Commemorating Camille - A Series of Programs in 2009
The Nelson County Museum of History
Oakland is Nelson County’s “museum in the making.” But it is already beginning to tell the history of Nelson County since its founding in 1807. We invite you to explore our website to learn about our vision for developing the site and upcoming events honoring important milestones in the first 200 years of our county’s history.
Oakland House is the cornerstone of our museum. The house was built circa 1838 and used as a tavern called Mitchell’s Brick House Tavern. To learn more about the history of the house (click here). The familiar red brick building south of Lovingston was purchased by the Nelson County Historical Society in 2004 along with its ten acres and outbuildings. Since then we have been renovating the house as the first part of a master plan for the property.
Restoration has gone well and the Oakland house is now open to the public during select hours. The first floor has been restored as a tavern. On the second floor, visitors will now find exhibits about two events that forever changed Nelson County. One exhibit tells the tale of how rural electrification was accomplished, delivering numerous benefits to the county and its residents. The second exhibit details the events of 1969, when Hurricane Camille changed the landscape and challenged the character of those who survived the event. Many Nelsonians lost their homes in the storm. All Nelsonians found that neighborly cooperation was still present in the sad days following the devastating weather event.
Oakland held its grand opening on Sunday, Aug. 17 presenting “Cuttin’ On the Lights,” an exhibit showing how electricity came to the county in the 1930s and the impact it had on people’s lives. An exhibit on Hurricane Camille featuring never-before-seen color photos taken just after the 1969 flood was also unveiled.
The grand opening featured the unveiling of two plaques, marking the inclusion of Oakland on both the national and Virginia registries of historic places. Kathleen Kilpatrick, Director of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources was the keynote speaker.
Today, Oakland is open and ready to tell the story of Nelson County, although the work is not complete. While the house is the center of historical activities, the land surrounding the house will be developed into gardens featuring historical plantings, both ornamental and edible. Visitors will be able to enjoy the outdoor setting as well as displays indoors.
Master Plan: a museum in the making
Plans for the future include building an exhibit gallery and featuring structures depicting 20th century rural life. The Master Plan tells you about our visions of the future of this exciting new development in the cultural life of Nelson County. Click here for the Master Plan.
Donate: The Oakland Capital Campaign: Phase One
Click here to view our fundraising goals and how you can donate. Fundraising and other upcoming events will be posted here from time to time.
Participate:
The museum is being organized by a Nelson County Board of Trustees, a majority of whom are appointed by the Nelson County Historical Society. We are full of ideas which we want to share with you, and invite your participation in helping us create the museum. For a suggested list of activities, click here. To be added to our newsletter list for notices of upcoming events, just send us your email address.