Events and Activities
Lord Dunmore Day
September 13, 10am-3pm
Join us for a day of living history and learning about the British side of the American Revolution. Meet Virginia's last Royal Governor, engage with British soldiers, and hear lectures about the War of Independence
11am "Governor Dunmore's War - A Prelude to Self-Governance" with Michael Henningsen as Lord Dunmore
After the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie at the Battle of Culloden Mor in Scotland in 1745, young John Murray and his father, William, were to be tried and hung as traitor s. For the nobles of Clan Murray, this would have meant the loss of family lands and titles. For young John, his support of the Jacobite prince should have cost him his life and estates. Instead, 1775 finds John Murray serving the very Crown he had opposed as the Royal Governor of Virginia, the wealthiest colony in British North America. Walk with John Murray, the Lord Dunmore, as the twists and turns of life take the IV Earl of Dunmore from a squire in service to his beloved Prince and would-be king, to a seat in Parliament, to the wealth of the Virginia Highlands, on to victory for the colonies at Point Pleasant, only to be ousted by an angry mob in Williamsburg. History comes to life through this presentation of Governor Dunmore's War, A Prelude to Self-Governance.
1pm "The Life of a British Soldier" with Jeff Briggs in British Uniform
TV shows and movies have spread many myths and inaccuracies about the British soldiers who fought in the American Revolution. Jeff Briggs will present little known facts about the British Army in general and the British soldier in particular. He will explain the uniform and equipment worn and used by the British soldiers.
Ghost Walk 2025
October 2-4, 6-8pm
East Hill Cemetery comes alive after dark just once a year! The Salem Museum once again welcomes the living for the annual Ghost Walk on October 2-4, 2025. Tour the historic graveyard and meet notable characters from Salem’s past on walking tours that are family-friendly, fun, and informative, but not scary.
“Ghosts” will share captivating tales of fascinating characters from various periods of Salem’s rich history, spanning over 200 years. Each character has made an impact, whether big or small, and some stories are simply delightful. Guests will also discover surprising narratives about some of the region's most historic locations - places they may encounter in their daily lives.
Tours leave the Museum every 15 minutes from 6pm to 8pm. An ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter will join the 6pm tour each evening.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students of any age, and free for children ages three and younger.
All tickets go on sale September 2 at the Salem Museum or online through SalemMuseum.org. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to reserve your preferred tour time. Groups must register in advance. The Ghost Walk is expected to sell out once again this year.
The Woman's Role in the Eastern Siouan Tribes of Virginia's Interior
Salem Museum Speaker Series, September 11 at 7pm
Zoom link click HERE
In her talk, researcher and historical interpreter Victoria Persinger Ferguson will explore how women of the Eastern Woodland tribes in Virginia’s interior (such as those living in Tutelo Village, located where the Moyer Sports Complex in Salem now stands) rose to prominence as the guiding force and foundation of their societies. Ferguson highlights the significance of matrilineal traditions; and how women exercised considerable influence, making key decisions on matters from labor assignments and marital eligibility to burial practices, residency, and the selection of village leadership. Ferguson emphasizes that these women managed vital aspects of daily life and upheld the communal fabric, roles that endured until disruption by European colonization led to the dismantling of traditional tribal structures and the loss of their societal cohesion.
Ferguson is an enrolled citizen of the Monacan Indian Nation and a graduate of Marshall University. She has 30 years background in researching science methodologies and historical documentation on the daily living habits of the Eastern Siouan populations up through the early European colonization period. Ferguson has been involved with public history as a historical interpreter for over 25 years and has participated in numerous educational documentaries. She serves in the position of Program Director for Solitude/Fraction site on the campus of Virginia Tech and is the university’s Presidential Ambassador to Native Nations.
Art Gatherings at the Museum
Second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, 5pm
Join local artist Matilda Wentzel for consistent Art Gatherings at the Salem Museum. Each class stands on its own, so you can sign up for one or join them all! Each class will have a demonstration in the art medium we will be working in that day, followed by help and instructions from the teacher.
You can find out more and sign up by clicking HERE
August 26- Drawing Mandalas
Mark Your Calendar
Monthly Speaker Series
Second Thursday of each month, 7pm. August= Dr. Forest Jones book talk "Good Trouble" / September= Kay McCarron on Graham-White Site archeology / October= Heath Lee on the life of Pat Nixon (at Roanoke College) / November= Flood of 1985 panel
Workshops with artist Matilda Wentzel
Second and Fourth Tuesdays Monthly. Join us for arts workshops. RSVP Required. More information HERE
Ask an Archeologist
This Fall. As the Museum prepares for its fall exhibit on the Totera Town site, archeologists will be on site to work on the artifacts. Ask them questions about their work and see how they perform their craft.
Peggy Shifflett Book Talk
POSTPONED. Local author Peggy Shifflett will discuss her new book and have a book signing.
Lord Dunmore Day
September 13, 10am-3pm. Hear the other perspective of history. Meeting living historians, including Lord Dunmore himself, and learn about the British perspectives during the Revolutionary War.
Blue Ridge Potters Guild Workshop
September 20, 10am-3pm. Join the Potters Guild for a workshop on ceramics techniques.
People and Places of the Appalachian Trail in the Roanoke Region
September 27, 11am. Diana Christopolis joins us to discuss the Appalachian Trail in our region and the role of the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club.
Ghost Walk 2025
October 2-4, 6pm-8pm. Our annual Ghost Walk returns to East Hill Cemetery.
Gingerbread Festival 2025
December 6. The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce Festival returns to Longwood Park with the annual Gingerbread House Competition on display inside the Museum.
Wreaths Across America
December 13. Join the Fort Lewis Chapter NSDAR to honor local veterans. A ceremony will take place, then community members are invited to help lay wreaths on graves in East Hill and East Hill North cemeteries.
"The Living Story: From Memory to Legacy" Storytelling Workshops
Spring 2026. Join Clint Atwater, founder of Storytelling Connections, for five workshops to give you the tools to craft and share meaningful stories with confidence.
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Sun - Mon: Closed
Tue - Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Sun - Mon: Closed
Tue - Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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