A Clean Sweep
Several weeks ago, Finders Keepers donated this two piece broom making system to the museum. The “kicker” on the left was a wrapping...
Mr. Madison's Shoe Buckles
On February 27, 1801, James Madison, Senior died in Orange, Virginia. His eldest surviving son, James Madison, Jr. (Father of the U.S....
Riding Aside
Have you ever wondered why women rode aside, or on a side-saddle? What brought it about? Why not ride astride, as had been done for...
Who Am I?
One of the occasional issues I have to face is learning that the donor’s information about their artifact may not be accurate. It is not...
This Piano Participated in History...
We’ve recently received a long-term loan of an 1850/52 grand piano with a link to Bloomsbury from the Camper family via the Jerdone...
We think we know....but do we?
On December 2, 2018, the Museum opened our newest permanent cultural exhibit space, The Manahoac Confederacy. Just as with other...
Minstrelsy / Minstrel Show / Black Face
Please note that the while this topic is sensitive and unthinkable today, it is being presented as an educational effort, not promotion...
Organza or Organdy?
Prior to working at this museum, I had a vague idea of the different fabrics created from natural materials such as cotton. I have had...
He was an on'ry ole cuss...
That is the line that caught my eye when I was scanning a file on an antebellum slave-made table. This assessment came from his own...
Presidential Chairs
We are fortunate to have three chairs on exhibit that were used by presidents. Two Campeche chairs and one Federal side chair. The two...
