Events and Activities
Preserving and Reviving Culture: Food Practices of the Eastern Siouan
Salem Museum Speaker Series Thursday April 9, 7pm
ZOOM LINK HERE
Explore the vast foodways of indigenous Roanoke Valley peoples with “Preserving and Reviving Culture: Food Practices of the Eastern Siouan.” Admission is free for this Salem Museum speaker series talk on Thursday, April 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Salem Museum. The event will be livestreamed on Zoom for those unable to attend in person through a link on SalemMuseum.org.
In her talk, researcher and historical interpreter Victoria Persinger Ferguson will explore the diverse food-gathering practices of local Indigenous communities. Drawing on oral histories, archaeological findings, and traditional ecological knowledge, she will show how these foodways reveal deep connections to the land and enduring resilience in the face of both human and environmental challenges.
Glenvar Art Show Opening Reception
Tuesday April 14, 5:30-7pm
The annual Glenvar Student Art Show returns to Salem Museum this April! See examples of both 2D and 3D art, including drawings, paintings, collages, photography, ceramics, and digital creations.
The Glenvar Student Art Show will be on display from April 14 to May 9
Revolutionary War Week at the Salem Museum
April 16-18
The Commonwealth of Virginia’s VA250 Mobile Museum Experience will visit the Salem Museum from Thursday, April 16, through Saturday, April 18. The exhibit will be open to homeschool families from 3 to 4 p.m. April 16 and 17, and to the public from 4 to 5 p.m. those days. Public hours will also be held Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
A hands-on, interactive, and immersive “museum on wheels,” the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience titled “Out of Many, One” is housed in an expandable tractor trailer that is traveling throughout Virginia in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this July 4, 2026. Visitors can expect a dynamic experience will bring together students, families, and the wider community for an unforgettable journey into the era that created our nation.
On Saturday, April 18, Colonial living historians from the Fincastle Company will also be on site to demonstrate the professions, trades, and crafts essential to the era. The Fincastle Company is a group of dedicated historians who portray both military and civilian roles during the time of the American War of Independence. They conduct extensive research into the clothing and equipment of the era in order to be as accurate to the period as possible. The group performs living history displays at various historical sites across the mid-Atlantic region.\
The Salem Museum is home to artifacts related to two of the area’s Colonial heroes, Colonel William Fleming and General Andrew Lewis. The French and Indian War battle sword of Fleming, a noted physician and statesman, is featured in the Ground Floor Timeline exhibit, as is a bronze bust of Lewis modeled after the statute standing in front of the Salem Civic Center. Lewis is remembered for leading his troops to victory in the French and Indian War and Dunmore’s War. He also drove Lord Dunmore, the last British Governor, out of Virginia just days after the signing of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago this July.
This free experience is sponsored by City of Salem VA250, Lofts at Downtown Salem, the Laub Family, the Hart Family, and the Robertson Endowment for Exhibit and Events.
Blue Ridge Potter's Guild Art Show Reception
Saturday April 25, 2pm
The Blue Ridge Potter’s Guild proudly returns to the Salem Museum this month as well to showcase outstanding work by young potters across the region! Containing work by dozens of students from seven area middle and high schools.
The Blue Ridge Potter’s Guild Juried Student Art Show will be on display from April 14 to May 2
Mark Your Calendar
Monthly Speaker Series
Second Thursday of each month, 7pm. January and February on Zoom. March= Healing via Artistic Flow with Matilda Wentzel / April= Monacan foodways with Victoria Ferguson / September= A Hiker's History of the Appalachian Trail with Mills Kelly
Headwaters Chapter of the Archeological Society of Virginia Monthly Meetings
Second Tuesday of each month, 7pm. Free and open to the public. Enjoy monthly speakers on topics of local archeology.
Glenvar Student Art Show Opening Reception
April 14. Join us to see the fantastic talent of the Glenvar Schools art students!
Revolutionary War Hands-On Week
April 15-18. Experience the VA250 Mobile Museum weekdays from 4-5pm and all day on Saturday April 18 from 10am-4pm with special events.
Phillip Gibbs Book Signing
May 2, 2pm. Gibbs returns to the Salem Museum to discuss his newest book on the Roanoke Valley area. Copies will be available for purchase and signing, with part of the proceeds going to the Salem Museum.
Peggy Shifflett Book Talk
POSTPONED. Local author Peggy Shifflett will discuss her new book and have a book signing.
Workshops with artist Matilda Wentzel
Returns in Spring 2026. Second and Fourth Tuesdays Monthly. Join us for arts workshops. RSVP Required. More information HERE
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.
Grandin Theater Screening of "Resolved to Live or Die"
July 1, 5pm reception & 7pm documentary begins. Join Salem Museum, Fincastle Resolutions Chapter of the Virginia Sons of the American Revolution, Blue Ridge PBS, Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, and League of Roanoke Artists at the Grandin Theater for a night of art and history. There will be an art exhibit, a dance performance, artifact displays, and the Fincastle Company Living Historians on site. The screening will also be followed by a Q&A to accompany the documentary.
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.
-
Sun - Mon: Closed
Tue - Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
-
Sun - Mon: Closed
Tue - Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
© 2026 Salem Museum. All Rights Reserved.