103 Main Street, Smithfield, VA 23430 (757) 356-122310 am-4 pm Monday-Saturday & 1-5 pm SundayClosed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
The Isle of Wight County Museum was founded in 1976 by a group of volunteers dedicated to the preservation of county history. Interpreting local history, the museum’s exhibits include prehistoric fossils, Native American and colonial artifacts, a country store and displays regarding the ham industry and perhaps the museum’s most notable artifact: the world’s oldest, edible cured ham.
2013 Events
Jan. 14. Tell Me a Story. 10 a.m. This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Peanuts.
Jan. 26. Pig Tales. 2-4 p.m. Pigs and hogs are linked to the history of America. This afternoon program tells the tale of that history, and participants will be able to make their own special piggy craft, participate in a scavenger hunt and fabricate their own candle. Geared to children ages 7 to 12. $10 per child. Registration and pre-payment required.
Jan. 27. Curatorial Talk. 2:30 p.m. Isle of Wight County Museum Curator Tracey Neikirk discusses the Civil War in Isle of Wight County.
Feb. 3. War of 1812 Lecture. 2:30 p.m. Local living historian Rob Friar discusses the War of 1812, its background, causes and repercussions – primarily focusing on the Battle of Craney Island, a victory for the U.S. which saved Norfolk from British invasion. The role of militiamen from Smithfield and Isle of Wight County in the war will also be discussed.
Feb. 11. Tell Me a Story. 10 a.m. This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Ham.
Feb. 16. A Salute to the Tuskegee Airmen. 1-3 p.m. Guests are invited to meet and speak with former Tuskegee Airman William White. He will be available to discuss his service with the US Army Air Corps while he and his fellow airmen fought against the Axis Powers while battling segregation at home. White, a resident of Smithfield, served as a member of the supply crew and recently attended President Obama’s inauguration with other surviving Tuskegee Airmen.
March 11. Tell Me a Story. 10 a.m. This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Sheep and lambs.
April 8. Tell Me a Story. 10 a.m. This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Steamboats.
April 13. Genealogy Seminar. 2 p.m. Rod McDonald of the Tidewater Genealogical Society will offer a seminar on how to research your family roots.
April 20. Victory is Ours! 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Spring has sprung, so be sure to stop by the museum to start your very own victory garden. It’s never too early to think about the fall harvest.
April 22. Siege of Suffolk Lecture. 7 p.m. Civil War historian J. Michael Moore discusses the April 11 to May 4, 1863, engagement. The campaign against Suffolk was Gen. Longstreet’s first independent command, and while he was successful in protecting Richmond, he did not capture the Federal garrison at Suffolk.
April 28. Curatorial Talk. 2:30 p.m. Isle of Wight County Museum Curator Tracey Neikirk discusses the history of Smithfield ham.
May 4. Duck and Cover. 2-4 p.m. The Cold War, 1947 to 1991, was a period of sustained political and military tension between the powers of the Western world and the communist world. Come learn all about Bert the Turtle and Godzilla as this program explores the effects of the Cold War on U.S. culture – everything from movies and books to music and games. Be sure to read Rex Zero and the End of the World by Tim Wynne-Jones and The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Suess before attending the event! Geared to children ages 7 to 12. $10 per child. Registration and pre-payment required.
May 11. Walking Tour Along Church Street. 10:30 a.m. Join us as we venture for a stroll down Church Street to explore the history of our fascinating county.
May 13. Tell Me a Story. 10 a.m. This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Cotton.
June 1. The Cup That Cheers. Noon to 2 p.m. June is National Iced Tea Month. Stop by the museum today to learn about the world’s second most popular beverage.
June 1. Walking Tour Along Church Street. 10:30 a.m. Join us as we venture for a stroll down Church Street to explore the history of our fascinating county!
June 29. Camera Day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cameras are a part of our daily lives, and we use them to snap pictures of friends, family and things that interest us. From the Brownie to the smartphone, you most likely have some type of camera with the capability of recording your precious moments. Join us for a special open house dedicated to camera history, artifacts and technology. Inspire your inner shutterbug.
July 13. Walking Tour Along Church Street. 10:30 a.m. Join us as we venture for a stroll down Church Street to explore the history of our fascinating county!
July 13. Eleventy-one: The Pet Ham’s Birthday Party. Noon-2 p.m. The world’s oldest ham is 111 years old. Join us for this celebration of all things porcine, and make a special birthday hat!
Aug. 4. Curatorial Talk. 2:30 p.m. Isle of Wight County Museum Curator Tracey Neikirk discusses country stores.
Aug. 10. Walking Tour Along Church Street. 10:30 a.m. Join us as we venture for a stroll down Church Street to explore the history of our fascinating county!
Sept. 9. Tell Me a Story. 10 a.m. This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Blackwater River.
Sept. 28. Mr. Madison’s War. 2-4 p.m. Sometimes known as America’s second war for independence, the War of 1812 will be detailed in this program through crafts and hands-on activities. Participants will learn about Virginia’s role in this conflict as well as the tale of our national anthem. Be sure to read American Girl Caroline before attending this event! $10 per child. Registration and pre-payment required. Geared to 1st-5th graders.
Oct. 14. Tell Me a Story. 10 a.m. This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Pumpkins.
Nov. 11. Tell Me a Story. 10 a.m. This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Colonial Harvest Celebrations.
Nov. 17. Curatorial Talk. 2:30 p.m. Isle of Wight County Museum Curator Tracey Neikirk discusses archaeology in Isle of Wight County.
Nov. 22. Happy Birthday, Benjamin Huger! 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit the museum to learn about the life of Benjamin Huger, the career U.S. Army ordnance officer who fought with distinction during the Mexican-American War and served as a Confederate general during the Civil War.
Dec. 7. Victorian Shadowlight Theater’s Magic of the Holidays. 2:30 and 4 p.m. Experience one of the oldest forms of moving picture entertainment – a shadow puppet play about the magic of the holidays in the 1890s! This charming and nostalgic program will enchant all ages, and Victorian Shadowlight Theater recreates this old world experience with a storyteller, shadow puppeteers, lighting and sound effects. Perfect for all ages! $10 per person. Registration and pre-payment required.
Dec. 9. Tell Me a Story. 10 a.m. This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Victorian Christmas.