In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is preparing a master plan for Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park located in Big Stone Gap, VA. The purpose of a master plan is to guide the management and development of a park by identifying natural, cultural and physical resources, as well as identifying park needs and engaging with the public.
Located in the town of Big Stone Gap, the park is unique among Virginia’s state parks. The main feature of the park is the Southwest Virginia Museum, which is housed in a mansion originally built by Rufus Ayers. The mansion was built from 1888 and 1895. The park serves to collect, preserve and interpret the history of Southwest Virginia in perpetuity through educational exhibits and programs.
View the draft Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park master plan.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation hosted a public comment meeting on February 20, 2024. The meeting took place in the Victorian Parlor located at the Southwest Virginia Museum, 10 West First St. N., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
The meeting was also accessible virtually, and the recording can be found here.
This meeting follows a public information meeting held in the spring of 2023, which introduced the master planning process, existing resources, and information on public outreach and engagement opportunities. The presentation for that meeting can be found here.
The public comment meeting provided more information about the planning process, and DCR staff reviewed the draft master plan that has been developed. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments after the presentation.
View the park master plan map.
View the 2023 public information meeting: