In 1983, a group of forward looking residents collaborated on establishing the Montgomery Museum & Lewis Miller Regional Art Center. The mission today remains the same: collecting, preserving and interpreting the history of Montgomery County and the region. This non-profit organization also promotes an understanding of the role of art and artists, primarily through gallery presentations of regional artists. The Museum has a beautiful gazebo, gift shop and gardens to be enjoyed during visits, and maintains the Craig Cemetery which serves as the final resting place of many early citizens of Christiansburg.
Today, the Museum houses a wonderful permanent collection and library of books, documents, genealogical information and photographs while hosting special exhibits and frequently changing galleries of artwork.
Located in Downtown Christiansburg at 300 Pepper Street (between S. Franklin and First Street), the Museum's home was built circa 1852 and was the manse for the Christiansburg Presbyterian Church with bricks manufactured on site and the structure built of hewn oak.
Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Museum events over the next 12 months will focus on what has been accomplished and new goals to strive towards. A booklet commemorating this anniversary is being offered for sale now. Entitled "Rediscovering Montgomery County: A Self-Guided Driving Tour" the tour will take travelers through Childress and Graysontown, Riner, Christiansburg and Cambria. The tour includes information about Yellow Sulphur Springs, Merrimac Mine, Blacksburg, Prices Fork and Kentland. Eastern Montgomery County takes one through Shawsville, Alleghany Springs, Elliston and Lafayette. Anyone completing this full circuit will have a great appreciation of the isolated yet connected communities that came before us -- and a greater appreciation of modern transportation and means of communicating! An extensive and comprehensive book of Montgomery County is being published by the Museum, and is expected to be on sale before the end of this year.
Currently, a special history exhibit of Agriculture in Montgomery County is being featured, as well as an interactive art exhibit by Melissa Warp. On June 14th the Museum will host a Natural History celebration before joining the "Cruisin' Christiansburg" event in Downtown Christiansburg. On Saturday, August 23, the Museum will host its annual Heritage Day Festival.
The fact this extraordinary building was preserved and now houses wonderful resources for the public's enjoyment or education is worth celebrating. Branches have also been established in Riner and Shawsville, at the Meadowbrook Center.
Consider becoming a sponsor or member or volunteer and support these efforts for the next 25 years, ensuring our local history is preserved and heritage celebrated.