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Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library facts for kids
The Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library is a special place in Bedford County, Virginia. It's like a treasure chest of local history! Here, you can learn all about the past of Bedford County and even explore your own family's history. The museum first opened its doors in 1932. It was started by two groups interested in history: the General William R. Terry chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Peaks of Otter chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Over the years, the museum moved to different spots in Bedford, VA, including the Courthouse and the local library. Finally, in 1979, it found its permanent home. It moved into a building that used to be the meeting hall for a group called the Masons (Liberty Lodge #95). This building is part of the Bedford Historic District. You can find the museum at 201 E. Main St. in Bedford, VA.
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Fun Events at the Museum
The Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library hosts many exciting events throughout the year. These events are a great way to learn about history and have fun!
Annual Train Layout
On the third floor of the Bedford Museum, you'll find an amazing O Gauge model train layout. It's set up every year and is a big hit with kids! You can watch the train chug past tiny villages, over a bridge, and through a tunnel. There's even a trolley you can operate that goes back and forth in the village. During the Christmas holidays, the famous Polar Express train runs on the tracks. Sometimes, there are other interactive train displays too!
Fridays at the Museum
Every summer, the museum has a special program just for kids called "Fridays at the Museum." It's designed for children who are finishing 2nd to 6th grades. Each Friday afternoon, kids learn about local history and how it connects to bigger events in the country and even the world. Past activities have included visits from members of the Monacan Tribe and the Bedford County Sheriff. Kids have also gone on field trips to historic places like Avenel and the Avoca Museum. This program helps kids learn a lot about history!
Women's History Month Essay Contest
In February, the Bedford Museum holds an annual essay contest for Women's History Month. Students in second through eighth grades can enter. They write about a woman who lived during a specific historical period, like the American Revolution or the Civil War. Students explain why they admire that woman. Grand prize winners receive $50, and other top writers also get awards.
Monthly Activities
The museum offers a "Genealogy and History Forum" on the second Saturday of most months, from February to November. Speakers share interesting stories about family history or their own experiences.
They also offer a free class each month for beginners interested in genealogy. This class gives helpful tips for starting your own family history research.
Weekly Bluegrass Jams
If you love music, you might enjoy the free Bluegrass Jams held at the museum. Most Friday nights, from 7 to 9 pm, musicians gather on the third floor to play bluegrass music.
Museum Displays
The museum has three floors filled with interesting exhibits. You can learn about different groups of people who lived in the area, like African Americans and Native Americans. There are also displays about major wars, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. A special exhibit honors the "Bedford Boys" from Co. A 1/116 29th Division, who played a big part in World War II. You can also see everyday items from the past, like old furniture. The museum also has a changing exhibit room that highlights local businesses and important people from Bedford's history.
Genealogy Library
On the first floor, you'll find the Genealogy Library. This is where people go to research their family trees! The library has more than 1,600 books and over 1,000 files filled with information about family names and local history. It's a great resource for anyone curious about their ancestors.