Ethnology museums in Virginia

The Valentine is a museum located in Richmond, Virginia. It was founded by Mann S. Valentine II in 1898, making it the first museum in Richmond. The museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history of Richmond.

The Frontier Culture Museum, located in Staunton, Virginia, is the largest open-air museum in the Shenandoah Valley. It operates on a vast 200-acre land, providing ample space for visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the region.

A museum commemorating the history of the Blacks and African Americans, with many interesting exhibits.

Meadow Farm, located in Henrico County, Virginia, is a historic farm and estate that played a significant role in Gabriel's Revolution. This site offers a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to understand the historical events that took place here.

The Josephine City School is a significant historical site located in Berryville, Clarke County, Virginia. Constructed around 1882, this school served as an educational institution for African-American children during a time when racial segregation was prevalent in the United States. Its historical significance provides a glimpse into the past, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the struggles and triumphs of the African-American community in Clarke County.

The Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library, established in 1932, serves as the county museum and genealogical library for Bedford County, Virginia. The museum found its permanent home in 1979 when it relocated to the former Masonic Hall for Liberty Lodge #95. This historic building adds to the charm and appeal of the museum, making it a significant point of interest for visitors.

Smithfield is a historic plantation house located just outside Blacksburg, Virginia. It was constructed between 1772 and 1774 by Colonel William Preston, who used it as his residence and the main hub for his farming operations. This significant piece of architecture offers a glimpse into the life and times of the late 18th century.

The J. Thomas Newsome House, located in Newport News, Virginia, is a historic home that dates back to 1898. It is built in the Queen Anne style, which is characterized by its asymmetrical design, steeply pitched irregularly composed roof, three-sided bay, front Palladian window, and corner tower. This architectural style is a significant part of the house's charm and appeal.

The Barrier Islands Center, formerly known as the Almshouse Farm at Machipongo, is a historic site that once served as an almshouse for the residents of Northampton County. This site has a rich history, having housed various individuals including those with unpaid debts, homeless people, the mentally ill, orphans, and those suffering from diseases such as tuberculosis and smallpox. The almshouse was in operation for almost 150 years, from 1804 until 1952.

The Virginia Museum of History and Culture offers exhibitions and programming suitable for visitors of all ages. The museum boasts more than 25,000 square feet of exhibition gallery space and has the largest display of Virginia artifacts on permanent view. This makes it the only museum with all of Virginia's history under one roof, covering all centuries, regions, and topics.

The Portsmouth Community Library, also known as the Portsmouth Colored Community Library, is a historic library building situated in Portsmouth, Virginia. Constructed in 1945, the library is located at 804 South Street. This one-story, three-bay, brick building with a hipped roof was built to cater to the reading needs of Portsmouth's African Americans.

The Glencoe Museum is situated in a Victorian house in the western part of downtown Radford, Virginia. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a piece of history while enjoying the museum's exhibits. The house itself is a significant part of the museum's charm, showcasing the architectural style of the 19th century Victorian era.

The Fralin Museum of Art is located at the University of Virginia, housed in the historic Thomas H. Bayly Building on Rugby Road in Charlottesville, Virginia. This museum is a significant part of the university's cultural landscape, offering a diverse collection of art pieces from various periods and regions.

The Pamunkey Indian Museum and Cultural Center is a tribal museum situated on the Pamunkey Indian Reservation in Virginia. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, right where it all happened.

The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia is home to one of the world's finest collections of Indigenous Australian art. This collection is so extensive and high-quality that it rivals many of the collections found in Australia itself. This makes the museum a unique destination for those interested in Indigenous Australian art.

The Woodstock Museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts, all housed in two mid-late 18th century homes. These homes are located in the heart of downtown Woodstock, Virginia, in the historic Shenandoah Valley. The museum's location and the historic homes themselves provide a unique backdrop for the artifacts, adding to the overall experience for visitors.

The Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum is a unique destination that offers a glimpse into the past. It is a reconstruction of a Native American village that dates back to between 1480 and 1520. The exact ethnicity of the Native Americans who lived in the village is unknown, but they could have been Cherokee or one of the Siouan languages tribes that frequented the area.

The Alexandria Black History Museum is situated at 902 Wythe St., Alexandria, Virginia. It is managed by the City of Alexandria. The museum is a significant site that showcases the rich history and contributions of African Americans. It is housed in a building that was formerly the Robert Robinson Library, which was constructed in 1940 as the first 'separate but equal' library for African Americans in the segregated city.

The Hampton University Museum, established in 1868 on the campus of Hampton University, holds the distinction of being the oldest African-American museum in the United States and the oldest museum in Virginia. This historical significance adds a unique layer of cultural richness to the visitor's experience.

The Watermen's Museum, located in Yorktown, Virginia, offers a comprehensive look into the history of Chesapeake Bay's 'watermen' from pre-colonial times to the present. The museum provides an in-depth exploration of the lives and work of these individuals, who have played a significant role in shaping the region's history and culture.

Interesting museum offering exhibits composing of Native American themes, Civil War themes and more!