MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Contact Us
6539 Main Street
Gloucester, VA 23061
Phone: 804-693-1234
Email: Robert Kelly, Museum Coordinator
Hours
Monday through Saturday
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed Sundays and Holidays
Services
The Botetourt Building, now the Gloucester Museum of History, was built in the year 1770. This historic building was once a tavern used by travelers as they made their way to do business at Gloucester Courthouse. Today, the Museum of History is home to over 3,000 objects, ranging from archival documents and photographs to large antique agricultural tools. These items are vital to telling the rich and intricate history of Gloucester County.
The Gloucester Museum of History strives to engage, educate, and inspire future generations by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the diverse history, heritage, and culture of Gloucester County.
Virtual Museum Tour
***The virtual tour is still under development, and the exhibits on the second floor will be updated in the future. Please stay tuned as we continue to enhance the experience.***
Exhibits & Events
Visiting the Museum
Field Trips & Group Tours
Field trips and group tours are free; however, we ask that you contact us 30-days in advance to schedule your museum experience.
Parking
Parking is free and the Museum's parking lot is located on the corner of Main Street and Carriage Court. Additional parking can be found on Main Street.
Admission & Donations
Admission to the Museum is free for all ages; however, we do accept and appreciate donations.
Research Requests
The Gloucester Museum of History operates a library and special collections for researchers.
Accessibility Statement
The Gloucester Museum of History is dedicated and committed to creating a positive experience and environment for all who visit. All visitors have the right to be fully engaged in the cultural life of their community. Due to the age of the Museum’s building, physical barriers may be present; however, we would like to address the needs of our community and its members to the best of our ability. Please contact the Museum’s coordinator with questions, suggestions, or any concerns you may have.
Battle of the Hook
In 2018, Gloucester County received funding from the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) of the National Park Service to complete a site documentation and preservation plan for the Battle of the Hook. Published in 2021, the project showcases archival and archeological research that provides a strategy for preservation planning and supplies information needed to submit a National Register nomination in the future. Over the course of the project, there were three public meetings held to update citizens on the progress of the project and to provide an opportunity for questions and comments.
Presentations from the three public meetings are available below:
In addition, we have an image of the Battle of the Hook map within current Gloucester County.
Volunteering
Interested in history? Would you like to interpret Gloucester’s history to school groups and students? Want to go behind the scenes at the Museum to assist with research, collections, or archives? Do you enjoy special events and living history, or just want to greet visitors? Volunteers are always needed in these areas at the Gloucester Museum of History. Share your individual talents and skills with us and our visitors. As a volunteer you will learn new skills and information, meet new people, enjoy the historic surroundings, help the museum move forward with numerous projects, and have fun! To learn more about volunteering please contact Museums Coordinator, Robert Kelly, at (804) 693-1234.
Other Resources
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Gloucester Museum of History
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Gloucester Historical Committee
Danny Fary, Chair
Phone: 804-815-2120
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Gloucester Museum Foundation
Email: Bill Lawrence
Phone: 804-693-1234
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Gloucester Genealogical Society of Virginia
Email: Roane Hunt
Phone: 804-693-3467
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Gloucester Historical Society