Downtown Directory / Museums

Civil War Orientation Center

The Harrisonburg Rockingham Civil War Orientation Center is the third in a series of centers located throughout the eight-county National Historic District in the legendary Shenandoah Valley. Located in the historic Hardesty-Higgins House, the center opened in fall of 2009 making it easier for visitors to explore the Civil War sites throughout the area, including Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, and parts of southern Page and northern Augusta counties more

Explore More Discovery Museum

Explore More Discovery Museum is a nonprofit, interactive museum designed especially for children and families. The museum offers a wide range of activities and exhibits such as the TV Studio, the Science Lab, the Virginia Theater, the Super Service Center and more. more

Harrisonburg Fire Museum

Discover the history of the Harrisonburg Fire Department, located on the third floor of the Public Safety Building. The Harrisonburg Fire Department Museum features a rich display of historic fire memorabilia such as uniforms, medals, equipment, old fire alarms, and photographs. more

Hugo Kohl Museum of American Jewelry & Manufacturing

Hugo Kohl has combined a magnificent library of design, the ultimate goldsmiths shop and working factory. His vision was to design a museum that will give visitors a visual, audible and sensory experience of jewelry manufacturing. An elevated floor plan allows people to browse the retail store while watching artisans create in the workshop below. While vintage jewelry is the heart of the museum, Hugo realizes that customers may wish for something more contemporary. Visitors will be able to create a custom piece of jewelry at a unique station dubbed the create bar, which is a CAD system that guides visitors through an online exercise that determines their preferences in jewelry. more

Valley Turnpike Museum

Relive the history of settlement in the Shenandoah Valley by visiting the Valley Turnpike Museum. The museum explores the history of the road known by many names, now known as US Route 11. Along this historic route, many small towns grew and prospered. more

Virginia Quilt Museum

Dedicated to celebrating and nurturing Virginia's quilting heritage, The Virginia Quilt Museum has three major exhibitions each year. Quilts from the permanent collection are displayed on a rotating basis, as space permits, during each exhibit. more