Lori Graham
Contributing Writer
Montgomery Museum of Art and History is celebrating their 40th anniversary in June, and one year anniversary in their new Downtown Christiansburg location.
The museum was formerly located on Pepper Street in Christiansburg and still retains the property with a beautiful garden for all to enjoy. The gardens are an educational and recreational asset and are an extension of what they do at the museum.
In the museum on 4 East Main St. in Christiansburg, visitors will see both art and history exhibits and admission is free.
The art and history exhibits showcase genres such as photography, painted art, lithography, documents, books, and other collections made available to the museum. The museum provides a rich environment for embracing both interpreting the history as well as connecting the present-day culture of the New River Valley.
“We are currently transforming the old bank of Christiansburg into a state-of-the-art, regional cultural destination that offers enriching programming and serves as an inclusive, collaborative gathering space for the New River Valley,” Executive Director of the Montgomery Museum Casey Jenkins said.
Currently, the museum is also fundraising through the Give Local NRV campaign and has set a goal of $40,000 in honor of their 40th anniversary. Donations during the early giving part of the campaign have already begun and will culminate with a 24-hour kick-on Wednesday June 28 at noon, ending on June 29 at noon. Anyone interested in donating may visit the website at www.givelocalnrv.org. Monthly subscriptions are also available from the museum at their website at www.montgomerymuseum.org.
The museum is holding Giving Day Bash, an open house to kick-off their donations campaign on June 28, with a cash bar and live music. The art and history exhibits will be open during the event for everyone to enjoy.
Jenkins said the Montgomery Museum is very excited about their pillars of giving initiatives. Their focus for the museum is to meet with seven community pillars: children’s corner for ages 2-10, expanding the definition of arts, an education lab, educational outreach with Montgomery County Public Schools, quality of life for our aging population, art therapy and wellness, and creative placemaking. Through these pillars, the museum hopes to “leave a positive and lasting impact on the local community,” according to their website.
The museum will be hosting two more very large events in July and August. An open house and NRV Rail Exhibition, along with other art and collections, and the Passenger Rail Panel Discussion with the NRV Regional Commission, Blacksburg Partnership, and VA Passenger Rail Authority will happen on July 13, 4:30-7 p.m. on Rail Heritage. The discussion will surround the much-anticipated passenger rail coming to Montgomery County.
On August 19, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., the annual Heritage Day Festival will be held along Main Street and includes the museum’s locations at East Main Street and Pepper Street. The event is geared towards family activities, providing games, special children areas, and hayrides. There will be a beer garden for adults as well, plus food, vendors, and music for all ages.
The museum is open to the public for regular admission hours Tuesday-Friday, 10:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 1-4 p.m.
