Meadow Farm Museum

Meadow Farm Museum
3400 Mountain Rd. Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 501-2130

Hours of Operation
Historic Farmhouse, Orientation Center, & Out Buildings

December-February:
Saturday & Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
(Closed first two weeks in January.)

March-November:
Tuesday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m.

Meadow Farm Museum, an 1860 living history farmsite and museum, presents programs and exhibits on the culture of the rural South. Costumed interpreters provide insight into the lives of Dr. John Mosby Sheppard, the owner of Meadow Farm, and his family. On selected weekends, they demonstrate seasonal activities in the farmhouse, barn, doctor's office, blacksmith forge, kitchen, fields, and pastures. Also visit Meadow Farm's Gift Shop for a variety of items.

Classes and programs held at Meadow Farm Museum are listed throughout the guide. Many are listed in the Family and Friends section under History.

Volunteer Opportunities

Sewing Guild
For ages 16+. If you enjoy a variety of textile projects, this may be the volunteer opportunity for you. Members participate in programs as well as reproduce textile projects for program use. Meetings are the first Saturday of the month, February-December. New members are always welcome. Information: 501-2130.

First Sat of each month, Feb-Dec. Call for times.
Meadow Farm Museum. Free.

Agricultural Guild
For ages 10+. If you enjoy gardening and the companionship of good folks, this may be your volunteer opportunity. The Meadow Farm Agricultural Guild meets Wednesday evenings April through September to work the field crops and heirloom garden. Information: 501-2130.

Wed, Apr-Sept, 6-8 p.m.
Meadow Farm Museum. Free.

For more information, contact Anna Truong or Linda Eikmeier at 501-2130.

Living History Programs

Let There Be Light
For all ages. Learn the many ways your house may be lit in the mid-19th century. Find out how many candles you would need for the year and help make a few for Meadow Farm’s supply. Information: 501-2130.

Sat, Feb 11, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Meadow Farm Museum. Free.

A New Dress for Mrs. Sheppard
For all ages. Before “off the rack” shopping, most clothing was made at home. Join us to learn more about 1860s fashion and try your hand at stitching. Information: 501-2130.

Sat, Mar 3, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Meadow Farm Museum. Free.

Meadow Farm Volunteer Open House
For ages 10+. Meadow Farm is looking for eager and energetic volunteers to conduct tours, work in the gift shop, demonstrate historic trades, agricultural and domestic activities, as well as other opportunities. Students needing community service hours are welcome. Drop by and explore how you can help. No experience is necessary. Information: 501-2130.

Sat, Mar 10, 1-3 p.m.
Meadow Farm Museum. Free.

Blacksmithing: Too Many Irons in the Fire
For all ages. The blacksmith was a very important member of the 19th-century rural community. Watch and listen to the blacksmith as the iron gets red-hot and the smith pounds and bends it into useful objects. Information: 501-2130.

Sat, Mar 10, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Sat, May 19, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Meadow Farm Museum. Free.

A Day on the Farm
For ages 8-12. Participants will have the opportunity to dress in costume and experience life on the farm in 1860. They will help with the necessary household and animal chores children were responsible for and will cook using mid-19th-century methods. After all the work is done, fun will be had playing historic games. Information: 501-2130.

1DF.095013 Sat, Mar 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Meadow Farm Museum. $20.

Spring Cleaning
For all ages. Winter is over. It is time to open up the house, wash the windows, and scrub the floors. Learn about the implements used long ago as you help keep the house free of dirt and clear of bugs. Information: 501-2130.

Sat, Mar 31, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Meadow Farm Museum. Free.

Sheep Shearing
For all ages. It is shearing time, and Meadow Farm is using historic hand shears on their herd of Gulf Coast Native sheep. Come watch the process and learn more about this rare breed and how their wool was used. Information: 501-2130.

Sat, Apr 7, 14, & 28, 9-11 a.m.
Sat, Apr 21, noon-4 p.m. (Sheep to Shawl,see below)
Meadow Farm Museum. Free.

No Batteries Required: 19th-Century Games
For ages 5+. Join the fun as we trundle hoops, walk on stilts, and indulge in other 19th-century leisure activities. Information: 501-2130.

Wed, Apr 11, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Meadow Farm Museum. Free.

Little Lambs Eat Ivy
For all ages. Watch as the sheep are shorn with hand-shears. Learn how the wool is processed and what it can be used for while visiting the new lambs. Information: 501-2130.

Thur, Apr 12, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Meadow Farm Museum. Free.

Meet the Critters
For all ages. Turkeys, chickens, sheep, horses, cows, and pigs. You will find them all here at Meadow Farm. Join a costumed guide as they offer a personal introduction to the farm animals. Information: 501-2130.

Fri, Apr 13, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Meadow Farm Museum. Free.

Sheep to Shawl
For all ages. Meadow Farm is shearing its sheep and taking the wool through the entire process from sheep to shawl. Spinning, weaving, and natural dyes are all part of this process. Come try your hand at some of these activities. Make a wool craft to take home. Information: 501-2130.

Sat, Apr 21, noon-4 p.m.
Meadow Farm Museum. Free.

Mrs. Sheppard’s Mother’s Day
For all ages. Who was Mrs. Sheppard before her marriage? What is her love story? Tours will focus on Mrs. Sheppard, mother of eight, and her role as head of the household at Meadow Farm in 1860. Information: 501-2130.

Sun, May 13, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Meadow Farm Museum. Free.

The Doctor Is In
For all ages. What was it like to be a doctor in 1860, or a patient? Were there hospitals or house calls? Find out more about how ailments were cured in the mid-1800s and who Dr. Sheppard may have seen this week in history. Information: 501-2130.

Sat, May 26, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Meadow Farm Museum. Free.