The Nelson County Historical Society and Oakland Museum

10/09/2026

These are the signs at Oakland Museum. One tells people it's Oakland. One lists days and hours open. One says Kami Cotler will be here Oct. 17. And one says VA250 Mobile Museum will be here Oct. 22-24 and is free and open to the public. There is no sign at Oakland Museum telling people whom to vote for. The Nelson County Historical Society does not and will not permit political signs on its property. We have no control over the adjoining property that does have a political sign. But it does not block a view of the statues of Earl Hamner and Jimmy Fortune. Any suggestions on Facebook or elsewhere that there are political signs at Oakland Museum are false.

10/06/2026

Link to video of Friends of Woodson's Mill and the Nelson County Historical Society presentation on the mill's history and current usage by Deep Roots Milling. Speakers and art work showing the mill. 56 min.
https://youtu.be/QQ2LuIkXoX4

10/06/2026

VA250 Mobile Museum Brings Virginia's Revolutionary Story to Nelson County, Oct. 22–24

Free, hands-on "Out of Many, One" exhibit parks at Oakland Museum in Arrington and kicks off a fall return of the Founding Foragers trail

The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience, "Out of Many, One," is coming to Nelson County. The traveling exhibit will be at Oakland Museum, 5365 Thomas Nelson Highway in Arrington, Thursday, Oct. 22 through Saturday, Oct. 24. Admission is free and open to the public from 10am-4pm.

Housed in a custom 53-foot tractor-trailer that expands into an immersive gallery, the museum uses high-tech displays, interactive exhibits and artifacts to trace the events, ideas and people behind America's founding. It highlights Virginia's central role as the birthplace of the nation.

The exhibit is part of Virginia's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. It has traveled the Commonwealth since January 2025 and has been popular enough that VA250 added a second unit.

The visit has special meaning here. Nelson County was named for Thomas Nelson Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence and Virginia's third governor. The museum will sit on the highway that bears his name.

"Nelson County carries Thomas Nelson Jr.'s name, so hosting the VA250 Mobile Museum feels like bringing the story home," said Brittany Niemeyer, Assistant Director of Economic Development and Tourism for Nelson County. "We want every student, family and visitor to walk through that trailer, see Virginia's role in the nation's founding, and then go out and experience the orchards, farms and makers that still define this county today."

The late-October dates fall during apple harvest and peak fall color in the Blue Ridge. That makes it an ideal weekend to pair history with a drive along Nelson 151 or Nelson 29, a visit to the Blue Ridge Tunnel, along with a stay at one of the county's inns and cabins.

For more information, visitnelsoncounty.com or va250.org/mobile-museum.

10/01/2026

The Nelson County Historical Society invites its members and friends to Woodson’s Mill in Lowesville on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. to introduce them to new preservation initiatives at the mill, and unveil three posters highlighting the career of Dr. Julian Woodson, miller Ed Willis, and the water-powered automated system.
The large format posters will be permanently displayed inside the mill, part of efforts to welcome and educate visitors.
Deep Roots Milling, which leases use of the mill for its flour and corn mill production, hosts a Market Day the first Sunday of each month, where local food artisans and crafts-makers can offer their goods for sale. This is a joint event alongside the October 4 Market Day and will be held at the picnic pavilion at the Moose Lodge across the road from the Mill. There's plenty of parking there.
Woodson’s Mill is located at 3211 VA Rt. 778, in Lowesville.

09/23/2026

THREE HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENTS IN OCTOBER:
1)The Nelson County Historical Society invites its members and friends to Woodson’s Mill in Lowesville on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. to introduce them to new preservation initiatives at the mill, and unveil three posters highlighting the career of Dr. Julius Woodson, miller Ed Willis, and the water-powered automated system.
Deep Roots Milling, which leases use of the mill for its flour and corn mill production, hosts a Market Day the first Sunday of each month, where local food artisans and crafts-makers can offer their goods for sale. This is a joint event alongside the October 4 Market Day and will be held at the picnic pavilion at the Moose Lodge across the road from the Mill. There's plenty of parking there. Woodson’s Mill is located at 3211 VA Rt. 778, in Lowesville

2)Kami Cotler of “The Waltons” to Honor Show’s Creator Earl Hamner Jr. Oct. 17
Kami Cotler, who starred as the youngest daughter on “The Waltons”, will honor the TV show’s creator Earl Hamner at Oakland Museum on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ms. Cotler will speak beginning at 11 a.m. about Hamner’s career and her behind-the-scenes experiences with him and her fellow cast members. Rarely-seen videos and still photos will be shown, along with an exhibit on Hamner’s life. The exhibit includes Hamner’s Emmy Award for writing and producing the long-running program, as well as other items from his career. Ms. Cotler will sign autographs for fans from 1 p.m. until closing. Oakland is located at 5365 Thomas Nelson Highway across from Tye River Elementary School. Look for the statues of Earl Hamner and Jimmy Fortune. Admission is free, donations are very welcome. Sponsored by the Nelson County Historical Society.

3) VA250 Mobile Museum at Oakland Museum Oct. 22-24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. A hands-on, interactive and immersive "museum on wheels" titled "Out of Many, One." Free and appropriate for all ages. School and group tours encouraged. Schedule a group tour by contacvting [email protected] or call 434-263-8400. Sponsored by Nelson County Historical Society and Nelson County Tourism. Oakland is located at 5365 Thomas Nelson Highway.

09/21/2026

Joe Stinnett's presentation on his book "Out of Virginia" with particular attention to Nelson County and Lynchburg enslaved people who emigrated to Liberia, Africa, before and after the Civil War. 44 minutes. (An 11-minute segment is out of focus due to video issues.)

09/21/2026

Kami Cotler of “The Waltons” to Honor Show’s Creator Earl Hamner Jr. Oct. 17
Kami Cotler, who starred as the youngest daughter on “The Waltons”, will honor the TV show’s creator Earl Hamner at Oakland Museum on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ms. Cotler will speak beginning at 11 a.m. about Hamner’s career and her behind-the-scenes experiences with him and her fellow cast members. Rarely-seen videos and still photos will be shown, along with an exhibit on Hamner’s life. The exhibit includes Hamner’s Emmy Award for writing and producing the long-running program, as well as other items from his career. Ms. Cotler will sign autographs for fans from 1 p.m. until closing. Oakland is located at 5365 Thomas Nelson Highway across from Tye River Elementary School. Look for the statues of Earl Hamner and Jimmy Fortune. Admission is free, donations are very welcome. Sponsored by the Nelson County Historical Society.

09/09/2026

08/16/2026

Links to YouTube videos of Hurricane Camille Remembrance Program at Oakland Museum on Aug. 15, 2026.

https://youtu.be/ijqyUwB4yYM Camille Documentary Preview centered on Massies Mill.

https://youtu.be/FK5hnQkzVvM Old Roseland and Rt. 151 area residents relate stories of Hurricane Camille, aided by photos and aerial studies of flooding and landslides.

Residents of Old Roseland and nearby locations share stories and re...

08/10/2026

Special Fundraiser Book Sale Camille Commemoration Day at Oakland Museum on Saturday, Aug. 15.

Torn Land by Jerry & Paige Simpson (bids start at $250); Roar of the Heavens by Stephan Bechtel (bids start at $50).

Copies of these two books were recently given by a donor who requested that they be sold to benefit the Nelson County Historical Society. Torn Land is considered a scarce regional history book that is difficult to find on the secondary market. Both copies are in good condition.

Bids will be accepted beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15. Each book will be sold to the highest bidder at 3 p.m. You must be present to make purchase.

Oakland Museum is located at 5365 Thomas Nelson Highway, across from Tye River Elementary School.