funding from the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund, administered by the Virginia
Department of Historic Resources.
The Montgomery Museum of Art & History is one of 35 recipients awarded funding from the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund, administered by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.
The grant supports historical sites and museums across Virginia in preparation for 2026 – the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Founded in 1776, the same year as Virginia, Montgomery County will also celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026. As the county museum, the Montgomery Museum of Art & History plays a key role in preserving and sharing the story of local and state history. Ongoing fundraising, infrastructure improvements, and expanded programming are all part of preparing the museum for this milestone.
The VA250 Preservation Fund has awarded $206,714 to the Montgomery Museum and is supported by $117,000 in matching funds from the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. These funds will enable the construction of a new elevator in the museum, allowing visitors to access the lower level of the historic bank building. With the addition of the elevator, the museum’s Community Room and Education Lab will become fully ADA accessible, greatly expanding its ability to serve the community.
In addition to the elevator, the grant will fund the research and design of a new exhibit celebrating Montgomery County’s 250th anniversary. The exhibit will be located in the newly accessible Community Room. In 1776, Montgomery County covered a large area now divided into twelve Southwest Virginia municipalities. The museum will collaborate with local and regional partners to ensure that stories from across Southwest Virginia are included in this regional history.
“We are honored and grateful to have received this competitive grant,” said Museum Executive Director Sherry Wyatt. “Making the museum’s building ADA accessible is critical to our mission of connecting and engaging with our community through history and the arts.”
