Preserving the stories that shaped a region.
The Blue Ridge Museum
For more than 50 years, the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum has worked to preserve the stories of the people who have called the Blue Ridge home. Its collections reach far beyond the objects you might expect to find in a museum and bring together artifacts, photographs, documents, music, books, oral histories, and other pieces of everyday life that help to tell the story of this region and its people.
The Blue Ridge Heritage Archive preserves an extraordinary record of Blue Ridge life and continues to serve as a resource for learning, research, and sharing these stories with generations to come.
Artifacts & Archive
There's so much more to explore at the BRIM
Artifacts & Material Objects
At the heart of the BRIM’s Artifact Collections are the material objects that tell the story of life in the Blue Ridge: tools, handmade pieces, household belongings, artwork, musical instruments, memoirs, ledgers, books, and more. Together, they offer a tangible glimpse into how people lived, worked, created, and passed Appalachian traditions from one generation to the next.
BLUE RIDGE HERITAGE ARCHIVE
With more than 70,000 photographs, documents, recordings, books, and other materials, the Blue Ridge Heritage Archive preserves an incredible record of the people and communities of the region. From family photographs and local records to oral histories and traditional music, the Archive helps to ensure that the voices and stories of the Blue Ridge are not lost to time.
Exhibits & Interpretation
For over 50 years, BRIM has drawn from its collections and research to create exhibits exploring life and culture throughout the Blue Ridge. Some exhibits celebrate long-held traditions, while others take a closer look at the stories that have given this region its unmistakable character. From traditional crafts and music to Franklin County’s legendary moonshining history, the BRIM exhibits give visitors a chance to discover all of the things that make the Blue Ridge region unique.
Research & Resources
Plenty of stories are waiting to be discovered.
BRIM's collections have long been a resource for people seeking to learn more about the Blue Ridge. Whether tracing family roots or exploring community history, researching local traditions, or digging deeper into a particular part of Appalachian heritage, the materials preserved at the BRIM can help connect the pieces of the region's past. Contact us today to learn more.
Programs & Events
Throughout the year, BRIM brings Blue Ridge traditions to life through the Blue Ridge BBQ Cook Off and Moonshine Heritage Car Show, Blue Ridge Plant and Seed Swap, Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, and Christmas at the Farm. The 1800 Farm welcomes school and homeschool groups for hands-on experiences with historic farm life, and every Monday night, musicians and flatfoot dancers gather for the Monday Night Jam, part of The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail.
