History Archives - Martinsville Tourism https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/category/history/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:29:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cropped-MHCOT_Tourism_icon-transparent-background-32x32.png History Archives - Martinsville Tourism https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/category/history/ 32 32 Christmas Music Program, Opening Reception, plus your first look at this year’s Historic Garden Week https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/christmas-music-program-opening-reception-plus-your-first-look-at-this-years-historic-garden-week/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:28:00 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=16003 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, […]

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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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Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Museum: Christmas music program; 22-foot Christmas tree arriving Wednesday; Founders Day; museum hours on holidays and snow days https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/martinsville-henry-county-heritage-museum-christmas-music-program-22-foot-christmas-tree-arriving-wednesday-founders-day-museum-hours-on-holidays-and-snow-days/ Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:26:48 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=15850 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 […]

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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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Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation receives $10,000 grant from Virginia Tourism Corporation https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/virginia-museum-of-natural-history-foundation-receives-10000-grant-from-virginia-tourism-corporation/ Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:47:11 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=15018 The Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation has received a grant of $10,000 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) in support of the museum’s “Celebrating 250 Years of Natural History […]

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The Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation has received a grant of $10,000 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) in support of the museum’s “Celebrating 250 Years of Natural History in Virginia” initiative. The initiative, developed to coincide with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s VA250 campaign to commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American Independence, provides a framework for a series of engaging activities, programs and publications to be offered during the 2026 calendar year in celebration of Virginia’s innumerable contributions to natural history.

“The museum is excited to play its part in helping the Commonwealth celebrate its unmatched role in shaping American history,” said Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) Deputy Director Ryan Barber. “We are incredibly grateful to have the support of the VTC and look forward to shining a spotlight on some of the incredible natural history stories Virginia has to tell.”

As part of the initiative, the museum will offer the original special exhibit “Clash of Giants: Jefferson vs. Buffon and the Battle for America’s Natural Legacy”. The exhibit will feature captivating stories and scientific specimens that highlight the long-time feud between Thomas Jefferson and Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon — a prominent French naturalist, mathematician, and cosmologist — regarding Buffon’s assertion of “American degeneracy”.

In his work, “Natural History – General and Particular”, Buffon laid out his theory that, compared to the Old World, animal life in the New World was “shriveled and diminished” and, therefore, inferior. The exhibit will highlight this long-time feud between Jefferson and Buffon, with Jefferson arguing through lively correspondence for the equality and superiority of natural history in the New World.

“Many people are familiar with the immeasurable role that Thomas Jefferson played in shaping American history, but many may be surprised to learn that he was also an avid naturalist who shaped the study of natural history in the United States and abroad,” said VMNH Executive Director Dr. Joe Keiper. “His research involving fossil specimens even earned him the moniker of ‘Father of American Paleontology’. His contributions to the study of natural history will be well represented in this exhibit, including through the exhibition of a first English edition of his ‘Notes on the State of Virginia’ printed in 1787.”

The museum also plans to release a special edition of its “Virginia Explorer” publication in 2026, which will feature a series of original articles focused on Virginia’s role in expanding knowledge of natural history. The special edition publication will highlight stories ranging from the establishment of the Virginia Museum of Natural History, to the story of Virginia’s state fossil, Chesapecten jeffersonius.

Additionally, the museum will promote the VA250 commemoration during its 2026 lineup of VMNH Science Festivals, while providing visitors with additional opportunities to learn more about Virginia’s 250 years of natural history.

“The museum’s lineup of science festivals is set for 2026 and we look forward to using these incredibly popular events to help bring attention to the VA250 commemoration and to 250 years of natural history in the Commonwealth,” said Barber.

The 2026 lineup of VMNH Science Festivals includes:

• Reptile Festival, April 24-25
• Dino Festival, July 24-25
• Bonez & Booz, October 31

To learn more about the museum, visit www.vmnh.net.

To learn more about the VA250 commemoration, visit www.va250.org.

 

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Sunday Afternoon Lecture: Ghostly Tales and Cryptid Tails https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/sunday-afternoon-lecture-ghostly-tales-and-cryptid-tails/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 17:52:13 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=14800 Sunday Afternoon Lecture: “Ghostly Tales and Cryptid Tails: The Legends of MHC” – 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at the MHC Heritage Museum (note the change to the second Sunday […]

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Sunday Afternoon Lecture: “Ghostly Tales and Cryptid Tails: The Legends of MHC” – 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at the MHC Heritage Museum

(note the change to the second Sunday of the month, rather than the usual third Sunday)

Located in southwest Virginia, the Martinsville area is in the heart of the Appalachian mountains and full of the legends this wilderness brings. Looking at the historic Patrick Henry County region (today Martinsville, Henry County, Patrick County, and Danville), Salem Museum Executive Director Garrett Channell will share the stories told about these areas. Learn about ghost stories from across the counties, local Sasquatch sightings, dogmen, and more! This is a fun, informative session open to believers and skeptics alike to come enjoy an afternoon of fun storytelling.
A graduate of Roanoke College, Garrett studied history with a focus in public history. He also studied history and literature at Oxford University. He recently completed a master’s degree in Museum Studies from Harvard University.
During his time at Roanoke, Garrett worked with preservation-focused institutions, including the Roanoke College Archives and the Library of Congress in their preservation division. He volunteered at the Salem Museum in the archives and at events prior to being hired, and served as the Director of Education and Archives for three years. He now develops content and programs for all ages, curates the Museum’s collection, and oversees the Museum’s daily operations.

Next Sunday Afternoon Lecture: “A History of Apple Cider by Jake Abell,” 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the MHC Heritage Museum.

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Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Museum presents “Blue Jeans & Bling” and other events https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/martinsville-henry-county-heritage-museum-presents-blue-jeans-bling-and-other-events/ Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:08:47 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=14475   Blue Jeans & Bling, where fancy and laid back meet, is the MHC Historical Society’s signature annual fun fall affair. The MHC Heritage Museum’s exciting new annex is the […]

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Blue Jeans & Bling, where fancy and laid back meet, is the MHC Historical Society’s signature annual fun fall affair.

The MHC Heritage Museum’s exciting new annex is the place for revelry on Saturday, Oct. 4. The event will start with a social at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m.  The classic autumn meal will feature pulled pork barbecue, baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw, rolls, cornbread and cake.

Entertainment will include music by Jake Earles, a silent auction full of goodies at good deals, and a 50/50 raffle. The first two drinks are on us, and then a cash bar will provide the rest. Your ticket to the event also grants you admission to both sections of the museum: the former Henry County courthouse, built in 1824, which showcases local history, and the 13,000-square-foot annex, built in 2024, which showcases the exquisite King Collections of antiques.

Tickets cost $50 per person or $350 for a table for eight. To order tickets, visit www.mhchistoricalsociety.org; or visit the museum at 1 E. Main St. Martinsville, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays; see any MHC Historical Society board member;  or call 276-403-5361.

CLICK HERE to buy a single admission ticket for $50.
CLICK HERE to buy a table for eight for $350.

Upcoming Events:

Graves Anthony and Hunter Haskins will present a program on distilling, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, as part of the MHC Historical Society’s Sunday Afternoon Lecture Series. The program will be held at the MHC Heritage Museum.

Garrett Molchan will present “Ghostly Tales and Cryptid Tales: The Legends of MHC” at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, as part of the Sunday Afternoon Lecture Series. The program will be held in the museum’s courtroom, and admission is free.

Jake Abell, of Scuffle Hill Brewing, will present a program on cider, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, as part of the MHC Historical Society’s Sunday Afternoon Lecture series at the MHC Heritage Museum, 1 E. Main St., Martinsville.

VISIT www.mhchistoricalsociety.org.

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Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation receives historic endowment gift of over $4.4 million https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/virginia-museum-of-natural-history-foundation-receives-historic-endowment-gift-of-over-4-4-million/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 18:21:13 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=14388 The Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation has received a historic donation of over $4.4 million in support of the foundation’s endowment fund. The gift, provided by the late Frank […]

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The Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation has received a historic donation of over $4.4 million in support of the foundation’s endowment fund. The gift, provided by the late Frank W. Mariels, a long-time resident of Martinsville, is the largest donation ever received by the foundation and will provide greatly enhanced annual income directly supporting the Virginia Museum of Natural History’s (VMNH) mission and strategic plan.

“The Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation has long emphasized the importance of growing its endowment fund in support of the museum’s mission,” said VMNHF Board President Tyler Carter. “With the museum’s ambitious plans for the coming years, which include upgrades to the current exhibit galleries and the introduction of new visitor experiences, the ability to achieve its goals has been greatly enhanced through Mr. Mariels’ immense generosity.”

Beginning in 2012, the foundation’s governing board and its Strategic Development Committee, led by former board treasurer Larry Ryder, established forward-looking policies and procedures for sustained endowment growth, providing a vital framework for long-term success.

“The purpose of the Strategic Development Committee was to create a structure that would encourage endowment donations to the VMNH Foundation,” said Ryder. “Once invested, the income from these donations would support the mission of the museum in perpetuity. This generous donation from Mr. Mariels is a huge step in enhancing the growth of the museum.”

Offering visitors with new and updated exhibit experiences and public spaces has always been a priority of the museum, but special emphasis has been placed on the endeavor in recent years. With this gift, the museum will move forward with multiple initiatives involving exhibits and public spaces.

“Mr. Mariels’ extraordinary generosity will have a transformative impact on the museum,” said VMNH Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Melany Clark. “This is truly a gift to the community and the Commonwealth — it will help us improve what we already offer while creating new spaces, like the Young Explorers Center, that will inspire and benefit families for years to come. His kindness ensures that the museum remains a place of discovery and joy for everyone who walks through our doors.”

With this gift, the museum will prioritize the establishment of the Young Explorers Center, which will be named in honor of Mr. Mariels. To be located within the museum’s current footprint, the 1,700 square foot center will consist of immersive learning experiences, including hands-on STEM stations for children and families, special programming and resources supporting pre-K education initiatives, and flexible space for programming and events dedicated to young children and their families.

“The establishment of the Young Explorers Center is a top strategic priority of the museum and was recently identified as a priority project by the museum’s Board of Trustees in the museum’s 2025-2030 strategic plan,” said VMNH Executive Director Dr. Joe Keiper. “Because of Mr. Mariels’ generosity and the foundation’s support, we’re now in position to ensure that the center comes to fruition in the near future.”

The gift will also provide the museum with the necessary support to enhance its current exhibit galleries and to secure high-level traveling exhibits in an effort to further improve the visitor experience.

“The museum’s exhibit galleries continue to receive strong reviews from visitors, but we’ve identified opportunities to improve them even further through upgrades to technology and enhanced layouts,” said VMNH Deputy Director Ryan Barber. “The gift also provides the museum with more opportunities to offer our visitors top-tier traveling exhibits, which play a significant role in making every museum visit memorable. Thanks to Mr. Mariels’ support, our ability to make these enhancements and offer these new experiences has increased significantly.”

The Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that exists to support the mission and programs of the Virginia Museum of Natural History. For more information about the foundation, visit www.vmnh.net/about/vmnh-foundation.

For more information about the Virginia Museum of Natural History, visit www.vmnh.net.

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The Natural History of Chocolate is Saturday, October 4! Secure your tickets today! https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/the-natural-history-of-chocolate-is-saturday-october-4-secure-your-tickets-today/ Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:39:51 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=13955 Secure your tickets today! Join us Saturday, October 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Virginia Museum of Natural History for an unforgettable evening where rich flavors come together […]

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Secure your tickets today!

Join us Saturday, October 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Virginia Museum of Natural History for an unforgettable evening where rich flavors come together in perfect harmony. Be delighted as you are guided through a tasting of premium chocolates, curated from the world’s finest cocoa. Develop your palate for subtle differences found in cocoa beans harvested from various regions of the world and enjoyed for millennia.

Following the tasting, the Natural History of Chocolate event transitions to a five-course gourmet dinner, where chocolate takes center stage in every course. The savory dishes, artfully crafted by a skilled chef, incorporate chocolate in unexpected ways. A complementary wine accompanies each course to accentuate the unique qualities of each dish.

The menu includes:

• Mexican chocolate soup
• Cheese and fruit with chocolate dip
• Salad with chocolate dressing
• Choice of either 1) lamb lollipops encrusted with coffee and cocoa powder, or 2) cocoa-rubbed chicken
• Black Forest gateau

* Pre-purchased tickets are required to attend. Ticket sales will end September 15, or sooner, if all available tickets sell out beforehand. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Purchase tickets HERE!

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It’s party time at The Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Museum! Join us for grand opening celebrations. https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/its-party-time-at-the-martinsville-henry-county-heritage-museum-join-us-for-grand-opening-celebrations/ Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:11:39 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=13480 MHC Historical Society members, who have supported the museum since its rudimentary beginnings a quarter of a century ago, of course will be the exclusive guests of the annex grand […]

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MHC Historical Society members, who have supported the museum since its rudimentary beginnings a quarter of a century ago, of course will be the exclusive guests of the annex grand opening celebration.

The private members-only ribbon-cutting reception will be held at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5. Memberships can be renewed or purchased at the event.

Next, on Saturday, Sept. 6, a public grand opening will be held from 3-8 p.m.

The members-only event Friday night will feature hors d’oeurves, wine and musicians playing piano. It will be the first time the fully finished exhibits on both floors of the 13,000-square-foot annex will be open to visitors.

On Saturday, Sept. 6, the grand opening will feature children’s games and activities, refreshments and live music by Drs. Will Zimmer and Tom Berry, all free. Admission to the annex will be free to all children up to age 18 (normally, children’s admission costs $5) as well as free to members. Memberships can be purchased at the event. General admission is $10, and membership for 65+ is $5; infants are admitted free.

Construction of the building was completed in August 2024. It holds the King Collections of antiques: Native American artifacts; horse tack; firearms; toys; model trains, specializing in Marklin and Lionel; artisan, defense and circus canes; a gambling parlor; Madame Alexander dolls; unique dollhouses; medical and dental equipment; woodworking tools; construction tools; textile tools; locks; steam whistles; early experimental electronic devices; fans; telegraph and telephone equipment; and more.

Other upcoming events, all at the museum:

Graves Anthony and Hunter Haskins will present a program on distilling, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, as part of the MHC Historical Society’s Sunday Afternoon Lecture Series.

The Society’s signature social and fundraising event, Blue Jeans & Bling, will be held on Oct. 4.

The popular Ghost Walk, held for the first time last year, will return on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 1. More details will be forthcoming – but tickets will be limited, so those who want to attend, be sure to act as soon as the information is released.

Jake Abell, of Scuffle Hill Brewing, will present a program on cider, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, as part of the MHC Historical Society’s Sunday Afternoon Lecture series.

JOIN NOW! Visit https://www.mhchistoricalsociety.org/memberships.

DAILY LOCAL HISTORY ARTICLES – What happened on each date, 100, 75, 50 and 25 years ago: Visit https://www.mhchistoricalsociety.org/looking-back. There’s a new one every day!

READ an assortment of local history articles sorted by topic at https://www.mhchistoricalsociety.org/articles.

CONTACT US: (276) 403-5361; mhchistoricalsociety@gmail.com. The executive director is Holly Kozelsky, and the aide is Davis Scott. If you’re at Smith River Fest this Saturday, stop by to see Davis and Dylan Chappell at the Historical Society’s booth, in the row across from the food vendors.

VISIT THE MUSEUM: The museum, at 1 E. Main St., Martinsville, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

www.mhchistoricalsociety.org

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Virginia Museum of Natural History Receives Highest National Recognition https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/virginia-museum-of-natural-history-receives-highest-national-recognition/ Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:13:16 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=13207 The Virginia Museum of Natural History has received reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). AAM accreditation is the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums and a status […]

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The Virginia Museum of Natural History has received reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). AAM accreditation is the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums and a status that VMNH has maintained since 1994.

National accreditation brings recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for over fifty years, the Alliance’s museum accreditation program is the museum field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation, and public accountability, and strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and remain financially and ethically accountable to provide the best possible service to the public.

“VMNH is a credit to Virginia’s slate of wonderful museums, and has been a true partner in the lead up to the nation’s 250th Anniversary Celebration,” said Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera. “We are so pleased to congratulate VMNH on this deserved recognition for their commitment to quality and excellence.”

Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, approximately 1,100 are currently accredited. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain this privileged status.

“Achieving accreditation once again is a testament to the commitment and dedication that both the museum’s governing board and staff continuously demonstrate to ensure that VMNH remains a standard-bearer of museum excellence,” said Dr. Melany Clark, chair of the Virginia Museum of Natural History Board of Trustees.

Accreditation is a rigorous, but rewarding, process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation, a museum first completes a yearlong self-study before undergoing a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM’s Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.

“National accreditation shows that your organization is following the gold standards of museum operation,” said VMNH Executive Director Dr. Joe Keiper. “To attain this status, you have to go through a deep dive into your operations and scrutinize your policies and procedures. We revised some policies to keep up to date, and analyzed visitation and financial data to measure our impact. Less than 5% of all United States museums ever attain accreditation, showing the hard work by our staff and board members leads to positive outcomes in science and science literacy.”

As Virginia’s natural history museum, VMNH seeks to increase understanding of, and appreciation for, the natural history of the Commonwealth through education, research, collections, and exhibits. All four areas were praised within the final accreditation report, with special emphasis placed on the museum’s science outreach programming.

“Our site visit report was very complimentary of our staff and their dedication,” said Keiper. “The site reviewers were very impressed with our science outreach team, who lead educational programs at schools all around Virginia. Their expertise and professionalism were evident throughout the report.”

Though the museum has enjoyed accreditation for over 3 decades, maintaining the status requires a commitment to best practices at all levels of the institution.

“Accreditation is a monumental achievement,” said Marilyn Jackson, AAM President and CEO. “The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice and is flexible enough to be accomplished by museums of any size.”

To celebrate the achievement, VMNH will offer free admission to all museum visitors on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about the museum, visit www.vmnh.net.

For more information about the American Alliance of Museums, visit www.aam-us.org.

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Mark your calendar – New exhibits opening Aug. 8 at Piedmont Arts https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/mark-your-calendar-new-exhibits-opening-aug-8-at-piedmont-arts/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 20:03:14 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=13060 Exhibit Opening Reception 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 8, Piedmont Arts Join Piedmont Arts for an opening reception in honor of its new exhibits. A gallery talk will be held at […]

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Exhibit Opening Reception
5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 8, Piedmont Arts
Join Piedmont Arts for an opening reception in honor of its new exhibits. A gallery talk will be held at 6:15 p.m. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
Exhibits on view:
What Memory Wears: Works by Barbara Hardy and Bob Ray
In a Different Light: Photographs by Russell Hart
Eyes on the Wild: Photography by Artemisia Blankenship
This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP with the number and names of the attendees in your party by Wednesday, Aug. 6.

RSVP here

Upcoming Events

Ahoy, Mateys! Pirate Family Day
10 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, Art Garden
Set sail on the high seas of fun at Ahoy, Mateys! Pirate Family Day!
This free, pirate-themed event features crafts with Heart to Art Creative Corner, games and snacks.
Pirates of the Piedmont will perform Celtic-inspired music that is fun for all ages. The upbeat jigs and reels of traditional Celtic music serve as inspiration for this band of rapscallions from Martinsville. They put a contemporary spin on traditional songs by incorporating rock and folk elements. Their performances are an exuberant celebration of Celtic music, encapsulating the spirit of the raucous sea shanties and soul-stirring ballads that have been passed down through the ages.
All ages are welcome. Admission is free. In the event of inclement weather, this event will be held at Piedmont Arts.

Learn more

Savory September: Wild, Wild West
6:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, Piedmont Arts
Get ready to boot scootin’ boogie at this Wild West-themed fundraiser for the arts.
Kick up your boot heels to live country and western music by Matt Boswell, sample themed dishes and custom cocktails prepared by local chefs and take part in the 50/50 raffle for a chance to win big.
Guests are invited to dress in Western flair. So, dust off your boots, throw on some fringe and saddle up in your favorite denim, bandanas and cowboy hats. It’s time to boogie!
Admission tickets are $50 per person and include food and drinks. Raffle tickets are $20 each or $100 for six.

Buy tickets

Strategic Plan – Public Listening Session
6-7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10, Piedmont Arts
Join moderators Natalie Hodge and Jennifer Reis for a public listening session about Piedmont Arts. Share your thoughts on the future of the museum and how it can positively impact the community.

Learn more

Dr. Elliot Engel: The Mystery of Robert E. Lee
7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, Piedmont Arts
Dr. Elliot Engel returns to Piedmont Arts with a light and enlightening literary lecture on Robert E. Lee. Using anecdotes, analysis and large doses of humor, Engel expertly reveals the man as a son, father, husband and unassuming general.
Guests are invited to attend a dinner with Dr. Engel before the program at 5:45 p.m. Reservations must be made in advance by purchasing tickets below. Tickets to the dinner and lecture are $50. The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in the galleries. Tickets to the lecture alone are $25.

Buy tickets

Classes

Bob Ross Workshop
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 7

Needle Felting
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 15

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

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

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