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.
2012 Events
Jan. 9. Tell Me a Story. 10:30-11 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: Chickens.
Jan. 21. Quilting Demonstration: Freedom from Bondage. 11 a.m. Sesquicentennial Event. Held in conjunction with the UDC Chapter #699.
Jan. 28. Three Little Pigs: Straw. 1-2 p.m. From the first domestication of pigs in China to the razorbacks of Isle of Wight County, learn the fascinating history of ham and understand how it put Smithfield on the world map. Today, participants will learn about the history and evolution of pigs – plus a few famous pigs. This afternoon program, part of a three-part series, includes a craft and special hog project. Geared to ages 6 to 12. $10 per child or $25 for all three sessions. Registration required.
Feb. 11. Save Your History Day. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Help the museum tell the story of life in Isle of Wight County! If your closet contains photos you’d like to share with generations to come, bring them to the museum for scanning.
Feb. 13. Tell Me a Story. 10:30-11 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: Pigs.
Feb. 22. Cupcakes with the Curator. 12:30 p.m. What’s in the museum’s closet? Join our curator for a discussion about one of the museum’s artifacts in this lunchtime program. Bring your lunch, and we’ll supply your dessert!
Feb. 25. Three Little Pigs: Sticks. 1-2 p.m. From the first domestication of pigs in China to the razorbacks of Isle of Wight County, learn the fascinating history of ham and understand how it put Smithfield on the world map. Today, participants will learn that there is truth in the phrase “everything but the squeal.” This afternoon program, part of a three-part series, includes a craft and special hog project. Geared to ages 6 to 12. $10 per child or $25 for all three sessions. Registration required.
March 12. Tell Me a Story. 10:30-11 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: Warraskoyack.
March 19. Civil War Lecture Series: The Forts of Isle of Wight County. 7 p.m. Fort Monroe was Union-held during the Civil War, and this stronghold posed problems for the Confederate capital. The Confederacy constructed a series of forts along the James River to help protect Richmond. Local historian Albert Burckard discusses the construction and viability of Forts Huger and Boykin. Free.
March 24. Three Little Pigs: Bricks. 1-2 p.m. From the first domestication of pigs in China to the razorbacks of Isle of Wight County, learn the fascinating history of ham and understand how it put Smithfield on the world map. Today, participants will become wordsmiths and discuss the pig and its influence on American idioms, phrases and culture. This afternoon program, part of a three-part series, includes a craft and special hog project. Geared to ages 6 to 12. $10 per child or $25 for all three sessions. Registration required.
April 9. Tell Me a Story. 10:30-11 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: Spring.
April 30. Civil War Lecture Series: Peninsula Campaign. 7 p.m. The Peninsula Campaign of the American Civil War was a major Union operation launched in southeastern Virginia in 1862. Its effects on both sides of the James River, as well as the war itself, were far-reaching. Historian J. Michael Moore discusses this first large-scale offensive in the Eastern Theater. Free.
May 14. Tell Me a Story. 10:30-11 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: Herbs.
May 16. Cupcakes with the Curator. 12:30 p.m. What’s in the museum’s closet? Join our curator for a discussion about one of
the museum’s artifacts in this lunchtime program. Bring your lunch, and we’ll supply your dessert!
June 11. Tell Me a Story. 10:30-11 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: Flag Day.
Sept. 10. Tell Me a Story. 10:30-11 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: Back to School.
Sept. 12. Cupcakes with the Curator. 12:30 p.m. What’s in the museum’s closet? Join our curator for a discussion about one of the museum’s artifacts in this lunchtime program. Bring your lunch, and we’ll supply your dessert!
Sept. 15. Drums Alive!: Civil War Drummers. 2-4 p.m. Through crafts and hands-on activities, participants will learn of the importance of drummers during the Civil War. An integral part of the unit, the drummer established communications, kept order among the units and beat cadence for troops on the move. $10 per child. Registration required. Geared to 1st-5th graders.
Sept. 24. Civil War Lecture Series: The U.S.S. Monitor. 7 p.m. The U.S.S. Monitor was the first ironclad warship commissioned by the United States Navy during the Civil War. Her participation in the Battle of Hampton Roads with C.S.S. Virginia marked a new age of naval warfare. Historian Anna Holloway discusses this ship and her legacy. Free.
Oct. 8. Tell Me a Story. 10:30-11 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: Apples.
Oct. 27. Civil War Sesquicentennial Legacy Event.10 a.m-4 p.m. The Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission and the Library of Virginia are working together to locate original manuscript material related to the Civil War. The material will be used for reference on both the Library of Virginia and Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission websites. On the 27th, Civil War 150 Legacy Project staff will visit the Isle of Wight County Museum to scan privately-held war-related documents. Appointments are encouraged.
Oct. 27. The Case of the Mislaid Hams: A Meaty Museum Mystery. 5 p.m. The world’s oldest ham is missing. And so is the curator. Was there a murder? Was it an accident? It’s up to you to collect clues and solve puzzles to crack this
case. This hair-raising evening event is perfectly frightful for ages 8 and up. Potions and goodies available. $10 per person. Reservations required.
Nov. 12. Tell Me a Story. 10:30-11 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: Thanksgiving.
Dec. 10. Tell Me a Story. 10:30-11 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: Snowflakes.
Dec. 12. Cupcakes with the Curator. 12:30 p.m. What’s in the museum’s closet? Join our curator for a discussion about one of
the museum’s artifacts in this lunchtime program. Bring your lunch, and we’ll supply your dessert!
Dec. 15. First Light: The Story Behind the Celebration. 6:30 p.m. At this lecture by Winette Jeffery of the Hampton History Museum, guests will learn of America’s first documented English Christmas. Capt. John Smith’s journal of 1608 details the events leading up to, during and following Christmas with the Native Americans. Free.