Mission
The Historic Crab Orchard Museum is an educational institution whose mission is to identify, collect, preserve, interpret, and promote the diverse Appalachian cultural heritage of Southwest Virginia and the surrounding region.
History
The Museum’s Pioneer Park was developed in 1975-78 on land owned by A. Jefferson Higginbotham, Jr. The nationally registered Crab Orchard Archaeological Site on which it sits was part of a late Woodland period Intermountain Native American community later acquired by Tazewell County’s earliest settlers, the Witten family. Historic Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, was chartered in 1978 to receive gifts of objects and funds, and the Higginbotham Museum Center was built from 1979-81, funded by state grants to the county. The Museum Center covers approximately 7,200 square feet, and houses our permanent collection as well as a series of rotating special exhibitions. The Pioneer Park consists of 15 historic log and stone structures and the Red Barn, an exhibition building also used for community events. In the 2000s, the museum acquired the 1907 Pisgah Store, which is located across the four lane highway, and the Frog Level Service Station, which stands adjacent to the museum. Crab Orchard Museum is a member-owned organization governed by a board of directors and operated by a professional staff, with the help of valuable volunteers.
Board
Board of Directors
Rod Moore, Chairman
Nancy Brooks, Vice Chairman
Aaron Gillespie, Treasurer
Susan Reeves, Secretary
Doug Branton
Kim Campbell
Lucie D’Amato
Annabelle Galumbeck
David Mullins
Cathy C. Payne
Peggy Foster Peery
Lonnie Quesenberry
Peggy Riley
Travis Roberts
Michael Wood, III
Joe Bowen, Counsel to the Board
Staff
Our staff works hard to make Historic Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park a memorable experience.
Contact Us
Whether you'd like to schedule a group tour, book a wedding, join the membership, discuss an artifact, rent the Cottage at Crab Orchard, or pose a question, we are glad to help. Call us or fill out the form below and we'll be in touch.
Phone: 276.988.6755 | Fax: 276.988.9400
Monday: Closed to the public
Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (April 1st - November 1st)
Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Hours are limited between Christmas and New Year's. Please call to verify hours during holidays or winter weather.
Admission
General admission to the Museum Center & Pioneer Park is:
$5.00 for adults
$3.00 for children ages 7-12
FREE for children 6 & under
An audio tour is included with admission for self-guided visitors via a free downloadable app or listening device.
Directions
Crab Orchard Museum is located just off highway 19-460 West (Governor G.C. Peery Highway) on Crab Orchard Road.