Chippokes Farm & Forestry Museum Surry, Virginia

Mailing Address

868 Plantation Road
Surry, VA 23883

Street Address

868 Plantation Road
Surry, VA 23883

Phone: 757-294-3439
Email:
Web: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/chf.shtml

Museum Hours

April through October

Saturday		10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday		1 PM - 5 PM
Monday, Wednesday - Friday		10 AM - 3 PM
Tuesday		closed

Winter Schedule
November through March Museum closed to the general public.
Group tours and programs are available by reservation only.

Admissions

General Museum Admission is Free!
Fees apply to special programs and events. State Park entry fee still apply Weekdays $3.00, Weekends $4.00 per car $10.00 per bus

Description

Life on the Early American farm was not always easy but it was where Americans got there start and opportunity to be free land owners, raise their crops and families. Because of farmers we saw early inventions such as cotton gins and corn shellers, grinders and planters. The museum has these antiques and so much more on display. Agriculture has always been an economic engine to Virginia and here at Chippokes we tell the story from the perspective of the farmer and forester. We have antique tractors and even an early working saw mill. During special events and program through out the year we start up some of these antiques so out visitors can watch them in action. We offer loads of special educational programs to students and scouts. Farm animals, demonstration gardens and crop fields help to complete the picture of "life on the farm". In 2010 we will begin to build our long awaited Learning Center which will house research libraries and exhibits that will show agricultural practices past, present and future. The annual Steam & Gas Festival held the weekend after Memorial Day offers live Country, Blue Grass, Gospel music, heritage artesian, tractor pulls and much more. There is fun and food all weekend long for the whole family.

History

Chippokes Plantation Farm Foundation provides the public with an enjoyable educational experience, which focuses on the history of agriculture, forestry and conservation. Located on the banks of the historic James River, the foundation operates one of the oldest continuously farmed plantations in the country.

Artifacts Collections

Antique farm and forestry tools and equipment.

Research Collections

Not available at this time.

Services




Programs

Group tours of the Farm & Forestry Museum and educational programs are available throughout the year by reservation only to groups of 10 or more. For more information, program fees, or reservations, please contact the Farm & Forestry Museum at (757)294-3625.
Group educational programs are designed to satisfy requirements for the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL’s) in history, agriculture, and natural resources and sciences. We also offer programs designed specifically for Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts to meet badge/patch requirements.

·	Some of our most popular programs: Fun With Peanuts Explore the importance of this historical Virginia crop. Students will compare how harvesting has evolved over time, and discover the diverse uses for the peanut. Students will make and sample their own peanut butter!
·	Journey of a Seed A hands-on program focused on plant life cycles, seed anatomy, adaptations, and seed dispersal. Students will investigate relationships between plants, animals, people, and the environment. Each student will plant their own seed to take home.
·	A Child’s Life Students will explore a day in the life of a child on an Early American Farm. Hands-on activities will allow students to discover, and compare differences between the daily life of children in the early 1900’s and today. During this program, students will make and sample butter!
·	Where’s the Dirt Through hands-on activities and experiments students will discover different types of local soils, and how soils affect plants and animals. Students will tour our Forestry Trail and learn about watersheds, and how erosion and pollution affect the environment.
·	Products of Nature Take a guided walk on our Forestry Trail to explore forest products and other natural resources. Introduces concepts of renewable vs. non-renewable resources, and conservation. This program includes a tour of our 1930’s sawmill.
·	Fruits of the Forest A guided hike on our Forestry Trail allows students to explore trees, their seeds, and the relationship between trees and other forest plants, animals, and human beings.
·	Pasture Pals Students meet our farm animals, including Jack the Donkey, our sheep, chickens, and our small herd of goats. Students see how we care for these animals and why they were used on farms of long ago.

Staff

Linda Guntharp, Executive Director
Phone: 757-294-3439
Email:

Carol Bowman, Foundation Administrative Assistant
Phone: 757-294-3439
Email:

Brian Frye, Educational and Activity Coordinator
Phone: 757-294-3439
Email:

Dr.  Carla Kirts, Educator
Phone: 757-294-3439
Email:

Sarah Cosby, Museum Store and Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 757-294-3439
Email:

Jim Burden, Museum Farm Manager
Phone: 757-294-3439


Museum Type

Specialized

Governance

The tax-exempt Chippokes Plantation Farm Foundation operates the museum. The foundation is governed by a 15-member advisory board of trustees appointed by the governor. It is funded mainly through contributions from the public.



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