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| Highlights, October 20, 2024 | ||
Scottsville's Twilight Tours, October 18 & 19, 6:00-8:00 pm Dear Scottsville Museum members and friends, We invite you to attend the Scottsville Museum's Twilight Tours on Friday and Saturday nights, October 18 and 19, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Tours depart from the Museum at 290 W. Main Street in Scottsville every 15 minutes for a one hour lantern tour. Tickets for K-12 students cost $10; tickets for children 4yrs. and under are free. Adult tickets cost $15. There will be a seated performance at Victory Hall on Sunday, October 20 at 3 pm. Tickets: Laura Mellusi President of Scottsville Museum |
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| Highlights, April 2024 | ||
Saving Historic Black Schools in Albemarle County, 7 April 2024 at 3pm Dear Scottsville Museum members and friends, We invite you to attend the Scottsville Museum's opening day speaker event on Sunday, April 7th at 3pm. "Saving Historic Black Schools in Albemarle County" Guest Speaker: Jody Lahendro Sunday, April 7 at 3 pm at Scottsville Museum By 1935, there were 36 African American schools in Albemarle County, of which only two were high schools (Esmont High School and Albemarle Training School). Nearly all were one- and two-classroom schools built after 1915, with many following state-of-the-art school designs, during a revolution in progressive education for rural Black children. Today, these revolutionary schoolhouses have either been destroyed, converted to residences, or survive as vine-chocked, derelict frame structures in the countryside. This presentation will examine the history and design characteristics of early 20th century schools constructed for the education of rural African American children in Albemarle County. Jody will also share recent efforts to document and preserve many of these schoolhouses. Jody Lahendro, FAIA, is a retired architect providing services to non-profits with historic African American buildings. He was Historic Preservation Architect at UVA for 16 years and, previously, had his own preservation practice for 18 years. He has an architecture degree from Virginia Tech and a Master of Architectural History from UVA. I hope to see many of you at this inaugural 2024 museum event on Sunday, April 7th, and thank you for your continued support, volunteer hours, and care. Sincerely, |
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| Highlights, October 2023 | ||
Scottsville's Twilight Tours, 2023 Follow a lantern guide on this historic tour exploring Scottsville's past. These walking tour will feature actor portrayals of characters throughout different periods
of Scottsville's history. Walking Tours will take place Friday and Saturday nights, October 20 and 21. First tour departs at 6 PM; last tour departs at 8:00 PM. Tours start from the Scottsville Museum (290 Main Street) and depart every 10 minutes. A seated, handicap-accessible performance of Twilight Tours will be held Sunday, October 22, at 3:00 PM, and will take place at Victory Hall Theater (401 Valley Street). This event is a partnership between The Scottsville Museum and The Scottsville Center for the Arts & Natural Environment. Location: Scottsville Museum, 290 Main Street, Scottsville, VA Dates: First Day: Friday, October 20, 2023, 6:00 PM; tours depart every 15 minute from Scottsville Museum. Last tour at 8:00 PM Second Day: Saturday, October 21, 2023, 6:00 PM; tours depart every 10 minutes from Scottsville Museum. Last tour at 8:00 PM Last performance: Sunday, October 22, 2023, 3:00 PM, a seated performance at Victory Hall. Prices: General: $15.00 K-12th grade: $10 Ages 4 yrs and under: Free Tickets may be purchased online at the following location: https://svilleartsandnature.square.site Passing of Mary Regina Scott, 15 October 2023 |
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| Highlights, September 2023 | ||
"Still I Rise" at Yancey Community Center, Esmont, VA, on 24 Sept. 2023, 3-5 PM 
"Still I Rise," the new exhibit on African Americans in the Esmont and Scottsville communities, will be featured in an event at Yancey Community Center on
Sunday, September 24, from 3 to 5 pm. Those who shared family photos and memorabilia will be honored on the occasion, and selected items from the
exhibit will be on display. We are gathering at Yancey out of respect for those of us who can no longer negotiate the steep steps of the Scottsville
Museum. Please feel free to join us to view the items from the exhibit and to hear a brief presentation on the families of our African American
community who perservered and prospered during difficult times. The title of the exhibit is taken from the poem, "Still I rise," by Maya Angelou.This "Still I Rise" exhibit is currently on display at Scottsville Museum as of 14 October and through 31 October 2023. Come on down to Scottsville Museum to enjoy it with us! Scottsville Museum is open on Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 1pm to 5 pm through 29 October 2023. Above 1930's photo is of Amanda Bolden Paige. |
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| Highlights, August 2023 | ||
Artifact Donation by Nancy White on 08 August 2023, 1 PM  Scottsville Museum recently received a phone call from Nancy White in Severna Park, MD, to let us know that she wanted to donate 3 plastic tubs of historic documents from her great grandfather, Joseph Nathaniel Londeree of Scottsville. Shown at left is Nancy at her home in Severna Park with Museum members, Connie and William Geary. Nancy's family documents are very interesting, and we are most thankful to Nancy for helping increase our knowledge on the Londeree family history in Scottsville. Thank you so much, Nancy White! |
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| Highlights, May 2023 | ||
Passing of Livie Edna Tapscott Anderson on 22 May 2023, 1 PM  Livie Edna Tapscott Anderson, 92, physically and spiritually joined her Lord and Savior on Monday, May 23, 2023, and reunited with the love of her life of 51 years, Robert Leon Anderson, who paved the way before her on Saturday, September 17, 2022. Born on Monday, March 30. 1931, in Buckingham County, Virginia, Edna was the daughter of the late Harvey Hamner Tapscott and Livie Boiling Shores both of Buckingham County. She grew up with three brothers, Stuart Vernon Tapscott (deceased), Harvey Hill Tapscott, and a younger brother born later, Thomas Carlisle Tapscott, and one sister, Nora Paige Tapscott Massie (deceased). After graduating from high school, Edna went to work for Sears, Roebuck, and Company. In addition to her post high school endeavors, she drove a school bus for Albemarle County, worked as a Dietary Supervisor at the University of Virginia for many years, and later became a highly successful real estate agent with Real Estate II. Her knowledge of Albemarle County and the surrounding areas attributed to her degree of success in the real estate industry. Edna was engrossed in many hobbies and activities. Included in these incredible abilities she possessed, she was a gifted seamstress, photographer, artist, and piano player. Some of her pictures have hung in Albemale County Executive's office. Her most popular print entitled "Hues of the Blue Ridge", has been immensely sought after over the years. Notwithstanding her abilities was her devotion as a loving wife and mother. She was the driving force that drew four teenagers together and made a family that lasts to this day. Family can attest to the fact that Edna's favorite outdoor activity was pulling weeds and tending to her plants and flower gardens around her home which she shared with her husband, Bob, whom she affectionately referred to as "her sweetie." Edna, always making sure there were bird feeders full of seeds and bird baths overflowing with fresh water for the many different birds around their home, Bob and all four children laughed and said maybe he could come back back as a bird and fill up on seeds and water. Edna was devoted to her church, Scottsville Baptist, and had much enjoyment playing the piano on Sunday mornings prior to the sermon and providing flower arrangements for Sunday services. She was also supportive of quite a few area charities and the Scottsville Museum, too. Edna shared quite a few historic photos of Scottsville with Scottsville Museum as well as stories of Scottsville and its people. She was always willing to help us identify historic photos of Scottsville as well as to share the historic stories of Scottsville that she had learned thoughout the years. Edna will be missed by her family, friends, and Scottsville Museum. Thank you, Edna, for all of your support to Scottsville Museum! Obituary provided by Thacker Brothers Funeral Home, Scottsville, VA |
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| Highlights, April 2023 | ||
Scottsville Museum Reopens on 16 April 2023, 2023
 Scottsville Museum will open for the 2023 season on Sunday, April 16, at 1 P.M. We will host Sue Miles (shown at left), who will speak on her recent book, Glenmore: Memories of My Youth. Sue grew up in Buckingham County where her parents ran a country store. Her book includes many photos and recollections and will be on sale for signing. After the opening, our hours will be Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Special this year will be a new exhibit, "Still I Rise," featuring photos and biographical information about African-American residents of Scottsville and the lives they made for themselves in difficult times. We look forward to seeing you all at the Museum on April 16th! After graduating from high school, Edna went to work for Sears, Roebuck, and Company. In addition to her post high school endeavors, she drove a school bus for Albemarle County, worked as a Dietary Supervisor at the University of Virginia for many years, and later became a highly successful real estate agent with Real Estate II. Her knowledge of Albemarle County and the surrounding areas attributed to her degree of success in the real estate industry. Edna was engrossed in many hobbies and activities. Included in these incredible abilities she possessed, she was a gifted seamstress, photographer, artist, and piano player. Some of her pictures have hung in Albemale County Executive's office. Her most popular print entitled "Hues of the Blue Ridge", has been immensely sought after over the years. Notwithstanding her abilities was her devotion as a loving wife and mother. She was the driving force that drew four teenagers together and made a family that lasts to this day. Family can attest to the fact that Edna's favorite outdoor activity was pulling weeds and tending to her plants and flower gardens around her home which she shared with her husband, Bob, whom she affectionately referred to as "her sweetie." Edna, always maing sure there were bird feeders full of seeds and bird baths overflowing with fresh water for the many different birds around their home, Bob and all four children laughed and said maybe he could come back back as a bird and fill up on seeds and water. Evelyn was devoted to her church, Scottsville Baptist, and had much enjoyment playing the piano on Sunday mornings prior to the sermon and providing flower arrangements for Sunday services. She was also supportive of quite a few area charities and the Scottsville Museum, too. Edna shared quite a few historic photos of Scottsville with Scottsville Museum as well as stories of Scottsville and its people. |
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| Highlights, March 2023 | ||
Docent Appreciation Tea, 26 March 2023
 (L to R): Kathy Allen, Cenie Re Sturm, Leanne Grove, Langden Mason, Fannie Louden, Laura Mellusi, and Maggie Unsworth On Sunday, 26 March 2023, Scottsville Museum's Docent Appreciation Tea was hosted by Barbara Wilkinson at Mt. Walla. Delicious refreshments, some words from our President Evelyn Edson, and a review of new features from our 2023 exhibit were much enjoyed by all docents in attendance at the tea in this historic Scottsville home on Littleberry Lane. Mt. Walla sits on a bluff overlooking Scottsville and the horseshoe bend of the James River and was built on the original Edward Scott patent of 1732. Albemarle County deed research by Richard Nicholas of the Scottsville Museum indicates that the home may have been built by Richard Moon between 1821 and 1828. Both the house and its view from the bluff are amazing! And our docents had wonderful fun catching up with all of their colleagues and friends - thank you, Barbara Wilkinson!  (L to R): Kathleen Farwell, David Bova, and Colleen Church We wish to thank our docents for our successful 2022 season: Kathy Allen, Lisa Bittner, Mary and David Bova, Valerie Brautigam, Colleen Church, Gwynne Daye, Debi Dotson, Evelyn Edson, Kathleen Farwell, Connie Geary, Leanne Grove, Sam Igoe, Ruth Klippstein, Nancy Koenig, Fannie Louden, Langden Mason, Richard "B" Maxwell, Laura Mellusi, Beth Pratt, Peter Rapp, Cathy Russo, Gloria Scharer, Marilyn & Bob Schwarz, Ron & Patti Smith, Cenie Re Sturm, Bob & Judy Tharpe, Cathy and Tom Thomson, Maggie Unsworth, and Barbara Wilkinson. See you at Scottsville Museum in Season 2023 --- we reopen on Sunday, April 16, with a brief program at 1 pm. |
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| Highlights, January 2023 | ||
Passing of Lindsay Dorrier, 30 January 2023  Lindsay Gordon Dorrier, Jr., passed on to the care of our Heavenly Father on Monday, January 30, 2023, after a distinguished career in law, public service, and the U.S. Army as well as a valiant and prolonged battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born on August 27, 1943, Lindsay, Jr. was raised at Endfield farm just outside of Scottsville, VA, and spent his formative years at St. Christopher's School in Richmond, Va. He went on to attend Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., and later obtained a Law Degree from the University of Virginia and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from James Madison University. Lindsay Jr. contributed much of his professional career to state and local government which included two elected terms as Commonwealth's Attorney for Albemarle County, Director of Criminal Justice for the Commonwealth of Virginia under Governor Doug Wilder's Administration, and 16 years on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors representing the Scottsville District from 1976-1980 and 2000-2012. He also spent his later years providing civil legal assistance and criminal defense to residents in and around his hometown, and as Legal Counsel to the Town of Scottsville. As a public servant, Lindsay will be remembered for his moral compass that always pointed in the direction of fairness, justice, and civic duty as well as his willingness to work across party lines for the benefit of his constituents and a well-functioning democracy. He dedicated his public service to improving the lives of his constituents and to introducing programs to help fight and prevent crime such as Crime Stoppers, Neighborhood Watch, and the Shelter for Abused Women. He also prioritized early education and mentoring programs such as D.A.R.E., designed to help at-risk children avoid a life of crime. Lindsay was a proud patriot, dedicating 22 years to the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in Army Intelligence with overseas deployment in Japan and as a member of the Judge Advocate General Legal Corps. Lindsay Jr.'s love of guitar and singing, his sly sense of humor, and commitment to his family will be dearly missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane; his daughter, Margaret and son-in-law, Daniel Mais and grandchildren, Keegan and Makayla; as well as his son, Lindsay III and daughter-in-law, Kaitlin. Lindsay Jr. also leaves behind his cherished siblings, Claire Reishman, Bruce Dorrier, Richard Dorrier, and their spouses, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Lindsay Jr. was preceded by his mother, Shirley Dorrier, and father, Lindsay Dorrier, Sr. Lindsay Jr.'s life will be celebrated on Saturday, February 11, 2023, with a 10 a.m. visitation and 11 a.m. funeral service to follow at Scottsville United Methodist Church. A burial ceremony will occur immediately after the culmination of services at Scottsville Cemetery. Published by Daily Progress on Feb. 5, 2023. To learn more about Lindsay Gordon Dorrier, Jr., visit Lindsay Gordon Dorrier, Jr. |
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| Highlights, December 2022 | ||
Passing of Gertrude 'Trudy' Scherman, 13 December 2022  Trudy Scherman died on December 13, 2022, at her home in Scottsville. She was 99 years old. Her husband, Sykes, died in March 2015--they had been married for 71 years; see their 1944 wedding photo at left. Trudy and Sykes were loyal volunteers at the Scottsville Museum, acting as docents and guiding visitors around the Museum. Sykes, who was a veteran of World War II, participated in the Museum's oral history project. You can read an account of his wartime service on the Museum website by double-clicking on the following link: Eugene Sykes Scherman Sykes and Trudy had four children, three of whom live locally: Peter Scherman of Scottsville, Laura Scherman of Nellysford, and Phebe Vick of Free Union. Trudy's last words were, "My wonderful family!" Trudy was a fervent supporter of the Boys and Girls Club, and asked that any donations in her name be sent to them at https://bgclubcva.org/donate or mailed to the Boys and Girls Club of Central Virginia, P.O. Box 707, Charlottesville, VA 22902. Holiday Happenings 2022 in Downtown Scottsville, 10 December 2022  Scottsville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Scottsville Center for Arts and the Natural Environment is sponsoring the 2nd annual Holiday Arts Show in downtown Scottsville on December 10 from 10 AM - 5 PM. A Holiday Crafts Market will be held at the Farmers Market Pavilion at Fleet and Harrison Street from 10 AM - 5 PM followed by a visit with Santa, Christmas carols, hot chocolate, and cookies. It's a day to shop and support your local community! Scottsville Museum will be open on December 10 from 10 AM to 6 PM with a special exhibit. All holiday items on exhibit were gifted by many Scottsville residents or familuy members of former residents. These holiday items include antique and handmade dolls; metal trucks, tractors, and trains; children's books; holiday booklets and cards; rocking horse; and doll buggy. We hope residents and guests stop by the Museum to share family stories, to describe their own antique toys passed from one generation to the next, and to learn more about our river town history. Admission is free and donations welcome! |
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| Highlights, November 2022 | ||
Photographs from Scottsville's 2022 Twilight Tours in October! Thanks to all of you who came to our Twilight Tours last weekend that was a collaboration between Scottsville Museum and Scan, the Scottsville Committee for Arts and Nature! It was heartening to see such a crowd out on the streets, and we appreciated how many of you thanked us for making a comeback! And huge thanks go out to Kristin Freshwater, director of the Twilight Tours and for all of the actors/actresses who participated, lantern guides, and other volunteers who supported this hugely successful event! We also wish to thank Molly Angevine and Erin Root who shared their Twilight Tours photos of the Twilight Tours with us, too! To see photos of this event on the Museum's website , please click on the above photo at left or double-click on the following link: Twilight Tours 2022. Jackie Jensen, Famous Baseball Player |
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| Highlights, October 2022 | ||
Scottsville's Twilight Tours, October 21 & 22, 6:00 - 8:10 PM; October 23, 3:00 PM  Follow a lantern guide on this historic tour exploring Scottsville's past. This 45-minute walking tour will feature actor portrayals of characters throughout different periods of Scottsville's history. Walking Tours will take place Friday and Saturday nights, October 21 and 22. First tour departs at 6 PM; last tour departs at 8:10 PM. Tours start from the Scottsville Museum (290 Main Street) and depart every 10 minutes. A seated, handicap-accessible performance of Twilight Tours will be held Sunday, October 23, at 3:00 PM, and will take place at Victory Hall Theater (401 Valley Street). This event is a partnership between The Scottsville Museum and The Scottsville Center for the Arts & Natural Environment. Location: Scottsville Museum, 290 Main Street, Scottsville, VA Dates: First Day: Friday, October 21, 2022, 6:00 PM; tours depart every 10 minutes. Last tour at 8:10 PM Second Day: Saturday, October 22, 2022, 6:00 PM; tours depart every 10 minutes. Last tour at 8:10 PM Last performance: Sunday, October 23, 2022, 3:00 PM Prices: $5.00 (ages 12 & under) - $10.00 General: $10.00 Tickets may be purchased online at: |
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| Highlights, September 2022 | ||
| Scottsville Museum Open on Labor Day! 05 September 2022 Scottsville Museum will be open on Labor Day, Monday, 05 September 2022 from 1-5pm! Do come to the Museum and see a small collection of Edna's "Photographs of Scottsville" on display!-- we very much look forward to seeing you! Salute to Emma Lineberger, IPH Intern at Scottsville Museum in Summer 2022   Emma Lineberger, IPH intern at Scottsville Museum and Master's Candidate, Architecture History 2023 at the University of Virginia Scottsville Museum wishes to highlight the work of Emma Lineberger, a student intern from UVA's Institute for Public History, who worked on inventorying and filing newly donated artifacts to the Museum's collection during Summer 2022. One of the collections on which she initially worked was a donation from John Lacy Morris, Jr. family which includes documents spanning 100 years since the family's first land grant in 1747 at Morrisena. The family archives include letters, photographs, farm documents and records, and other significant papers. This collection occuplies three file cabinet drawers and four archival boxes in the Museum's permanent collection.  L to R: Frances Mandley Morris; John Lacy Morris, Jr., and Daisy Holmes (Calahan) Morris in the 1940's Our Museum team is about to engage in a scanning project to include this information in our digital archives. Thanks, Emma, for your excellent work and dedication this summer to review and organize this impressive donation into our permanent collection! And thank you so much, David Wood and the John L. Morris Family for your generous donation of this historical information to Scottsville Museum. |
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| Highlights, August 2022 | ||
Funeral of Eula Dowell Woody (1927-2022), 24 August 2022
Eula Dowell Woody, aged 95, passed away on August 20, 2022, at her home in Scottsville. She was the daughter of the late Claude and Willie V. Dowell.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Hunter Calvin Woody. Mrs. Woody was a longtime member of the Scottsville
Baptist Church, where she served as a deacon, taught Sunday School, and sang in the Church choir. She was also a volunteer docent at the Scottsville Museum.
Mrs. Woody worked for a short time at the U.S. Rubber Plant in Scottsville, then spent 15 years as a nurse's aide at the Fluvanna County Health Department.
Survivors include her daughter, Jennifer Hoskins, her son-in-law, Oliver Hoskins, two grandsons and two great-granddaughters. Her funeral was held at Thacker
Brothers Funeral Home on August 24, 2022, and Mrs. Woody was buried in the Scottsville Cemetery.
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| Highlights, June 2022 | ||
Funeral of Reverend Robert Roosevelt Parson (1932-2022), 25 June 2022
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Reverend Robert Roosevelt Parson, 89, of Scottsville, on Sunday, June 19, 2022. Rev. Parson
graduated from Buckingham Training School in Dillwyn and served as a M.A.R.S. radio operator and radio interceptor in the Air Force from 1953-1957. After
completing his military service, he became a Baptist Minister at the Community Baptist
Church in Buckingham and married his first wife, Lular Moore Parson. Rev. Robert and Lular Parson were volunteers at Scottsville Museum for many years.
After Lular's passing, Rev. Roberts married his second wife, Joy R. Russell Parson. Our President Evelyn Edson has fond memories of seeing Rev.
Parson driving his truck in a July 4th parade in Scottsville with his four beautiful daughters waving to the crowd from the back of the truck. To
learn more about Reverend Robert Roosevelt Parson's life, visit: Robert Roosevelt Parson Reverend Parson's funeral will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022, from 12:30-1:45 pm at the Thacker Brothers Funeral Home in Scottsville, with funeral services following at 2 p.m. Internment will be at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 6456 Esmont Rd., in Keene, VA. Batteau Day in Scottsville, 22 June 2022  Lady's Slipper Batteau in Scottsville, 2010 The annual James River Batteau Festival makes a stop in historic Scottsville, Virginia, on Wednesday, June 22nd. The highlight of this FREE, family-friendly festival is the afternoon arrival of a flotilla of 15-20 historic replica, hand-crafted "batteaux"...long wooden, flat-bottomed, poled boats that were once used to ferry tobacco, grain, other goods, and passengers on the James River. Each batteau carries a full crew, dressed in period costume. Scottsville is the halfway point of the 120-mile river journey from Lynchburg to Richmond, which takes eight days. The batteaux will dock at designated locations along the route, and the crew will camp out each night along the James riverbank. The Scottsville Batteau Festival is a town-sponsored event that draws welll-wishers and visitors from throughout the region. There will be a variety of activities...including an acoustic bluegrass jam, traditional artisans and crafters, food vendors, historic re-enactors, special exhibits, walking tours, and more! Part of the mission of the James River Batteau Festival is to preserve the heritage of this historic mode of river transport that was a vital presence on America's Founding River from 1775-1840. The shallow-draft batteau boats allowed for easier access to trade routes that supplied goods to our nation and expansion to the western frontier. At one point, there were more than 500 batteaux plying the waters of the James River. Scottsville Museum will be open on Batteau Day from 1-6 pm, with our feature exhibit: "Where the River Bends." We hope to see you in Scottsville on Batteau Day, 22 June! Please also take a self-guided tour of Canal Basin Square (249 Main Street, Scottsville, VA), a year-round, outdoor Transportation History Park, on the site of the old James River and Kanawha Canal Turning Basin. See also: Canal Basin Square. 50th Anniversary of Hurricane Agnes in the U.S. Approaching, June 2022 Half a century ago, in late June 1972, one of the most devastating and historic hurricanes the United States had experienced formed in the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Agnes made landfall as a Category 1 storm and caused significant and widespread damage throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Rainfall from Agnes caused catastropic inland flooding, the geographic scale of which had not been seen in decades. Tragically, 128 people lost their lives across eight states, including 50 in Pennsylvania, 21 in Maryland, 14 in Virginia, and one in Delaware. Across the eastern United States, more than 362,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes due to the flooding including 222,000 in Pennsylvania alone. 
Flooded Main Street in Scottsville, July 22, 1972. Photo courtesy of Raymon Thacker.Hurricane Agnes struck Scottsville with disastrous results on July 22, 1972. Bruce's Drugstore on Valley and West Main Streets went under more than 12 feet of water as the ensuing flood crested at thirty-four feet. Cleanup costs on top of unpaid 1969 debts put some local businesses in real trouble. Talk of moving the town to higher ground and abandoning buildings in the flood plain was everywhere. As we approach the 50th anniversary of this significant storm Agnes and enter Atlantic hurricane season, FEMA is encouraging everyone to learn more about their flood risk and take actions now to be prepared for threats of the future. With climate change, extreme rainfall and flooding events are becoming more common, and lessons learned after storms like Agnes will be even more valuable. To learn more from the past and prepare for the future, visit the following website, sponsored by the Silver Jackets multi-organizational team, at: "50th Anniversary of Hurricane Agnes" at https://agnes50-noaa.hub.arcgis.com/ Thanks to Jack Maxwell of Scottsville's Task Force 17 for highlighting this historical information about the impact of Hurricane Agnes on Virginia contained on this website (see link above), which was produced in collaboration with local, state, and federal (FEMA) partners. Minerva Lewis Marker Dedication 19 June 2022 Matt Lawless, Scottsville Town Administrator, shared an update and invitation to everyone to come and attend the Minerva Lewis Marker Dedication on Sunday, June 19, 2022, from 3pm to 4pm at the Scottsville Town Market. He asked us to please spread the word: "Our community has supported Black history research, notably the story of Ms. Minerva Lewis and her family. A hundred years ago, she was the only Black female property owner in Scottsville. We've confirmed all the historical details and can now dedicate a marker in honor of her family and the Black community here. The marker is in production at a foundry, and the northeast corner of the Lewis property will become a shaded place of reflection. Minerva Lewis Marker Dedication
Sunday, June 19th, 2022 3pm to 4pm Scottsville Farmers Market In 1901, Scottsville had only one Black woman-owned property, a store which is now a parking lot for Scottsville's farmer's market. In 1870, Mr. Washington Lewis was a Black merchant, who deeded the land to his wife, Minerva, as a gift. In 1911, Ms. Minerva Lewis sold it to the Dorrier patriarch (his son Lindsay became an Albemarle Supervisor) for $1,000 - a Great Migration type of transaction, as the family was gone from the 1910 Census, and the deed of sale specifically renounced all of the Lewis children's claim. To learn more about Minerva Lewis and see photos from her marker dedication ceremony, visit: Minerva Lewis Marker Dedication, 19 June 2022 Race Unity Day in Scottsville, 12 June 2022  .
On Sunday, June 12, 2022, Race Unity Day is being held in Scottsville and is a special holiday in the calendar of the Baha'i Faith, a religion founded in
Persia in the 19th century. The Baha'is believe in the oneness of humanity and devote themselves to the abolition of racial class, gender, and religious
prejudices.Chris and Judy Wade came to Scottsville in 1974 as Homefront Pioneers of the Baha'i Faith. They were from California where the Faith was well established and so they transplated themselves to Virginia to spread the word. In 1984, they began to celebrate Race Unity Day with an interfaith picnic in Scottsville, joined by local church members and the Southside Fellowship. Visitors to the Race Unity Day picnic received a smiling welcome as always from the balloon man at the curb. In this balloon man photo at left above, the balloon man stands with members of the Northern Virginia Baha'i Youth Workshop dance team. To learn more about Race Unity Day in Scottsville, visit: https://scottsvillemuseum.com/events/homeCWade01.html . |
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| Highlights, May 2022 | ||
Cholera Comes to the Blue Ridge Tunnel by Mary Lyons Railroad track workers ca 1850's Irish canal workers sang a doleful tune about the "choleray" in the 1830s. A coffin maker in Waynesboro called it "cholery" in the 1850's. Whatever the pronunciation of cholera in those days, it was the scourge of Richmond, Scottsville, and Rockfish Gap in the summer of 1854. It seemed to appear out of nowhere during that brutally hot season, then mysteriously vanish." To learn more about this invisible killer that arrived, then disappeared that dreadful summer of 1854 in Virginia, see: Cholera Comes to the Blue Ridge Tunnel. |
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| Highlights, April 2022 | ||
| Scottsville Museum Opens, Sunday, 03 April 2022 The Scottsville Museum opens next weekend on Sunday, April 3, with a special program at 2 p.m. First, we are opening a new exhibit, entitled "Photographs of Scottsville," that features the work of local photographer, Edna Tapscott Anderson. Edna's beautiful pictures celebrate our local landscape---mountains, farms, rivers. She lives in Warren on the land her family has owned and farmed for generations. Edna's work is on view near a case of photographs by William Burgess, a Scottsville photographer of a previous era. Burgess's work featured buildings and people, while Edna's work focuses on the land. The next event is a book signing of Stories from Scottsville: Tales of a Small Virginia Town. The author, Ruth W. Klippstein, will be on hand to sign your copy. If you already bought a copy of this book, bring it along for her to sign. The book costs $15---please bring cash or a check for your purchase. In the book, you will find many stories collected by Ruth while writing her history column for The Scottsville Monthly newspaper from 2003 to 2017. In the Prologue, she acknowledges "the generosity of the many people in the Scottsville area that she interviewed for her articles. She is in debt to their profound local knowledge and willingness to talk." The Scottsville Museum will be open on Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 1 to 5 pm. Admission is free although donations are gladly received. Photographs of Scottsville by Edna T. Anderson:  Edna Tapscott Anderson and her husband and her husband Robert (Bob) Anderson live today in Warren on land that Edna's family has owned and farmed for generations. Both of them graduated from Scottsville High School, Edna in 1950 and Bob in 1947. Edna was an adult when she began taking photographs, mostly of the beloved landscape in which she lives. This view of the Blue Ridge mountains from near her home is an iconic image and is now displayed in eighteen different countries around the world. Bob says, "I had about three cameras, but once I saw what Edna could do, I gave it up!" Edna has always had an eye for beauty. She has painted, but comments, "With photography you get the results a little quicker!" Edna is not taking many photos now, but she still loves to look at the landscape. She will take you to her back porch to show you the vista over fields, the ice ponds, and woods to the mountains. "So beautiful," she says. Do come to Scottsville Museum on weekends to see a small collection of Edna's "Photographs of Scottsville" on display!  Edna Tapscott Anderson happily playing her piano at home in 2011. |
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| Highlights, February 2022 | ||
Oswin Smith Harris, Civil War Soldier for Virginia
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| Highlights, January 2022 | ||
Stories from Scottsville: Tales of a Small Virginia Town
The articles in this book were researched and written by Ruth W. Klippstein for the Scottsville Monthly between 2003 and 2017. They are based on extensive interviews with local citizens as well as on-the-ground investigations of local sites. Through Ruth's words, you will meet the local characters and great events which shaped Scottsville's history and reflect the larger history of America itself. Following are the table of contents of this book with the title/topic of each chapter: "Heritage Farm's Living History"; "Encountering Spirits of the Past"; "The Bottled Goods of Scottsville's Past"; "Memories of the Town of Warren and Whitted Family"; "Exploring the History of the Rock House"; "Scottsville's Confederates: The Failed Migration to Venezuela"; "How the Herndon House Endured"; "A Peek at a Patch of Scottsville History"; "Virginia McGraw Still Leading Scottsville"; "Dear Old Scottsville, Dear Old School"; "Scottsville Continues Winning Streak"; "Loving the Luv'n Oven"; "The Life and Times of Scottsville's Town Council"; "The Yankees Ride Into Scottsville"; "William Walker House: A Piece of History Caught in Time"; "A History of Maple Hill"; "Pine Knot Still Standing"; "A Tangled History of 345 East Main Street"; "Scottsville's Bygone Days"; "Papers Tell Scottsville's History"; "I'm the Most Famous Poor Person You'll Ever Meet"; The Night the Books Burned"; "Memories of Golf, the Rubber Plant, and Days Gone By"; Scottsville Bricks: The Puzzle Remains"; "Favorite Things in Life: Honolulu and Women"; "D. Wiley Anderson: Inventor Purveyor, Designer"; "Dear Old Scottsville High"; "Scottsville Celebrated Its History in Style"; "The Lost House of Scottsville"; "The Booming Scottsville of the 1840s"; "Of Rivers, Wells, and Springs"; "Parlor Games and Tricks"; "The History of Main Street's Empty Place"; "Memories of the Scottsville Mill"; "Scottsville's Old Magic"; "Life in Black and White"; "Almost Forty Years Later, It' Still "Skippy's"; "At the Crossroads of History and Commerce"; "Local Family Says, 'We are Perfectly Delighted with Jerusalem'"; "More Horse Talk"; "A Real Variety Store"; "An Honored Life (Lottie Moon)"; "Never to be forgotten (Ashby Mayo)"; "Shave and a Haircut, Two Bits"; "July Fourth: A Scottsville Tradition"; "Scottsville Fire Department"; "The Beals of Scottsville"; "Scottsville on the James: Life on the Water"; "Scottsville 'Blows Off the Lid'"; and "The 'Whiskey Question:" Part II. This fascinating history of Scottsville, Virginia, may be purchased online at Amazon.com. Enjoy! |
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| Highlights, December 2021 | ||
Salute to Arbutus May Thacker, 1926-2021  Arbutus May (Diehl) Thacker, devoted wife of A. Raymon Thacker and mother of Matthew Thacker, passed away on December 8, 2021, at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, VA. She was born on February 27, 1926, a daughter of the late John and Annie (Wheatley) Diehl. For many years, Arbutus lived in Reedville, Richmond, and Scottsville, VA, and worked as a hairdresser. Arbutus was a devoted wife of A. Raymon Thacker and mother of Matthew Thacker. To learn more about Arbutus Thacker and her family, see: Arbutus May (Diehl)Thacker. Salute to Lillian Ruth Schafft, 1922-2021  Lillian Ruth Schafft, who died on December 13, 2021, at age 99, was an energetic member of the Scottsville Community. As Literary Chair of the Scottsville Council of the Arts, Lillian solicited contributions for an anthology of local writers, Riverbanks to Mountaintops: Writings by Rural Virginians, (2013). She also ran a program for elementary school children, encouraging them to become writers and giving them an opportunity to read their works in public at the Scottsville Library. Lillian was also a generous contributor to the Scottsville Museum. After she retired to Our Lady of Peace in Charlottesville, Lillian continued to stay plugged in to local happenings. As long as she was able, Lillian had a "Telephone Ministry," reaching out to people she knew, who were ailing or in trouble. Lillian is survived by her daughters, Linda LaFontaine and Ruth Ann Rehm, and five grandchildren. Her funeral service was on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charlottesville, VA. For more details on Lillian Ruth Schafft's life, see her obituary at the Thacker Brothers Funeral Homes website. (https://www.thackerbrothers.com/listings) The above 2015 photo of Mrs. Schafft is courtesy of the American Bible Society, News, May 15, 2015. (https://news.americanbible.org) |
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| Highlights, November 2021 | ||
Jackie Jensen, Famous Baseball Player by Evelyn Edson To learn more about Jackie Jensen, his family and baseball career, and his retirement activities near Scottsville, see: Jackie Jensen, Famous Baseball Player. |
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| Highlights, October 2021 | ||
Jefferson's Cave Revisited by Evelyn Edson The 'cave' at Snowden was dug out of phyllite rock, likely by someone searching for mineralized calcium carbonate (lime). Faint traces of calcite (lime) can be seen on the rock surface. David Spears, VA State Geologist, believes the hole in the rock face was probably made in a desperate attempt by a farmer to scrape out a little lime for fertilizer out of a lime-poor rock. Photo by David Spears Last week I repeated an antique local legend that Thomas Jefferson hid out in a riverside cave near Scottsville to escape advancing British troops in 1781. I heard immediately from two of my esteemed colleagues. First, Joanne Yeck, author of (among other good books) The Jefferson Brothers. During her work on the book, she painstakingly researched the story. Jefferson reported on his escape with his family---no stage of his journey involved a cave. You can read it in more detail in her article in the October 2014 Scottsville Monthly, see: Thomas Jefferson Did Not Sleep Here: The Cave at Snowden. Second, Richard L. Nicholas, author of Sheridan's James River Campaign, wrote, "The Buckingham cave and Jefferson is all a myth! As a geologist, I have walked the bluff along the James River in that area, and there is no cave. David Spears, the State Geologist, has also explored the area and found only one very small area where someone apparently made a minor dig in search of a calcitic vein." (For lime, used as fertilizer.) So where do these stories come from? This one was certainly repeated at length by Virginia More. Joanne Yeck notes that this tale was cherished by descendants of Randolph Jefferson and appeared in a printed work about 1900. So it's been with us for a while. Everybody loves a good story (see: Moon Ghost), and the idea of the fastidious Thomas Jefferson crawling in a cave to escape the British is definitely appealing. And, of course, we all love the connection to Scottsville. Another point is that myths, what people believe, are a part of history, too. Perhaps I was unduly influenced as I have been reading the Histories of the Greek historian, Herodotus, for a class at the Senior Center. Says Herodotus, "This is what people say. I do not necessarily believe it." |
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| Highlights, September 2021 | ||
Memories of the Dew Drop Inn The Dew Drop Inn in Scottsville, ca. 2009 The Dew Drop Inn at 440 Valley Street was a Scottsville landmark for many years. Long time residents of Scottsville remember it was a high school hangout in the 1950's with plenty of loud rock n' roll blaring from the jukeboxes. On the TV show, The Waltons, one character worked as a musician at the Dew Drop Inn in Scottsville. The Dew Drop Inn closed in 2009, and today the building is the Beijing Kitchen. To learn more about happy times at the Dew Drop Inn, see: The Dew Drop Inn. Charles Thomas Moon's Grocery Store in Scottsville  The Charles Thomas Moon Grocery Store, ca. 1910 The Charles Thomas Moon grocery store sat between the Masonic Lodge and the very edge of Mink Creek on Scottsville's Main Street. On its first floor was the small store called Charles T. Moon Grocery, which was owned by Mr. Moon, and this building's second floor hosted a small apartment. To learn more about Charles Moon and his grocery store, see: Charles Thomas Moon's Grocery Store in Scottsville. |
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| Highlights, August 2021 | ||
Pitts Market on Main Street, 1937-1962 Shown above is building which hosted Pitts Market on Scottsville's Main Street from 1937-1962. In the 1950's, Scottsville had four grocery stores. One of these grocery stores, Pitts' Market, opened in 1937 across Main Street from the Methodist Church and just next door and to the east of the Masonic Lodge and Post Office building. Pitts Market was run by William Robert Pitts and Ruth (Kent) Pitts. The previous owners of the store were Edward and Betty Kent, Ruth's parents. To learn more about Pitt's Market, see: Pitts Market on Main Street. |
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| Highlights, July 2021 | ||
Independence Day Celebration in Scottsville, 03 July 2021 Independence Day Parade in Scottsville, July 2008 (Photo by Connie Geary) On 03 July 2021, Scottsville will be hosting an Independence Day parade on Valley Street between 9:00 am - 11:30 am. Plan to arrive early to park and set-up your chairs along Valley Street where you can enjoy this traditional small-town festivity. Traditional Fourth of July fare will be available including barbecue, hot dogs, hamburgers, corn-on-the-cob, popcorn, plus James River Brewery beers. Other activities on 3 July include: --Scottsville Museum will be open on 03 July from 10 am - 5:00 pm. Admission is free. --Scottsville Farmer's Market will be open from 9 am - 1:00 pm at the Scottsville Market Pavilion on Fleet Street. This event is sponsored by the Scottsville Farmers Market Vendors. Local produce, baked goods, beverages, and crafts will be available for purchase. --Scottsville Classic Car Cruise-in on 03 July from 10 am - 2:00 pm This event is co-sponsored by All Star Barbers, George A. Dansey Plumbing, Town of Scottsville, and the Rivertown Antiques at the Uptown Shopping Center. This is an open invitation for ALL cars to "cruise-in" and share your classic car passion with the Southern Albemarle community. The Uptown Shopping Center is located on James River Road and Route 6 (Irish Road) in Scottsville. Guest parking is available at the shopping center. Admission is free. --Independence Day Outdoor Concert by Mojo Pie on 03 July from 5:30pm-6:30pm at Dorrier Park (250 Page Street) in Scottsville. Mojo Pie is Susan Munson and Frank Bechter on acoustic guitar and bass, playing their fun-filled originals and eclectric covers. Event sponsored by the Town of Scottsville. Parking available throughtout the historic downtown and at the "old" tire factory lot on Bird Street. Admission is free. Bring a blanket and picnic; food and beverages also available at local restaurants for take-out. --Independence Day Outdoor Concert by Will Overman on 03 July from 7:00pm - 9:00pm at Dorrier Park (250 Page Street) in Scottsville. Overman is a Charlottesville-based singer-songwriter whose songs evoke the wisdom of an old soul with youthful optimism as he blends music genres of Folk, Pop, Country, and Rock n' Roll among his music. Event sponsored by the Town of Scottsville. Parking available throughtout the historic down town and at the "old" tire factory lot on Bird Street. Admission is free. Bring a blanket and picnic; food and beverages also available at local restaurants for take-out. |
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| Highlights, June 2021 | ||
James River Batteau Festival in Scottsville, 23 June 2021 A batteau participating in the James River Batteau Festival (Photo by Holt Messerly) On 23 June 2021, Scottsville will be the halfway point for the 36th Annual Batteau Festival crews journeying on the James River from Lynchburg to Richmond. Batteaux will begin arriving at the James River Reeling and Rafting campground (265 Ferry Street in Scottsville) about 3 pm, and the festival celebrations will continue until 7pm. Join Scottsville on the James River Horseshoe Bend for a mid-week afternoon and evening of learning the history of the James River. Food, music, and river stories are guaranteed. At 5pm, music will be provided by the Charlottesville Band Ensembles: Brass Quintet, Clarinet Ensemble, and Sax Quartet. The batteau was originally used as a cargo vessel, hauling tobacco leaves packed in giant barrels called "hogsheads", down the James River to Richmond where the cargo was transferred to sailing ships bound for Europe. These batteaux plied the James from the 1700s until the coming of the railroad, which made most commercial river travel obsolete. Though no original batteaux exist today, the remains of several were discovered by construction workers on a project in Richmond in 1983. The batteaux that participate in the Batteau Festival are replicas based on the original designs and the surviving fragments of the boats found in Richmond. They are designed to withstand the rocks and shallow water that are a feature of the summertime James and are built of white oak, with no keel. Largely propelled by the current and kept off of rocks by long wooden poles, there is a 'sweep' at each end to steer. During the Batteau Festival, these boats float a section of the James River each day, with the crews tying up and camping at predetermined sites at night. The Scottsville Museum will be open during the Festival on Saturday from 1 pm - 5 pm. Admission is free; donations are welcome. See you there! Salute to Ruth Lucilla Gardner Brooks, 05 June 2021  Ruth Brooks, a faithful Museum docent, puts the U.S. flag in place as she opened the Museum to our visitors one Saturday in 2020. Ruth Lucilla Gardner Brooks, a long-time volunteer at the Scottsville Museum, died on June 5, 2021, at the age of 92. Born in Esmont, Va., on November 9, 1928, Ruth was the daughter of William Kenton and Hattie Nelson Gardner. She was the youngest of eight siblings, all of whom pre-deceased her. Ruth received a cosmetology degree from St. Paul's College in Lawrenceville, VA, and ran a beauty salon out of her home for over 50 years. Ruth was a talented pianist, playing for area churches, and community events. We remember especially an evening when she coaxed some rollicking tunes out of the antique pump organ in the Museum. She served as a docent in the Museum and assisted with several exhibits. Ruth was particularly helpful with "Schools of Southern Albemarle," an exhibit with photographs of Black and White schools and showcasing their variant treatments of history. Ruth was married to Edward Thomas Brooks, and they had one son, Edward Rydell Brooks. Edward Rydell Brooks, his wife Traci, and their three children (Kenton, Charles and Carla) remain to cherish Ruth's memory. New Educational Activities For Kids: 
Scottsville Museum is proud to announce we have added new educational activities to our web site for children in Grades 3 and 4. These
activities are based on six selected themes in Scottsville's history from 1732 to present: The Monacans; A Community Begins (1744-1762);
Batteau Era; Canal Era (1830-1881); Civil War (1861-1865); and Floods. These activities were created by Rachel Gottlieb, a former Institute For Public
History intern at the Museum, who earned a Masters of Teaching from the University of Virginia. Rachel's online educational materials include a
teacher's guide, historical fact sheets for each theme, and activities that may include role playing, critical thinking,
comparing and contrasting exercises, and matching games. Rachel geared these activities to Virginia's Standards of Learning (SOL)
for Grades 3 and 4. These activities will be available online for parents and teachers seeking supplemental educational materials to teach local Virginia history, geography, government, and critical thinking.
Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your superb teaching skills with students of Albemarle County history!To explore these new educational activities for kids, please visit: More Activities. Museum's 2022 Membership Drive: Our Museum has become an example of what a small town museum can accomplish. In order to continue the preservation and promotion of our local history, we need your help. Please renew your membership today for the next year. Even a $25 donation will help, but $50 will help twice as much. Thank you again for your continuing, generous support. You are our strength. For additional membership information, please visit Application. Online Donations: If you would like to donate to Scottsville Museum online, using Paypal or a credit card, please click on the 'Donate' button below: |
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| Events Calendar | ||
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To view calendar events for the 2023 season, visit
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