Salem Museum in Salem, Virginia

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

Thanks to our Sponsors!

At the end of last month we had a very successful Fundraising Gala and Wine Tasting!

We want to thank our Platinum and Gold Sponsors who made the event possible.

Blue Ridge Beverage Thank You Post 2025 Gala - 1

Barboursville Vineyards Thank You Post 2025 Gala - 1

Edward Jones Thank You Post 2025 Gala - 1

Hart Motors Thank You Post 2025 Gala - 1

Sherwood Memorial Park Thank You Post 2025 Gala - 1

Mountain Memories: Charles Lytton's Tales of Appalachia

Thursday, April 10 at 7:00pm

Examine Southwestern Virginia life from a local storyteller's eye with “Mountain Memories: Charles Lytton's Tales of Appalachia.” Admission is free for this Salem Museum speaker series talk on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Salem Museum.

In this upcoming lecture, local author Charles Lytton talks all things Appalachia, from his childhood in the Southwest Virginia mountains to the many unforgettable characters he met along the way. Weaving a tapestry of stories rich in tradition and community, Lytton will highlight a bygone era of Virginia's cultural heritage history with laughter, adventure, and warmth.

At the conclusion of the talk, a selection of Lytton’s books, including his latest using original research from the Museum’s Logan Research Library, will be available for purchase and/or signing.

Glenvar Student Art Show

Opening Reception Tuesday, April 15

Closes Thursday, May 15

The annual Glenvar Student Art show returns to Salem Museum this April! New this year are entries from elementary school students, joining the many fabulous and unique creations of Glenvar High and Glenvar Middle School students. See examples of both 2D and 3D art, including drawings, paintings, collages, photography, ceramics, and digital creations!

Salem Rescue Squad History on Display

On display in our Main Gallery through April 8

“Service Through Knowledge: The History of the Salem Rescue Squad” is now open in the Main Gallery through early Spring. This captivating display honors the dedication and valor of the men and women who have served in the nation’s oldest all-volunteer rescue squad.

Visitors will embark on a journey through over ninety years of Salem history, exploring the operations of this vital institution and the remarkable individuals who have made lasting contributions to the community through their selfless service. The exhibit showcases an array of photographs and unique artifacts, highlighting the evolution of rescue techniques and equipment while emphasizing the squad’s crucial role in Salem’s safety and well-being.

Guests are also invited to share their personal experiences of how the Rescue Squad has touched their lives by leaving a note in the exhibit. For those inspired by the squad’s noble mission, information about joining this exceptional group of volunteers will be available.

More Events Here!

Homeschool Days at Salem Museum: RSVP required

Homeschool Days Return

The Salem Museum is pleased to announce the return of Homeschool Days for the 2024-25 school year. Homeschool Days will take place monthly for students ages five and up, giving students an opportunity to explore local history this semester.

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 and group discussions, followed by 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 11:00am and 2:00pm, with a new topic each month.

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 [email protected] to register.

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Collage of historical and contemporary figures.

Through Their Eyes: The Moments That Made Salem

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.

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” 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.