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Salem Museum in Salem, Virginia

Preserving 300+ years of history, art, and sports in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

Military Living History Day

Military Day

Saturday, March 23, 10 am to 4 pm
Experience a unique array of living historians, representing almost every major military conflict in American history from the Revolutionary War through Operation Desert Storm. Soldiers and civilians will be represented. Talks throughout the day will focus on the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and WWII.

 

Special talks are planned throughout the day:

“Surgeon, Soldier, Patriot: The Life of William Fleming” at 10 am.
Talk presented by Garrett Channell, the Salem Museum’s Director of Education and Archives, and a Revolutionary War living historian.

That Awful Spring: The Battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House, May 5 – May 21, 1864” at 12 noon. Talk presented by Alex Burke, the Salem Museum’s Assistant Director and Civil War scholar.

“Crisis in Europe: How the World Got to World War II” at 2 pm.
Presented by John Long, Director of Education at the National D-Day Memorial.

On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In preparation for this significant anniversary, the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) is encouraging programming to commemorate the Revolution. This living history day is a VA250 event.

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Hometown History: Salem’s Forgotten Beginnings

fire helmet

The Museum’s Main Gallery Feature Exhibit continues through March 23, 2024. Scattered throughout Salem are many locations that have either been replaced or forgotten after years of development. Hometown History uncovers these historic locations and their often-forgotten stories.

Exhibit designer Alex Burke, Salem Museum’s Assistant Director, describes this exhibit as “a walking tour without the walking.” Salem residents will enjoy learning the history behind dozens of sites they pass by every day, and out-of-town visitors will discover the history that gives Salem its unique character.

Homeschool Days at the Salem Museum

WWII

The Salem Museum is pleased to announce a new program for homeschool families. Students will learn interesting stories from our past, and get to hold pieces of history in their hand. Each program will include an hour of hands-on history instruction, group discussions, and a scavenger hunt to encourage exploration of the Salem Museum’s exhibits. The schedule is designed to give participants an opportunity to get to know other students.

Programs will be held on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:00pm, with a new topic each month. Registration is required.

Life 200 Years Ago, March 20
Have you ever wondered what the Roanoke Valley was like in the 1800s? Come discover how different life was long ago.

Civil War in Virginia, April 17
Join us to explore why Virginia was important during the Civil War. Learn what daily life was like for soldiers and their families back at home.

World War II and the Roanoke Valley, May 15
World War II had a big impact on local families! Learn how local people influenced WWII both at home and overseas.

RSVP in advance is required. The fee is $4 per student per session. All parents/ teachers/ chaperones are free. Registration for Museum members is free. Please call 540-389-6760 or email garrett@salemmuseum.org to register.

Through Their Eyes: The Moments That Made Salem

Through Their Eyes--9 witnesses to history

Over a year in the making, this Gallery highlights sixteen major events, dating back to 1671, that have shaped Salem and the Roanoke Valley into the community it is today. History gets personal as seen ‘through the eyes’ of men and women who lived here at the time. Visitors will experience the emotional, life-changing impact of each of these events—including the coming of the railroad, the end of the Civil War, desegregation, the Flood of ’85, and so many more. The Gallery features personal narratives, pictures, maps, artifacts, and hands-on elements.

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HOURS OF OPERATION

Open Tuesdays — Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm.

Closed on July 4; Thanksgiving; Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas; New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and the day after New Years.

If the City of Salem Schools are closed for inclement weather, the Museum does not open.

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS

Located next to Longwood Park in Downtown Salem
801 East Main Street
Salem, Virginia 24153

From I-81, take exit 140 and head toward Salem on Thompson Memorial Blvd. At Main Street (US 460), turn left. Go .3 mile; the Salem Museum is located at the top of the hill on the left. Our entrance is across from the Berglund Ford service entrance. Look for the “OAKEY FIELD COMPLEX” sign. There is plenty of free, on-site parking.

ADMISSION IS FREE.
DONATIONS ARE
APPRECIATED!

Admission is FREE for all self-guided visitors.

Guided tours are $10 per adult age 15+, and $5 for children. For school groups and educational groups, students are $3 and chaperones are free. Group visits are available when booked at least two weeks in advance.

The Salem Museum & Historical Society is an independent nonprofit organization preserving and celebrating the history of Salem, Virginia, founded in 1802, as well as the surrounding areas.

  • Sun - Mon: Closed
    Tue - Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Sun - Mon: Closed
    Tue - Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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