November 2010

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Orange, Virginia, Montpelier was the lifelong home of James Madison. Madison was raised at Montpelier, lived here after his marriage to Dolley, returned here after his presidency, and died here in his study surrounded by the books and papers that marked so much of his life's work. It was at Montpelier where Madison researched past democracies and conceived of the system of government that became our republic.

The Montpelier estate features the Madison mansion, historic buildings, exhibits, archaeological sites, gardens, forests, hands-on activities, a new Visitor Center, and a freedman's cabin and farm. Here, in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can spend an hour or two — or a day or two — strolling the grounds, picnicking, and learning more about the man whose contemporaries called the "Father of the Constitution," and the woman who was the first to be called First Lady.

The James Madison Museum houses exhibits on James and Dolley Madison, featuring one of the nation's most outstanding collections of Madisonia. The focal point of the Madison Room is Madison's favorite chair, a campeche chair given him by his good friend, President Thomas Jefferson. Also on display are a number of Madison's personal items, papers and furnishings.

Thomas Jefferson called James Madison "the best farmer in the world" and to pay respect to Madison the farmer, the Museum's Hall of Transportation & Agriculture displays an interesting collection of antique farm tools. Also featured are a 1924 Model T Ford, 1922 Velie, and the Arjalon Price House, a 1733 "patent" or "cube" house. The house is partially reconstructed so that visitors will be able to see first-hand the building practices of the day. The structure where the museum now resides was originally built in 1928 as the Powell Nash car dealership.

George and his wife, Polly, leased the land from Dr. James Madison, great-nephew of President Madison, in the late 1860s. By 1870, the Gilmores had built the cabin, and in 1901 purchased the 16 acres of land on which their home sat. Members of the family lived on the farm until the early 1930s. Descendants of George and Polly Gilmore have been instrumental in helping visitors to understand the home and site. The interpretive focus at the Gilmore Farm is to understand the transition that the Montpelier enslaved African American community made from bondage to freedom after the Civil War.

The Siege Museum interprets civilian life in Petersburg before, during, and immediately after the Civil War. Through artifacts, documents and photographs, emphasis is given to the ten-month siege of Petersburg (June 1864 - April 1865) - the longest period of time that an American city has been under a military siege. The exhibition illustrates how the siege impacted civilian life in Petersburg. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, visitors to the Siege Museum can view the film, "The Echoes Still Remain" narrated by the late film star and Petersburg native, Joseph Cotten.

Visitors can experience the natural diversity of Virginia at this science museum, which encompasses millions of years of Virginia history. With over 22 million items in its collections, the museum is at the forefront of scientific discovery of the natural world in Virginia. Eight scientists actively engage in research on subjects ranging from dinosaurs to millipedes and the museum shares our new discoveries with exhibits, programs, publications, field trips, and teacher education.

Located in a historical landmark, the Fayette museum showcases African American history and culture through two levels of displays and exhibits. Level one represents more than 100 years of African American history on Fayette Street. The exhibits, "Walking down the street what do you see?" and "Where we were...where are we today?" show 2 miles of road along Fayette Steet. While traveling the 2 mile stretch, visitors can see black owned businesses, doctor's offices, retail stores, and other historic buildings. Level two shows black history on the local and national levels. Photo displays of events, educators, doctors, businesses, churches are on display for visitors' enjoyment.

The one-room dwelling, constructed by Andries Van Leuvan, most likely reflected the Dutch tradition of positioning the gable end to the street. In 1715, Louis Bevier of the New Paltz patent purchased the house and property for his third son Louis and wife Maria Hasbrouck. The house and surrounding lands remained in the Bevier family for 223 years. Throughout that time a successful farm provided for the family's needs. The house grew and changed over time with many improvements taking place between 1840 and 1890.

The second Lucid (AM-458) was laid down by Higgins Inc. Shipyard, New Orleans, La., 16 March 1953, and launched 14 November 1953.
After a shakedown in the Caribbean, Lucid sailed for the Pacific, arriving at Long Beach 22 August. For the next 13 months, she performed mine warfare exercises on the west coast, then sailed on her first western Pacific tour 1 October 1958. During the period 1956 to 5 November 1963, Lucid sailed on four WestPac cruises and while there performed operations with the mighty 7th Fleet. In addition to exercises with the 7th Fleet, the minesweeper participated in good will programs in the countries she visited. The time between WestPac cruises was spent in mine countermeasure exercises off the southern California coast.

Visitors will find examples of Carter, Star, Stephen, Cleveland, hupmobile, Paige, Nash, Essex, Packard, and Cadillac among the unique cars displayed at this museum. Most of the vintage cars date from the 1920s and 1930s. Along with the 32 cars on display, Stationary Engines, Horse-Drawn Equipment, Old Farm Tools, Period Advertising and a myriad of relics fill the walls of the museum as well.

The exhibit at the museum presents the preservation of many once-everyday items whose purpose and meanings were almost forgotten as the race towards progress rendered them obsolete. However, collector John Dudley sought these treasures to add to his accumulation, and in 1967 the Dudley family first opened the car museum. Dudley's 50+ years of collecting are evident in the interesting selection and showcase of cars and memorabilia.

Poplar Forest was an important part of Jefferson’s life – a private retreat, situated far from the public scrutiny and demands on his time. It was his most personal architectural creation and landscape, a place where he came to find rest and leisure, to rekindle his creativity, and to enjoy private time with his family. Poplar Forest was also once a working plantation, critical to his efforts as a farmer. The lives of the enslaved men and women who worked for Jefferson are an important part of its history.