The Luray Valley Museum is a presentation of thematic elements celebrating our Shenandoah culture. A museum will display Shenandoah Valley artifacts and a history in chronological delivery from the 1750's to the 1920's. A 1536 bible from Germany, the centerpiece of the collection, connects the valley's history and development to the European immigrants who settled the region from Pennsylvania through the ports of the northeast.

 

In addition a collection of historic, local buildings have been transported to the site and restored to represent a small 19th century farming community. The Elk Run Dunkard Church, circa 1800, served as a barracks for hundreds of both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War as attested by the signatures and scrawls that still scatter the interior. Once located in Leaksville, the structure was relocated here, adjacent to Luray Caverns in the spring of 2008, where it has been restored almost entirely to its original form.

 

It joins what will eventually be a total of nine buildings on the 7 acre site consisting of relocated, reconstructed and newly constructed, environmentally friendly and energy efficient structures which will recreate pre-1900 Page Valley life. Already complete are the Murray House, Bellview constructed in 1835 and home to the county's first judge, and the Burner Barn.

 

Garden aspects will include an heirloom variety of fruits, flowers and vegetables, a courtyard area centered around a large fountain, trails winding around a small lake and apple orchards. Other aspects will include the Heart Pine Café, live music and a craft area showcasing a different skill each month from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

 

Visitors will begin the museum tour at an introductory area of displays including decorative arts, items of clothing and artifacts. The tour will continue with many hands-on activities, including a gold mining station, a working blacksmith, a barn filled with period livestock and agrarian farm equipment and a German-style pottery kiln. Eventually the original farm house currently sitting on the property will be furnished and opened to the public for viewing.