Who
“Oakland -The Nelson County Museum of History” was developed through the combined efforts of two organizations: the well-established Nelson County Historical Society, and The Nelson County Museum of Rural History, a group of citizens who came together in 2003 with the intention of establishing a museum. Oakland -The Nelson County Museum of History is an independent entity with a 501(c)3 status. Recently the Oakland tavern was deemed eligible for listing on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. Formal nomination is underway.

Oakland has received funding from the General Assembly in the form of grants administered through the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. As a condition of this funding, Oakland must have a preservation easement held by that Department. This easement ensures the preservation of the property for citizens of the Commonwealth. The Nelson County Historical Society and Oakland Board have agreed to be stewards of the Oakland property.

Why
The catalyst for developing the museum was the Historical Society’s purchase of Oakland, an historic brick home on acreage that was once part of the estate of Samuel Cabell of Soldier’s Joy. The building served as “Mitchell’s Tavern” on the stage road between Lynchburg and Washington, D.C. in the 1840’s and later. It may have been a confederate hospital during the Civil War. There were three main reasons for purchasing Oakland. The Historical Society needed a home for its archives, the Nelson County Museum of Rural History wanted to provide a museum for public outreach, and all involved saw an opportunity to preserve a significant historic resource in the county.

Oakland will help Nelson County create a unique identity as a visitor destination, bolstering tourism as a principle economic engine in the region. For residents and visitors of all ages, Oakland will nurture community pride through historical preservation and interpretation. For youth, Oakland will provide the opportunity to learn hands-on about America’s rural heritage: knowing their past, young people will be better able to lead their communities into the future.

Where
The property is composed of the 1838 tavern, four newer (although still historic) structures, and approximately 11 acres of land surrounding the structure.Now called “Oakland,” one of its historic names, the property is strategically located along Route 29 in Colleen, midway between the cities of Lynchburg and Charlottesville.

When
The development of Oakland officially began when the museum hired Hill Studio Architects to help the board envision the museum and to draw up plans and cost estimates for renovation and restoration. In Phase I of the Oakland project, the house will be restored to depict its original use, to display temporary exhibits, and to house the Historical Society’s office, records, and artifacts. The museum applied for several grants to cover this part of the project. Priority will be given to the renovation of the rear addition of the house for the use of the Historical Society. Work began in the summer of 2006. In addition to the few structural changes currently in place, we now have a new and safer entrance to the property and a parking lot, thus making it possible to hold small public events on the premises.

Phase II of the museum plan is to relocate authentic outbuildings, structures, and equipment behind the tavern to complete the museum complex. New construction will add a visitor’s orientation center, a reception hall for large events, a gallery for permanent exhibits, and storage for archival records and artifacts.A timeline for Phase II will be finalized after completing Phase I.

Currently the museum holds open houses and other events to raise money and promote awareness of the Oakland project within the community. A teacher’s workshop has been held and work is ongoing to create children’s programming that can be implemented before completing the museum.