Updated Information for the Frontier Culture Museum Field Trip
Plan the Dates – Nov. 8, 9 & 10
November Field Trip
The November field trip for B-CCC is a scheduled visit to the Frontier Culture Museum, in Staunton, VA. http://www.frontiermuseum.org/ Guaranteed, this is a trip you won’t forget.
The Museum is a group of working farms representing different European, Afro-American and American cultures, all situated on 40 acres of Virginia countryside and all within a short walking distance of each other. The homesteads, livestock, implements and homesteaders are all characteristic of the region they represent. The photography ranges from scenic countryside, to quaint/authentic homes and furnishings and the homesteaders themselves (costumed interpreters who are passionate about their job) who play the roles of their homeland.
There is an entrance fee of $10.00
$9.50 for seniors
$9.00 for students-age 13 through college
$6.00 children 6-12
There are many places to stay the night. Comfort Inn is very close (540) 886-5000, Hampton Inn is a little further (540) 886-7000. There are lots of other places, also. Just Google ‘Frontier Culture Museum Accommodations’. I would make reservations soon since fall color may draw a lot of visitors.
Friday, November 8th, is intended as a travel day. The Museum is about 2 hours going down Virginia Rt. 66 from the Washington Beltway. At the west end of Rt. 66, go south on I-81 to exit 222 west. You will be on Route 250 west (Richmond Road). Entrance to Museum is 1/2 mile on left. Interstate Route 66 is horrible at rush hours but there doesn’t seem to be a better route. Leaving earlier or later is probably the best answer. I go to Hagerstown and pick up I-81 south. It’s a little further but can be quicker depending on time of day.
You should plan to be at the Museum entrance by 8 AM on Saturday for a group orientation in order to get the very most from your visit. The Museum closes at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday will be a good time to return by way of Shenandoah Drive. Fall color should be at its best. To get there, go back north on I-81 to Harrisonburg, take Rt. 33 east from Harrisonburg to Shenandoah Drive and north to get back to Washington.
We will talk more about this but to answer some of your questions -
• Plenty of free parking
• Tripods and flash are allowed
• Museum Store
• Handicapped accessible except some of the buildings
• Bring a lunch-drink machines on site
• Rental scooters available
• Easy walking but sturdy shoes are advised
(One note: The photo opportunities here are endless but to get the most out of a trip like this, it means clearing your mind of all preconceived ideas about a museum atmosphere. These people are in the storytelling business in a location that seems unquestionably real. You are given permission to construct scenes for the greatest dramatic effect but at the same time, you must give careful consideration to the other paying visitors around you.)