About
Local stories, preserved together.
Our Story · Since 1961
A community’s history.
A shared responsibility.
What began with a small group of local citizens has grown into a collection shaped by our community.
Founded in 1961, the Smyth County Museum & Historical Society was created to preserve our county’s history before valuable artifacts and information were lost.
Today, our collection includes thousands of objects, documents, photographs, and books relating to Smyth County, Virginia, and the surrounding Appalachian region.
Every item in our collection was generously donated by community members who believe local history is worth preserving.
Inside the Museum
Discover the history around you.
Explore photographs, original artifacts, and personal stories that connect Smyth County’s past with the places and people we know today.
Places & Memories
Marion Through Photographs
See Marion’s history through photographs that capture the town, its people, and the changes that have shaped it.
Early History
Local Native American Artifacts
View Native American artifacts from the local area and explore connections to the region’s long human history.
Original Artifacts
Civil War History
Examine local connections to the Civil War, including an original flag of a local Confederate unit and the restored Confederate officer’s frock coat of John M. Preston II.
Service & Remembrance
Local Military Memorabilia
Explore an extensive display of military memorabilia, including uniforms belonging to local veterans and objects connected to their service.
Lives That Made a Difference
Women Who Shaped Smyth County
Discover the contributions of influential women whose lives and work are part of Smyth County’s story.
- Laura Lu Copenhaver
- Evelyn Lawrence Thompson
- Annabel Morris Buchanan
- Clara Hill Carner
- Katherine Johnson
Before her groundbreaking work at NASA, Katherine Johnson—whose story is featured in Hidden Figures—taught school and met her first husband here in Marion.
There’s more to discover. A variety of smaller displays explore other people, places, and topics from Smyth County’s history.
Plan Your VisitBeyond the Exhibits
History brings us together.
Through talks, community celebrations, and opportunities to explore, we connect people with the history around them.
Learn Together
Speaker Series
Join us for talks exploring local history, regional stories, and the people who shaped our communities.
See the current schedule
Explore Downtown
Marion History Experience
Discover downtown Marion through the historic walking tour developed in partnership with Marion Downtown.
View the walking tour map (PDF)
Celebrate With Us
Christmas at the Museum
Community-decorated trees fill the museum with holiday spirit during our annual celebration, including Merry Marion weekend.
Explore seasonal eventsCaring for Our Past
Preservation in action.
Community support helps protect lasting connections to our history.
Madam Russell Historical Marker
In 2023, community contributions helped us install a marker at Elizabeth Henry Campbell “Madam” Russell’s gravesite, preserving her legacy as the original stone became unreadable.
Preston Uniform Restoration
Support from the Smyth County Board of Supervisors helped restore John Montgomery Preston II’s Civil War frock coat for long-term preservation and display.
Our Story Continues With You
Be part of our story.
Visit the museum, discover a connection, or help preserve local history by becoming a member.