Last updated: 12/24/2013
1514 Main Street
Altavista, VA 24517
(Call on Saturday to be sure we are not closed for a private function)
Thursday - Saturday
11 AM - 3 PM
Open year round for rentals and group tours (10 or more)
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Joan Woodson, Executive Director
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Michelle Hensley, Education Director/Special Events and Volunteer Coordinator
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Avoca, the principal architectural landmark of the Town of Altavista, is an American Queen Anne-style house, designed by architect J.M.B. Lewis and built in 1901. Designated a Virginia Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Avoca is the home site of Revolutionary Patriot Colonel Charles Lynch.
Every September, Avoca hosts a huge wine festival. Seven local wineries are represented. For 2013, The Avoca Museum in Altavista hosts 7 area wineries: Sans Soucy Vineyards, Gabrielle Rausse Winery, Peaks of Otter Winery, Rebec Vineyards, Tomahawk Mill Winery, Altavista Vineyards, and Hickory Hill Vineyards under century old oak trees. The family friendly festival includes a free adult supervised children’s area with crafts, activities and a bouncer sponsored by the Altavista Arts Council. You can relax in the shade listening to Encorsand Ministers of Soul or wander the beautifully landscaped gardens, getting an early start on Christmas with local vendors. Food available will include grilled chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, and a bake sale with your favorite goodies!
Avoca was originally the private residence of Colonel Charles Lynch (1736-1796). He established his home here in 1755 as part of a land grant from King George II to his father, in 1740, and called it Green Level. Colonel Charles Lynch was a planter and distinguished himself as a lawmaker and a soldier during the turbulent times of the Revolutionary era. The property was passed down through the Lynch family and upon the death of Charles Henry Lynch (1800-1875), the property went to his niece, Mary Anna Dearing Fauntleroy. Her grandson, Dr. Lindley Murray Winston, deeded the property to the Town of Altavista in 1981 as a memorial to his family. At that time the property consisted of the main house, brick kitchen, smokehouse, milk house, farm office, and approximately ten acres.
The enslaved community lived adjacent to the "Big House" on land that is now owned by an industrial plant. The "Lynch Graveyard" is located about 50 feet from the plantation house. Research is on-going to estimate the size of the enslaved and post-bellum African American community. There may well have been additional cemeteries located elsewhere on the plantation.
Avoca is available for rental year round for weddings/receptions as well as private parties and corporate functions. Rentals include museum first floor, office building, grounds, antique log cabin and Arboretum.
Do you like historic homes, working with children, or meeting new people?
If so, Avoca offers the perfect opportunity for you to share your time, talent, and energy. Sign up to become a volunteer at Avoca Museum. The experience is fun, educational, and rewarding. Try it! Even the smallest contribution of time makes a difference.
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