'The Coolest Little Museum in the Country'

Since its doors opened in 1967, Loudoun Museum has given visitors an intimate look at the storied history of the county. Housed in 19^th century conjoined buildings in Leesburg, Loudoun Museum holds approximately 8,000 objects in its collection, with 200 to 300 on display at any given time. Members of the community donated the majority of the museum’s objects – including a Friendship Quilt made in 1930 from Ashburn –­ according to museum curator Pam Stewart.

The museum attempts to use its exhibits to tell the story of Loudoun’s history in a way people can easily understand.

“Our vision is to provide the care and perpetuity for a first-class collection of artifacts that tell Loudoun County’s stories from what is described as pre-history to the present,” Liz Whiting, president of the board of trustees for the museum explained. “And to provide that care in accordance with the highest industry standards, and to present a series of permanent and changing exhibits that tell those stories in a way that our public can relate to.”

One way the museum makes those stories relatable is through the use of a first-person quote in every exhibit.

Rich in artifacts, the museum indeed tells many stories through its extensive and eclectic collection of items such as textiles, typewriters, Civil War uniforms, dresses, furniture and more. In the front of the museum, you can’t miss the ornate and enormous 250-pound cash register that was used in the old Raflo’s store on King Street from 1916 to 1976.

Additionally, the museum’s library collection features more than 500 books on Loudoun and American history as well as more than 500 research files on Loudoun’s history, residents, architecture, and more, according to the museum’s Web site. (www.loudounmusem.org). The museum also offers a rich collection of manuscripts and photographs pertaining to the county and the state.

According to the museum’s Web site, the current exhibit – The Lure of Loudoun: Virginia's Emerald County – “highlights the agricultural landscape and lifestyle that has characterized the county from its inception.” Photographs, post cards, uniforms, furniture, household items and more provide a glimpse into the lives of those who lived in Loudoun since its founding.

Walking through the museum, it takes little time to realize that this gem of a place has impeccable standards for its exhibits. Those high industry standards have not gone unnoticed, Whiting said, recounting a story of a woman who came to the museum one day.

“I heard her stomping back to the front and she said, ‘do you understand the quality of the work you’re doing here?’  I said, ‘Yes ma’am, we do,’ and she said, ‘no, do you understand the quality of work you’re doing?’”

After Whiting responded a second time that she did understand, the woman said, “’No, you don’t understand. I was one of the producers on Ken Burns’ Civil War series. Do you understand the quality of the work you’re doing here?’” To which Whiting responded:  “Well ma’am, we like to think of ourselves as the coolest little museum in the country.”

Kids no doubt would attest to the museum’s cool factor. The museum’s Discovery Room boasts reproduction toys, a replica of an early 19^th century Quaker kitchen and implements, and school-related items that are available for children to touch. Kids can also play dress up by trying on reproduction colonial and 19^th century costumes. Stewart says that moms’ clubs often bring their children on Fridays for a fun and educational play date. Kids can also participate in scavenger hunts inside the museum.

The museum, which was redesigned in 2005 in conjunction with its “Centuries of Change” exhibit, also features a 12-minute video of Loudoun’s history as well as two books that are for sale: Exploring Leesburg and The Lure of Loudoun: Centuries of Change in Virginia’s Emerald County.  The latter, which was published in 2007, is part of the museum’s 40^th anniversary, Stewart said.

“It’s very well written and well-documented, and illustrated with objects from our collection,” she explained. The book also includes a variety of family photos and images that individuals loaned to the museum for the express purpose of being used in the book.

Take in more of Loudoun’s history by foot and pick up a self-guided Civil War Trail walking tour brochure that the museum produced.

“It really gives the town context and perspective,” said Stewart.

Because funding is integral to the success of any museum, donations are needed and welcome. According to Stewart, “We depend on members’ commitments and donations of all kinds.” Loudoun Museum also offers individuals a variety of rewarding volunteer opportunities, including welcoming museum visitors and assisting with special events.

For an enriching alternative to Saturday cinema, check out Loudoun Museum. It may just be one of the county’s best places for lingering, learning and imbibing the flavor of the county’s rich history.

Loudoun Museum is located at 16 Loudoun St. SW near Town Hall. Hours of operation are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $1, but is free for active-duty military personnel and their families, as well as members and children younger than 4. For more information, call 703-777-7427 or go to www.loudounmuseum.org.