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Musuem of Culpeper History worth a visit
By Anita L. ShermanCulpeper Times Staff Writer
This Saturday the Museum of Culpeper History is sponsoring the 2009 Holiday Tour of Homes. Although small in stature, the Burgandine House is big in history as it is considered the oldest house in Culpeper. A full restoration was done by the Culpeper Historical Society in the early 1990s and now the house is open daily as part of the museum's public programming. The Burgandine House will share honors with six other homes in Culpeper but don't stop there. Continue out along Route 3 to take in The Brawdus Martin Germanna Visitor Center in Locust Grove where you can learn about the early Germanic history of Culpeper.
This event is just one of several that has put the Museum of Culpeper History in the spotlight over the last several weeks. It's becoming more and more of a destination location as it has broadened its base both in the community and in surrounding areas.
If you haven't been to the Museum of Culpeper History recently, you should make a point to stop by. Under the leadership of Executive Director Lee Langston- Harrison, the museum has taken on a mini-Smithsonian ambiance with expanded exhibits, lots of interactive opportunities, and hands-on displays. Corners are filled with a variety of items from books and dinosaur puzzles to historically themed character puppets and a replica of a general store that comes complete with jars of assorted candies and other trinkets that would wonderfully fill Christmas stockings hung with care. Another item that they've got the corner on is postcards ? a whole rack of them touting Virginia, and Culpeper County, as a tourist destination.
Culpeper County and Virginia have such a rich and varied history and their own Museum Shop reflects that offering a bit of everything from flags to playing cards depicting Civil War generals to tiny tin soldiers. On board for a year, the museum's manager, Linda Montgomery, is excited about the extra space created for the shop. "I like to see new things and I spend time looking for items that will relate to the exhibits on view," said Montgomery, "so our inventory changes throughout the year."
One of the most popular exhibits at the museum ? War is Hell: A Salute to Culpeper Veterans ? which opened in February and will continue until the end of the year, boasts many familiar names and distant faces like Joseph Troilo pictured in Japan during World War II or Bill Gravely, a lieutenant in the Navy during 1967.
The Wall of Honor displays photographs of faces and places that have shaped Culpeper's history. During the Civil War, both the Union and the Confederate armies occupied the county. A photo from a long ago November in 1915 shows a flock of turkeys in town in front of the Culpeper Produce Company. Another photo shows Kilby's Blacksmith Shop in the late 1800s.
A large interactive relief map of Culpeper County gives you a perspective on the Battle of Kelly's Ford or the Battle of Culpeper or the location of the Culpeper Courthouse.
"What two geographic features define Culpeper County and at times protected it from Union invasion?" "How many Union generals held the position of General-in-Chief during the war?" "What well-positioned tavern, owned by a free Black, served travelers during the early 19th. Century?" All these questions (and their answers) and more can be learned through the hands-on devices surrounding the map. And, as exhibits change, so do the questions and answers so there are always new challenges.
Other areas of the museum give you a glimpse into the lives of the Manahoac Indians and their influence on Virginia's early settlers. A Salute to Black History includes a binder where residents can put down their thoughts about Dr. Elijah Barber who ? as indicated by the entries ? was well liked and ably cared for the community.
"We want people to come and see what we have to offer," said Lee Langston-Harrison, the museum's director for the past three years. At its location at 803 S. Main Street since the summer of 2000, the museum welcomes thousands of visitors each year and hopes to garner an ever-increasing crowd.
Daniel Boone, Walt Whitman, General Ulysses S. Grant, Lafayette and Clara Barton, to name a few, are some of the many figures from history that Culpeper can claim as part of their history.
Teachers from area schools can phone ahead for specially guided tours of the museum for their classes. "Home schooled groups and the Red Hat Society have been here as well," said Montgomery who added that for a nominal fee they will go out and talk to classrooms. "Please touch," is not an invitation that you will see in many museums but not so with this one that welcomes young hands in their KidzKorners where you can play with "Culley" the dinosaur or name your own reptilian friend.
The museum can be scheduled for special events like the recent reception for sculptor Jim Brothers, the Kansas born artist who has been commissioned by the Town of Culpeper to create the bronze statue 'Homage' honoring World War II and Korean veterans.
On the road with the 'Journey'
During a sunny October afternoon, a large bus pulled up to the museum. The front lawn was bedecked with chairs and a table was spread with punch and cookies. Culpeper County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Chase was in attendance as well as other county and town officials and a host of local citizens and friends of the Museum. Whistles dangling at the ends of red, white and blue lanyards were given out for the official Whistle Stop event celebrating the 'Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership.' This three-year effort which involved the cooperation of countless town, county and state entities was successful in protecting the thoroughfares from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Monticello, Virginia.
Nationwide, only a select group of roads have been designated National Scenic Byways. The Journey Through Hallowed Ground marks the 99th to date and now will reap the benefits of exclusive worldwide marketing efforts as an American Byway and elevated status when seeking federal funds.
The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership is a four-state partnership from Gettysburg to Monticello that brings businesses, developers, preservationists, heritage sites, farmers, students, teachers, concerned citizens and elected officials to the table to celebrate America’s heritage. The Museum of Culpeper History will serve as an official stop where visitors can be directed to the Brandy Station Battlefield, The A.P. Hill House, the Culpeper Historic District or the Culpeper National Cemetery.
“The added value of the federal marketing program should translate into increased awareness from visitors around the country and across the globe,” remarked Virginia Tourism Corporation President and CEO Alisa Bailey. “Every local heritage site, national park, winery, and Main Street community stands to benefit from this new national designation.”
Gale Higgins, who serves on the board for the Museum of Culpeper History, is also a volunteer. She's an avid gardener and a member of the Culpeper Garden Club. The Garden Club is responsible for adding floral arrangements and wreaths to many of the homes on this year's tour. "We've been very busy," said Higgins who added, "we're always looking for volunteers."
The Holiday Tour of Homes is the last major event that the Museum will sponsor for this year. Closed in January, the Museum will re-open with a new exhibit in February.
On any given day, you can find Lee Langston-Harrison in a small, cluttered office at the museum. It is filled with the historic tools of her trade ?old photographs, a Civil War saber or a box of cherished memorabilia that a long time Culpeper resident may have offered for display. will always greet you with a smile and usually share some tidbit from Culpeper's history that made you glad you came.
Museum of Culpeper History
Executive Director: Lee Langston-Harrison
803 S. Main Street
Culpeper, Virginia 22701
(540) 829-1749
Email: contact@culpepermuseum.com
Website: www.culpepermuseum.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 – 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Out-of -town adult visitors: $3.00
Guided tours by appointment
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