MATTHEWS LIVING HISTORY FARM MUSEUM TO OPEN THE 2005 SEASON ON SUNDAY, APRIL 10, FROM 2-6 PM; with gardening demostrations presented by The Master Gardeners of the Blue Ridge.
Just off US HWY 58, on the outskirs of Galax, lies a traditional two story white farm house, 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 Country.
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 hertiage of Grayson Country. 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 hertiage of this area , donated the farm and 20 acres to the group in 2001. The farm, that is named for Judge Matthews, is now known as "MATTHEWS LIVING HISTORY FARM MUSEUM".
This is the 5th season that Matthews Farm Museum has been open to the public. The first couple of years we had our "Hertiage Day" in May, with the horse plowing events being the main focus. Horse teams came from all over to compete in the plowing events. Local crafters demostrated crafts that represented life in 1900 Grayson Country, such as basket making, spinning, weaving, knitting, woodworking, and shingle making. In 2004 the farm was open several days during the summer with additional activities, and wonderful local music. Any local crafters, with such skills that would like to join us at Matthew's Farm and demostrate your crafts, please contact us for more information. The farm museum can only grow through donations and volunteers.
For 2005 the board of directors voted to support a wide variety of interpretative programs, and to open the farm to the public one day a month from April to October. The farm will open the second Sunday of each month, except for May; when we have our "Hertiage Day" and plowing events on the second Saturday.
To reach Matthews Farm travel US HWY 58 to Delhart Rd, turn left onto Nexus Road, and left onto White Pine Road. Matthews Farm Museum is located at 476 White Pine Road, Galax. Admission to the farm and events are free. For more information please call 276-773-3711.
April 10, Gardening to include
May 14
June 12
July 10
August 14
September 11
October 9
Thank you, SUSAN STORY, MATTHEWS FARM MUSEUM BOARD 276-655-3826