The Armory | Somerville

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley is a museum located in Winchester, Virginia, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history and culture of the Shenandoah Valley region.

Visual Characteristics

The museum complex includes a historic house and a modern exhibition wing. The historic house, known as Glen Burnie, is a Georgian-style brick structure dating to the mid-18th century. It features a symmetrical facade with a central entrance and dormer windows. The modern wing is a contemporary building with clean lines and large windows, designed to complement the historic architecture. The grounds include formal gardens with mature trees and manicured hedges.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at 901 Amherst Street, Winchester, Virginia. It is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) west of Winchester's historic downtown district. Driving from downtown, take Main Street west which becomes Amherst Street. The museum is on the left. Ample free parking is available on-site. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is several blocks away on Amherst Street, served by the Winchester Transit system.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Glen Burnie house was originally built by Robert Carter Burwell around 1750. It has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries. The museum itself was established in 1967 to collect, preserve, and exhibit artifacts and information pertaining to the Shenandoah Valley's rich history, from its earliest inhabitants to the present day. The surrounding land is part of the Shenandoah Valley's geological formation, characterized by karst topography and fertile limestone soils.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the historic Glen Burnie house, which showcases period furnishings and decorative arts. Permanent exhibitions in the modern wing cover the history of the Shenandoah Valley, including its settlement, agricultural heritage, and role in national events. Temporary exhibitions explore specific themes and artists. The gardens are open for exploration, offering a structured landscape experience.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the modern exhibition wing. Shaded areas are provided by mature trees in the gardens and by awnings on the historic house. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable on the grounds. There are no on-site food vendors, but several restaurants and cafes are located within a 1-mile (1.6 km) radius in downtown Winchester.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography of the house and gardens is in the late afternoon when the light is softer. The most pleasant months for visiting are April through October, when the gardens are in bloom and the weather is generally mild. There are no tide-dependent activities.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical oddity is the extensive collection of antique firearms and military artifacts housed within the museum, reflecting the region's significant involvement in various conflicts. A specific tip for visitors is to allow at least two hours to fully appreciate both the historic house and the exhibition galleries.

Nearby Landmarks

• Abram's Delight Museum (0.8km Northeast)
• Old Town Winchester (1.5km East)
• George Washington's Office Museum (1.6km East)
• Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum (1.7km East)