Events and Activities
Surgeon, Soldier, Patriot: The Life of William Fleming
Thursday January 8, 7pm on Zoom
Explore the life and legacy of a Roanoke Valley colonial hero with “Surgeon, Soldier, Patriot: The Life of William Fleming.” This free Salem Museum speaker series talk will be on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM, livestreamed exclusively on Zoom.
Zoom Link HERE
In his talk, Salem Museum Executive Director Garrett Channell will examine the life of Colonel William Fleming, a pioneering figure in the history of the Commonwealth and the birth of the nation. Born and educated as a surgeon in Scotland, Fleming immigrated to the colony of Virginia and became a noted physician and statesman. He fought alongside George Washington and Andrew Lewis during the French and Indian War, served as a surgeon throughout the Commonwealth, and briefly became the third Governor of Virginia during the Revolutionary War. Channell’s talk will closely examine Fleming’s storied life and lasting legacy.
Readjusting the Old Dominion
Join Salem Museum Assistant Director Hunter Haskins as he explores the powerful story of the Readjusters, a long-forgotten 1880s Virginia political movement that achieved remarkable socio-economic reforms for whites and African Americans. Formed to battle the Commonwealth’s crippling debt crisis and its impact on public services, the Readjusters oversaw a transformative period in the state’s educational and infrastructural development that welcomed and benefitted citizens of all races and backgrounds. However, following four years of political dominance from 1879-1883, the movement met a history-making end that, for more than a century, was stricken from Virginia history books. Who were these incredible Readjusters, and what legacy do they leave us today?
Held at the Friendship Retirement Community Chapel, 397 Hershberger Road, Roanoke, VA 24012. Roanokecwrt.com
"The Candidates" Staged Reading
Saturday February 21, 2pm
Volunteers willing to read roles in the play are needed! Please contact us if interested!
The Salem Museum is excited to host a staged reading of Colonel Robert Munford's “The Candidates; or, The Humours of a Virginia Election - A Comedy in Three Acts."
Written and set in the early 1770s on the eve of the American Revolution, this farcical tale about a Virginia House of Burgesses election satirizes the corrupt campaigning culture of the day. With stinging critiques of electioneering and witty dialogue to boot, Munford's three act comedy will be put on in the Roanoke Valley for the first time ever through a staged reading at the Salem Museum.
Volunteer Steve Aaron will lead this production, and is actively seeking participants to read for numerous characters. If interested in reading a part or volunteering on the project, please contact the Salem Museum via phone at 540-389-6760 or via email at info@SalemMuseum.org.
Mark Your Calendar
Monthly Speaker Series
Second Thursday of each month, 7pm. January and February on Zoom. January= The Life of William Fleming with Garrett Channell / February= The Battle of Gwynn's Island with Michael Rhodes
Totero Town Symposium
February 28, 11am-4pm. Join us for a day of speakers about Totero Town and the archeology of the site at what is today Salem's Moyer Sports Complex. Details to follow.
Workshops with artist Matilda Wentzel
Returns in Spring 2026. Second and Fourth Tuesdays Monthly. Join us for arts workshops. RSVP Required. More information HERE
"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.
Peggy Shifflett Book Talk
POSTPONED. Local author Peggy Shifflett will discuss her new book and have a book signing.
Gwynn's Island Weekend
June 27-28. Commemorate the Battle of Gwynn's Island, when Gen. Andrew Lewis expelled Lord Dunmore from Virginia, with a weekend of living history and exhibitions.
Jazz in July
July 18, 3:30pm. Exclusively for Bronze Star Members and up. Enjoy refreshments and beverages on our rooftop patio as you experience the music of Longwood Park's annual summer jazz concert.
Pickin' in the Park
August 15. Exclusively for Bronze Star Members and up. Enjoy refreshments and beverages on our rooftop patio as you experience the music of Longwood Park's annual summer bluegrass concert.
Ghost Walk 2026
October 1-3. The annual Ghost Walk returns to East Hill Cemetery. Join us for a fun, family friend walk through the Cemetery to meet ghosts from Salem's past.
Gingerbread Festival 2026
December 5, 10am-2pm. 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 12, 12pm. 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.
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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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