Past Exhibitions
The central exhibit space in the Lucie Greever Gallery is where visitors will find our newest exhibitions.
Exhibitions examine a wide variety of topics relating to Southwest Virginia and Appalachian cultural heritage,
and display items from the museum collections as well as objects loaned from individuals and other museums.
Crossroads: Change in Rural America
2022
A Museum on Main Street Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition, in cooperation with the Virginia Association of Museums, Crossroads: Change in Rural America looked at the remarkable societal changes of the past century and how rural Americans have responded. This exhibition allowed us to reflect on our community’s history, present, and future, and continue to creatively focus on new opportunities for growth and development.
Folk Art Traditions
2020-2021
In Southwest Virginia, folk art often reflects the determination and spirit of the mountain people who know how to "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." Taking an everyday object and making it into something both useful and decorative, as mountain artists frequently do, is a key element of this style of creative expression. Folk Art Traditions explored some of the many varieties of folk art, and its distinctive appeal to both artists and collectors.
Flavors of the Past
2019
Food and culinary traditions connect us to the past like almost nothing else can. The time shared and stories told around the kitchen table are among our most loved experiences from childhood to old age. For good or bad, food evokes memory. It keeps tradition and cultural identity alive, while also allowing for change and adaptation. This exhibition examined the place of food in our lives and in our past.
In Exquisite Detail
2018
The 39 dolls in this exhibition are a collection of scaled-down American fashions from the 18th century through the early 20th century created by renowned educator, fabric conservator, and costume historian,
Arthur J. “Pete” Ballard. Artist Armande de Navarre painted each face with its own unique expression. Many of the dolls are clothed in authentic materials from the time periods they represent. Each figure is dressed entirely in period appropriate clothing, from the undergarments to the outerwear.
For the Ultimate Peace
2017
This exhibition commemorated the 100th anniversary of the United States' entry into World War I. It examined the causes of the war and offered an in depth look at its impact on Americans, particularly those from Appalachia, both at home and on the front. The exhibition also addressed some of the war's lasting effects, one hundred years later.
Dressed to the Nines
2016
An exhibition celebrating fashion and what people were wearing for a night on the town during the early to mid-20th century. Party clothes from different eras were displayed so that visitors could see how fashion trends shifted over the years. The show presented a look at where the fashionable went to see and be seen, including country clubs and local hot spots from around the region.
Best Face Forward
2015
A visual examination of how our understanding of image and self image have evolved from traditional portrait painting to the modern "selfie". This exhibition explored what it means to create a portrait, including early styles, types of imagery, technology and image manipulation, standards of beauty, and why no one was ever smiling in those old family photographs.
The Battle of Kings Mountain (2005)
Hang On To Your Hat!
2023
Featuring historic headwear from the early 20th century and special treasures from the millinery shop of Miss Emma Yates in Pocahontas, Virginia, this exhibition explore the history of hats, hat makers, fashion, community, and more. This exhibition was a collaborative effort between Historic Pocahontas, Inc., the Tazewell County Public Library, and Historic Crab Orchard Museum.
Beautiful Endings
2022
This unique art exhibition featured original artwork by local artist, Cindy Ringstaff. A native of Tazewell County, Cindy’s work exquisitely captures the natural beauty of Southwest Virginia and the gorgeous palette of sunset. Each piece evokes the calm and tranquility of the day drawing to a close.
Making Music in the Mountains
2022
These musical instruments, including banjos from as early as the mid-19th century, trace changes over time in musical styles, player preferences, and technological advancements.
Collector Jim Lloyd is an Appalachian barber, musician, presenter, music teacher,
banjo historian, and radio host whose accomplishments go on and on in old-time, bluegrass, storytelling, organizing, and collecting. This collection of historical musical instruments has been acquired over the course of Jim’s lifetime, piece by piece.
Conflict Resolution
2013
Keeping the peace between conflicting groups has never been an easy prospect. This exhibition discussed various methods of conflict resolution focusing on law enforcement, the implementation of justice, the history of firearms, and petitions & protests to instigate change.
Elegant Elements
2012
Silver treasures for the table adorned the gallery in this exhibition that examined the many and varied ways silver was used at home. Place settings, baby spoons & cups, coffee, tea, & hot chocolate services were exhibited. The items ranged from colonial pieces to modern designs and reproductions of styles by famous silversmiths (such as Paul Revere).
Other past exhibitions include:
The Forties: The Decade That Changed America
Dance of Life: Appalachian Rites of Passage
The Fighting 9th
Civil War: Behind Battle Lines
Modern Marvels: Pioneering Inventions
New Harmonies
Pieces of History: Threads That Bind Us
The Battle of King’s Mountain
Movers & Makers: Appalachian Craft Revival
History of Athletics in Southwest Virginia
Virginia is for Lovers: Wedding Attire