A visit to the Museum of Shenandoah Valley
June 21, 2014
Initially, we planned on taking the trip up north to Carlisle in Pennsylvania to visit the military museum there. But since it was raining early this morning, I suggested it is time to visit instead the museum that is closest to our place. The Museum of Shenandoah Valley is located in 901 Amherst Street, Winchester, Virginia just 30 minutes away from our house. We love visiting museums and learn the local history through its exhibits. I thought this time we have to learn more about the local history, particularly about the Shenandoah Valley. The entrance fee is $10 for adult, $8 for seniors and youth, and free for kids ages 12 and under. Below is the museum building. I thought it is quite large and impressive
The Museum of Shenandoah Valley building
One of the featured exhibits is "Becoming Patsy Cline". This exhibit is on view through July 6, 2014. I knew Patsy Cline through my mother. My mother's favorite song of her is "Crazy" and I knew that song since I was little. Patsy Cline or Virginia "Ginny" Patterson Hensley is a native of Winchester, VA. One thing I love about the exhibit is the clothing her mom made for her performances. Her mother was a superb seamstress. There were old photos too and I have learned a lot about her through this exhibit. Photography is not allowed in the exhibit area so I don't have photos of clothing on exhibit. But, here are some of the photos taken at the Becoming Patsy Cline area.
 |
| photo taking area - you can grab any instrument from the wall |
 |
Next room is an exhibit of rustic pieces of American furniture with punched-tin panels. The exhibit is called "Safes of the Valley". Initially, I thought it was about the "safe" that people in the old days used to hide their valuables like jewelries, passport, titles etc. I was wrong. The furnitures on display are "food safe". Again, I have no photos to share since photography is not allowed.
Another room features Shenandoah Valley history. The exhibit features the first inhabitants, civil war, local produce, early commerce, ceramics and many artifacts. Shenandoah Valley covers a large area that includes the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and nine counties of Virginia.
 |
| At the Shenandoah Valley exhibit |
Next room is about miniatures. I have seen miniature pieces in some of the museums I have visited but this exhibit by far is the best. It is called "The R. Lee Taylor Miniatures Collection". Museum's late Curator of Gardens R. Lee Taylor (1924-2000) began collecting miniatures as a hobby in 1979 to occupy time over the winter months. The hobby turned into a passion. Here are the photos of the beautiful miniature pieces.
It was already lunch time when we finished the tour, so we went downstairs to the museum's cafe. Museum Cafe by Bonnie Blue, located on the left wing of the museum is only open from 11:30 to 2 pm. I ordered the pulled pork with collard greens and coleslaw. Alfred ordered the chicken salad with potato. Here are the photos of our yummy homemade lunch.
Next to the museum building is the Glen Burnie House and Gardens. It was about a five-minute walk from the museum. First off, we have to say hi to the person inside this gate house, showed our admission sticker and borrowed an audio wand.
Glen Burnie property was owned by James Wood Glass Jr. Together with his partner Lee, they undertook an extensive renovation of the house and surrounded it with six acre of formal gardens. Here are some photos of me in the gardens.
 |
| Pink Pavilion Courtyard |
 |
| Archway to the Perennial and Statue Garden |
 |
| Statue Garden |
 |
| At the drawing room |
 |
| Glen Burnie House |
Chinese Garden |
| Pagoda or tea house |
 |
Waterfall
There were people dressed in nice clothes in the Grand Allee. Someone played the harp in the background. I did not see the bride but it looks like a wedding setup for me.
The Grand Allee
Overall, I enjoyed my tour of the museum and the Glen Burnie House and Gardens.
Thanks for reading :)
Comments