Museum History
The museum officially opened with a ribbon cutting on July 11, 1982, at 515 Yancey Street in South Boston, Virginia. It remained at this location until the former residence of G. J. Hunt at 801 North Main Street, a larger house, became available through the generosity of Main Street United Methodist Church. This allowed the museum to expand its exhibit and storage areas.
The museum amended its bylaws on September 17, 1992, and changed its name to South Boston-Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History.
The museum, needing more space and a permanent home, purchased a building with 10,546 square feet in 1996 at 1540 Wilborn Avenue in South Boston, Virginia, at a cost of $285,000. After extensive renovations, the museum was offically opened at this new location on December 7, 1997.
With the support of the community the mortgage was paid off in two years time.
This new home for the museum was built in 1956 as an A&P grocery store and later used as a garment factory. This location provided additional exhibit space, growth in programs and resulted in a dramatic increase in visitations and utilization. It also greatly increased community participation and support.
An additional 5,000 square feet building was added in 2001. This provided a larger gift shop, exhibit space, a geneology library and storage space.
Help support our museum. We are non-profit and debt free. Our operating budget is all from community support, memberships and partnerships. Become a member and volunteer your time!
Doors are open free to the public.
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1540 Wilborn Avenue South Boston, Virginia 434.572.9200 sbhcm@halifax.com |
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