with him. Mayor J. Robert Walker welcomed Santa to the city. The Martinsville High School band played, and Paul Zimmerman and his orchestra also performed. All Christmas lights downtown were turned on at 6 p.m.

Santa continued flying into Martinsville regularly for the big Christmas season kickoffs. In 1960, for example, Santa Claus telegraphed his plans to Martinsville Retail Merchants Association President Jimmy Paris. He told Paris that he would board a plane in Nome, Alaska, and fly to Martinsville,where he would ride on a float in the parade. The last line of the Western Union telegraph was, “Tell all the children to make their mamas and papas bring them to see me. This should be the biggest Christmas Ever Santa Claus”.

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Art Garden Christmas Tree Lighting

The Art Garden Christmas Tree Lighting will take place from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, in the Gravely-Lester Art Garden. Guests can enjoy holiday music, a visit from Santa, themed crafts and a snack of cookies and hot chocolate. This event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by Brightspeed and Carter Bank.

Much like the sculptures in the Art Garden, the Christmas tree is a work of art. It is created each year by Ian Hogg using more than 3,000 lights. The tree will be lit at sunset on Dec. 4 and brighten the Art Garden through New Year’s Day. The tree is sponsored by Press Glass and Chip Wyatt of State Farm.

Holiday Pops Spectacular

Piedmont Arts will host its annual production of the Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at Martinsville High School Auditorium.

There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with the music of the season delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Maestro David Stewart Wiley conducts the Holiday Pops with all the magical elements guests have come to expect — high energy, familiar carols and lots of holiday warmth.

Guest soloist LaTetra Lewis will join the symphony for a heartwarming celebration of cherished holiday classics. Lewis is a mezzo-soprano hailed for her rich voice and magnetic stage presence. She studied opera at the renowned Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk. She has performed roles including Orfeo in Gluck’s “Orfeo ed Euridice,” Madame Flora in Menotti’s “The Medium” and the Third Lady in Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte.” She has been a member of the Virginia Opera chorus since 2008 and has performed in the recent productions “La Traviata” and “Madama Butterfly.”

Randy Brooks, the writer of “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” will also join the symphony for a special performance of his hit song.

Tickets are $30 for reserved seating, $20 for general admission and $10 for students in grades K-12. Tickets can be purchased at Piedmont Arts and online at PiedmontArts.org.

This event is sponsored by Brightspeed. It is partially supported by funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

WIC Passport Program

Piedmont Arts is a proud participant in the WIC Passport Program, which offers free or discounted tickets, classes and other experiences to WIC recipients across Virginia. Passport holders receive free general admission tickets to the Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular. To redeem this discount, show your WIC card at the welcome desk when entering the museum or at the box office on the night of the event. For more information about the Passport Program, visit PiedmontArts.org.

Food Drive for Grace Network Food Pantry

In the spirit of the holiday season, Piedmont Arts is collecting donations of nonperishable food and hygiene products for the Grace Network food pantry.

Donations may be dropped off at Piedmont Arts from Dec. 2-13 during regular business hours. Piedmont Arts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Altrusa International of Martinsville-Henry County will collect donations in the lobby of Martinsville High School Auditorium during the Holiday Pops Spectacular from 3-5 p.m. on Dec. 7.

For more information on exhibits and events, visit PiedmontArts.org.

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47th annual production — Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical!

Walker Theatre, Martinsville, VA

Based on the beloved Rankin/Bass TV classic, this heartwarming stage adaptation brings all your favorite characters to life — Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and even the Abominable Snow Monster! Audiences of all ages will enjoy this magical musical filled with laughter, lessons, and the spirit of the season.

Performance Dates:

• Thursday, December 4 @ 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 5 @ 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 6 @ 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 10 @ 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 11 @ 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 12 @ 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13 @ 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 14 @ 2:00 p.m.

Whether you’re dreaming of taking the stage or simply planning to sit back and enjoy the show, this holiday tradition promises to fill your heart with joy and your season with sparkle.

Don’t miss your chance to make Rudolph part of your 2025 holiday celebrations!

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Gala – Saturday, November 8th 5pm. Dress in your finest roaring 20’s attire! Dinner, Drinks, Money Draw, Silent Auction and More! Tickets required.

Oversized Potholder Sewing Class – Sunday November 9th. Sew the cutest turkey potholder with Casey Gauldin! Cost is $30 members and $35 non-members. Students should bring their own sewing machine with thread and fabric scissors. Pre-register by November 4th

Music Night – Friday, November 14th. White Top Mountain Band will play in the Alumni Hall. Gate opens at 5 pm, band starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is a $5 CASH donation. Come enjoy some great mountain music and dancing! Concessions, including our ever-popular Spencer Penn hot dogs, will be sold.
Christmas Extravaganza- Friday December 5th 5pm – 9pm , December 6th 10am – 3pm. Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, over 20 vendors, food and beverage trucks, Christmas tree contest, Lighting of the Tree Friday at 7p.m.

Chair Aerobics – Tuesdays at 9 a.m. with Judi Perrin. 45 minutes of exercise, strength building and fun! $5 fee

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Friday, October 24th
Exhibit Opening Reception
Karaoke Night at Scuffle Hill Brewing Company
Kenzie Elizabeth Taylor LIVE at Scuffle Hill Brewing
Time Warp Theatre

Saturday, October 25th
Mayo River Corn Maze
Martinsville Henry-County Family YMCA Boo Bash
Nightmare on Irisburg Rd
Halloween Hayride
Bonez & Booz
Time Warp Theatre
Jam Night W/ Griffin Haley & Friends at Scuffle Hill

Find even more local events on our Online Calendar! Or, if you need some suggestions for local eats click our Eat & Drink page!

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Turkey 2-Miler

Thanksgiving Morning | Axton, VA

Start your holiday on the right foot—literally! The Turkey 2-Miler is a local favorite that brings together runners, walkers, and ruckers from all over the country who have come home for the holidays. It’s a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving morning, burn a few calories, and make room for all that delicious food to come!

Run, Walk, or Ruck—All Are Welcome!

Register here: Turkey 2-Miler Registration

Learn more about Miles in Martinsville: milesinmartinsville.com

Holiday Run Festival

December 6 | Martinsville Speedway

The running fun continues in December with the Holiday Run Festival, held in conjunction with the annual Martinsville Speedway Toy Drive. This festive event offers something for everyone:

5K Run/Walk/Ruck
10K Run/Ruck (one hour later)

Feeling ambitious? You can even take on both races! Each event starts and finishes on the iconic Martinsville Speedway, giving runners a one-of-a-kind race experience.

Register here: Holiday Run Festival Registration

Whether you’re in it for the challenge, the camaraderie, or just some festive fun, these two end-of-the-year runs are the perfect way to stay active and celebrate the season in Martinsville-Henry County!

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Exhibit Opening Reception
5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24, Piedmont Arts
Join Piedmont Arts for an opening reception in honor of its new exhibits from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24, at Piedmont Arts. A gallery talk will be held at 6:15 p.m. Live music by Amy Stuart and Regula Daily. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Exhibits on view:
• Peace Post
• Legible Earth: The Fire Tapestries | Leah Raintree
• Depicting the Moment: Paintings by Donald Towns
• Inspired Creations: Lynwood Artists

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP with the number and names of the attendees in your party by Wednesday, Oct. 22.

RSVP online

Exhibits closing Saturday, Oct. 11

• What Memory Wears
• In a Different Light
• Eyes on the Wild

Learn more

News

Elliot Engel takes guests on a high-seas journey at Blackbeard talk
Dr. Elliot Engel gave a talk on the life of the infamous pirate Blackbeard to around 100 guests on Oct. 2 at Piedmont Arts.

The program sifted fact from fiction to reveal the real life of the 18th-century pirate who has fascinated the world for centuries. Engel detailed how Edward Teach, a quiet and educated man, transformed himself into the infamous pirate and became known as the “Scourge of the High Seas.” He pointed out that even though Blackbeard was one of the most feared pirates of his day, he never killed or tortured his victims. His fearsome reputation was heavily embellished through a clever public relations strategy and Blackbeard’s own penchant for theatrics and costumes.

This marked Engel’s 18th lecture at Piedmont Arts. He has spoken on subjects as varied as Robert Frost, Edgar Allan Poe, the history of the English language and the Brontës. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he has taught at NC State University, the University of North Carolina and Duke University. He has written 10 books and numerous articles that have appeared in newspapers and national magazines. He has lectured throughout the United States and on all the continents, including Antarctica. His lecture series on Charles Dickens aired on PBS stations nationwide, and he was inducted into the Royal Society of Arts in England in 2009 for his academic work and service in promoting Dickens’ work.

Upcoming Events
Foster Gallery Reception
4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, Piedmont Arts

Students attending Albert Harris and Patrick Henry elementary schools will have work on display in the Foster Gallery from Sep. 26-Oct. 31.

A free reception for the students and their families will be held from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Piedmont Arts.

Learn more

Educator Appreciation Night
4-6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, Piedmont Arts

Local educators are invited to a special Educator Appreciation Night from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, at Piedmont Arts. Enjoy light refreshments in celebration of your hard work and dedication.

This event is free and open to all education professionals in Martinsville-Henry County.

Learn more

Art Talk with Donald Towns
7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, Piedmont Arts

Donald Towns will discuss his exhibit, Depicting the Moment, and his work at Disney, where he was involved in the making of “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid.”

A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. The talk will begin at 7 p.m. in the galleries.
This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP with the number and names of the attendees in your party by Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Learn more

Foster Gallery Reception
4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, Piedmont Arts

Students attending Carver, Meadow View and Mt. Olivet elementary schools will have work on display in the Foster Gallery from Nov. 5-Dec. 5.

A free reception for the students and their families will be held from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Piedmont Arts.

Learn more

Christmas Tree Lighting
4-6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4, Art Garden

Piedmont Arts will kick off the holiday season with the annual lighting of the Art Garden Christmas tree. Enjoy holiday music, a visit from Santa, snacks and crafts.

This event is free and open to the public.

Learn more

Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular
3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, MHS Auditorium

There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with the music of the season delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. David Stewart Wiley conducts the Holiday Pops with all the magical elements you have come to expect — high energy, familiar carols and lots of holiday warmth.

Altrusa will collect donations of nonperishable food items for the Grace Network food pantry. Donations may be dropped off in the lobby during the symphony’s performance.

Tickets are $30 for reserved seating, $20 for general admission and $10 for students in grades K-12.
WIC Passport Program participants receive free general admission tickets to the Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular. To redeem this discount, just show your WIC card at the museum’s welcome desk or at the box office on the night of the event.

Buy tickets

Classes
Needle Felting
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 10

Bob Ross Workshop
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 6

Bob Ross Workshop
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 4

Chix with Stix
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Second and fourth Tuesdays

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