Description
The museum's exhibits include prehistoric fossils, Native American and Colonial artifacts. There are Civil War and Smithfield Ham history galleries, a miniature Colonial plantation house, and a country store, c. 1900.
In 2006, a nor’easter brought heavy downpours which left many pieces of southeastern Virginia underwater. The museum’s basement was flooded. Much of the building’s structure and collection suffered extensive damage. The community and members from the Virginia Association of Museums donated many hours to assist with clean-up, storage and conservation.
Reopening in November 2008, the museum’s exhibits include prehistoric fossils, Native American and Colonial artifacts, a country store and the museum’s most notable artifact - the world’s oldest, edible cured ham. The 1902 pork product exemplifies the patented Smithfield curing process.
History
The Isle of Wight County Museum was founded in 1976 by a group of volunteers dedicated to the preservation of county history. The museum opened its doors to the public on Nov. 21, 1976, in the Old Gambling House, between the Old Courthouse and the Smithfield Inn.
In 1978, the museum moved to its present location in the Bank of Smithfield. Just across the street, the building was constructed in 1913 of Marvilla marble and limestone, which contains identifiable marine fossils. In 1990, the adjacent Folk Building was purchased for expansion, and in 1998, the museum became a department under county government, and at that time, a foundation was established.
Artifacts Collections
Collections include: local eastern woodland Native American pieces, local history and interest, Colonial era artifacts, Civil War artifacts from local sites, material related to the ham and peanut industries.
Research Collections
Ledgers related to the businesses of meat packing and peanut production.
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