A recent trip took us to one of those "been meaning to do that" spots: the Salem Museum in nearby Salem, VA. Justin, a former volunteer for the museum (he's been a ghost walk leader), hadn't seen the place since its recent renovation, and Kim and Elijah had never been to see the exhibits. The building, now entered from the "lower" section and boasting a green roof terrace, is definitely "classed up." Several spaces are airy and would be ideal for a small wedding reception or a business event. Also striking is the expanded gift shop area--the only place to buy an official Lake Spring Park Gazebo Christmas ornament!
The exhibits are interesting, particularly if one is familiar with Salem. We saw interesting artifacts with personal connections, with Kim being particularly struck by her professor E. Wayne Harris's letterman's sweater from Carver High. The best of the best is the Lakeside exhibit, however. Justin and Kim are among the youngest to remember Lakeside, and this room is one of true nostalgia. Kim's first "real" roller coaster was Lakeside's Shooting Star, the coaster modeled in the museum. She was taken aboard by her father while still technically too short to ride and loved it! At the exhibit, Kim learned that one of the Shooting Star trains is in use at Myrtle Beach's Family Kingdom, meaning that it is possible that Kim's first and last roller coaster rides with Daddy were aboard the same train. There's some joy in learning something like that.
The docents of the museum were eager to receive us and very friendly to Elijah, even as he was fascinated by the museum's stairs and elevator more than exhibits. We look forward to visits as the museum fills its new space and would love to see work on the history of worship and education in Salem. If you go, consider a fall visit, taking in one of the museum's ghost walks in the nearby park and cemeteries. The ghost walks are more historic than ghostly and can be a real local history treat. In pleasant weather, definitely take time to walk the nearby cemeteries full of interesting monuments and connections to Roanoke College.
Related Link:
Salem Museum and Historical Society
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