valley brethren-mennonite heritage center

This was the third year our family has visited the Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center for the Christmas Candlelight Tour. Each year has been a little different, but it always includes a look back into the past. This year there were actors at each building on the tour, singing, and story telling. You do need to make a reservation to get on the right tour and sometimes it is hard to find information on the website. Just call them and they will take care of getting you tickets.

The museum gives background information on the religious convictions which led many Valley residents to espouse non-violence in the Civil War, and they paid a heavy price in property and sometimes their lives - oppressed by both Rebel and Union forces. We came away with profound respect and deep sadness.

Do you have out of state visitors and are looking for something to do locally? This is an interesting place to bring them, showing life in an earlier, simpler time, and tying in how religion shaped the life of earlier Valley settlers from the Brethren and Mennonite traditions. During open hours, volunteer docents offer a guided tour. On fall and spring Thursdays, local school children often visit on field trips - a great experience for them!

I would first like to thank Don and Jean our tour guides, they made us feel quite comfortable. We started our tour off with a very informative video and then Don took us on a tour of the buildings, I had recently broke my ankle and was wearing a boot so he was so kind to allow us to drive to the different buildings. Don is very interesting and made us feel at home. I cant wait to come back and see the spring house completed ! A must see for those visiting the area.

Though I've visited about 3-4 times, each visit adds to my knowledge and strengthens my appreciation of the heritage of the Brethren-Mennonite community that is so well founded in the Shenandoah Valley. It's easy to reach and takes just a few minutes to bring you to appreciate this heritage.

Thanks for stopping by today. We are glad you enjoyed your visit!

This museum complex focuses on Brethren, Dunkard, Mennonite settlers in Rockingham County, Virginia. They have several special events throughout the year. That is the time to visit.

Don & Jane were the volunteer guides for the heritage center on the day we visited. They were most friendly and took the time to give us the tour and show us a video. Interesting history of Mennonites and Brethren in the Shenandoah Valley. My family was rather touched by their hospitality! I hope to revisit the area someday.

The guided tour begins with a history of the Mennonite & Brethren people. There is a video. After the video, the guide gives a tour of a reconstructed home, blacksmith shop, and school house. Plan to stay at least an hour. There is no fee, but they ask for a donation.

We found this very informative. It tells about the experiences of the Brethren and Mennonites in the Shenandoah Valley during the War Between the States.