On April 24, the Historical Society of Western Virginia will open “Botetourt County: 250 +1 Years of Delight,” an ambitious exhibit telling the history of Botetourt through its decorative arts from architecture to kitchenware. Bank of Botetourt, which traces its county roots to 1899, is the major sponsor for the exhibit, which features more than 300 items on loan from museums and private collectors. Covid-19 delayed the exhibit from 2020, the 250th anniversary of the founding of Botetourt County.
Highlights include a dozen locally forged guns and a gown Ann Cary Selden Breckinridge of Botetourt County wore to a Congressional Ball in Washington, D. C., where her husband served in the House of Representatives from 1809 to 1817. This is on loan from Colonial Williamsburg. An 1840 sampler stitched by Eliza Pitzer has traveled from the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) in Winston-Salem, N.C. Contemporary artists, including Jake Cress with his whimsical furniture, are featured as well.
The History and Link museums will close at end of day April 10 to give time for final preparations for the opening on the 24th. Regular admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors/military/students; $3 for ages 4-17; under 4 get in free. For information, call 540-982-5465 or visit roanokehistory.org.
