Recreation > Historical/Museums > Jeff Matthews Museum

606 West Stuart Dr.
Galax, VA 24333

For a glimpse of life in twin counties over the decades, visit our museum which is located in the City of Galax. Enjoy collections of Civil War veterans of the area. See over 10,000 pieces of local Native American artifacts, donated by Jeff Matthews and his family -with audio available about the collection. Many items honor Kylene Barker, who was the first Virginia contestant to win the title of Miss America (1978). See the collection of trophies of North American big game animals donated by Mr. Glenn Pless. See two authentic restored cabins, originally built about eight miles from Galax, near the New River.

Just off US HWY 58, on the outskirts of Galax, lies a traditional two story white farmhouse, barns and out buildings known as "MATTHEWS LIVING HISTORY FARM MUSEUM". The primary objective of Matthews Farm Museum is to construct an authentic 1900 period farm, having volunteers to demonstrate the equipment, crafts and techniques that were the way of life at the turn of the century in Grayson County.

The inception of a living farm museum dates back to 1993, during Grayson County's Bicentennial, when a group of local people came together with the common goal of preserving the heritage of Grayson County. They wanted something that would live beyond the year's celebration. Judge Jack Matthews and his wife Claire, who also had an interest in preserving the cultural heritage of this area, donated the farm and twenty acres to the group in 2001. The farm that is named for Judge Matthews is now known as "MATTHEWS LIVING HISTORY FARM MUSEUM."

The museum includes two restored Appalachian log cabins furnished with period items. Also, extensive collections of Civil War photographs/memorabilia, Indian artifacts from the area, mounted North American game animals.

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Phone: (540) 236-7874