The museum dedicated to the life of General George C. Marshall also houses many of his papers in the research library.
This museum profiles one of the 20th century's greatest military and diplomatic leaders through exhibits related to the Marshall Era (1880-1960). Marshall led the Allied military through World War II and organized the European Recovery Program (Marshall Plan), which rebuilt Europe when the war was over. The general's papers are housed in the research library.
Home for generations to the Biddle family, Andalusia is one of the finest examples of monumental Greek Revival architecture in America. The main block was built in 1806 and the imposing colonnade facing the Delaware River was added as part of the 1835-36 Greek Revival style addition. Andalusia is still maintained today and is surrounded by spectacular landscape, lush gardens and romantic out-buildings. Visitors enjoy Andalusia's history, serene environment and spectacular views of the Delaware River.
First built as a residence in 1851, it served as a stagecoach stop, a hotel, and a Civil War hospital. Inside, visitors will find a new local history museum that tells the story of the mountain people of Highland County.
Visitors can see exhibits pertaining to the art and history of the people of this region. Within our museum collection, the museum offers a wonderful selection of local photos. Many of HRHS's collections are on deposit at Carrier Library's Special Collections on the JMU campus.
The house was home to Harrisonburg's first mayor Isaac Hardesty. He was born in 1795 and became the city's first Mayor by charter March 16,1849 incorporating the town of Harrisonburg. The Hardesty-Higgins house bears his name and the name of the physician, Henry Higgins who began construction in 1848. Isaac Hardesty completed construction of the home by 1853 and lived in the house with his wife, Ann and two children. He was a successful business man, apothecary, merchant, and he served on the Board of Directors of the Valley Turnpike Company.
Today the building is a multi-use facility operated by Harrisonburg Tourism. Inside you will find Visitor Services, Rocktown Gift Shoppe, Mrs. Hardesty's Tea Room, The Valley Turnpike Museum, future site of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Civil War Kiosk and the executive offices for Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance and Harrisonburg Tourism. We opened in July of 2005 to serve the community and visitors to the region. The Hardesty-Higgins House has become the place where history and hospitality meet.
Grand Caverns is a stately and powerful example of Nature's handiwork. Gigantic stalactites point down from above. Equally imposing stalagmites thrust upward from the caverns floor. Cathedral Hall, 280 feet long and over 70 feet high, is one of the largest rooms of any cavern in the East. Massive columns, beautiful draperies rippling flowstone, and rare "shield" formations create a variety of fascinating sights. The famous Bridal Veil, Stonewall Jackson's Horse, and a peek at Dante's Inferno provide memories too good to miss. Visitors can also see stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other remarkable formations in profusion. Visited by both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War, they left over 230 verified signatures in the cave.
Railroad buffs will be thrilled with this museum that houses one of the largest railroad connections in the country. Visitors can view historic railcars and furnishings from the C&O line--now CSX--and experience railroad history up close. The Society also owns the former C&O Freight Station in Clifton Forge. Located next to this facility is the Society equipment yard, where the collection of historic rolling stock is stored, and visitors are welcome to tour that area as well.
The Southwest Virginia Museum is housed in the mansion originally built in the 1880's by Rufus Ayers,a Virginia attorney general. The museum was acquired by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1946 from the Slemp Foundation, established by C. Bascom Slemp, private secretary to President Calvin Coolidge and a member of Congress. In the late 1980's, the museum underwent extensive renovations, including the installation of new exhibits. Building upon its extensive collection, the museum tells the story of the exploration and development of Southwest Virginia and the lives of men and women who settled in and around the area.
The home of Wytheville's first doctor, this stone house was built in 1823. It is furnished with antiques of the period and contains a small museum of local artifacts. Next door is the Heritage Preservation Center and Thomas J. Boyd Museum and Children's Discovery Center.
This elegant historic house (Higginbotham House Museum) contains colonial furnishings. (276) 988-3800. Across the street from the house, the local history museum takes visitors from prehistoric times through the Civil War. Displays highlight the agriculture and mining industries so important to the region.