barrier islands center

You get a good appreciation for the way of life in Virginia in the eastern shore of Virginia. How the oystermen and clam diggers of the past and today live. Also in the changes in the shoreline.

Gee, with all of the daily reports of crime and people seemingly unable to get along with one-another, it just proves beyond a doubt that none of this contemporary behavior has to be. Just drive to this lovingly kept gem of a story of people who did whatever it took, together- to live on an island on our Atlantic Coast-line and enjoy their lives, and each other. It is the smiles on their faces that stands out in my memory... even with bearing the brunt of the ocean storms, and the tragedies in their wake, these Barrier Island Families tell a story you will be so happy to know.When you walk down the steps as you leave, I promise you will have a warmth, and respect in your heart that wasn't there when you parked your vehicle an hour before. Enjoy the journey to this Barrier Island Center, the journey it takes you on, and please be sure to acknowledge all whom volunteer there, in order to keep this real-life story available for all of us. Special Thanks to Dawn for taking me to the "Oyster Roast" and Lauren for offering her Family as part of my recovery from a most upsetting stay with a particular host on B. Bluff. I hope to see you in February to volunteer myself!

This is a very interesting and well-run little museum. There are great old photos and the excellent displays tell much about the history of the Eastern Shore and its outer islands. The people at the museum are very well informed and accommodating. There is a nice little gift shop, too. Watch for their sign on the right of Rt. 13 in Machipongo. When traveling North, the museum is on the left. Definitely worth a stop!!

We just happened upon this place. We were driving south since it was raining and couldn't go to the beach. It was a nice surprise. There was an interesting video about early life on Hog Island. The house had been a poor house and had a great history. They had a lot of rooms filled with interesting items from days past. The main topic was life along the water. They had a very nice gift shop that included hand carved birds. There wasn't a fee but of course they took donations. And I can assure you that you would be well pleased and happy to give one.

Our group, three adults, two teenagers and our hound dog, Abby, had a wonderful visit at the BIC. I called ahead to say our dog was visiting the Eastern Shore with us and would it be alright to bring her on the grounds. No, they insisted she come right into the museum with us and then whisked her away to play and explore while we watched a wonderful oral history documentary about Hogg Island. The director and docents are engaging, informed, warm and helpful without hovering in this small, educational and well curated museum. The gift shop features lovely crafts, including handmade quilts and wonderful carved decoys by local carvers. the director talked with me about their philosophy that includes making this museum as accessible and inviting as possible for everyone, including people with disabilities, whom they welcome and learn from. I am so glad we stopped and stayed. At the end of our visit, we were given a complimentary membership, a gift membership, which is given to everyone who expresses interest. I'll never visit the Eastern Shore without stopping at this terrific Center.

My husband and I visited the Barrier Islands/Almshouse on a whim on our way to the Outer Banks. We were absolutely blown away by the museum and kindness of the employees! I would highly recommend the Almshouse for any one looking to learn about local history and capture some great photos . Of course dinner in Cape Charles - afterwards - is a must. :) Thanks ladies !!

If you are interested in local history, a visit to this former "Poor House" is a must. It does not gloss over its past. It enhances it with changing exhibits on decoys, islands once inhabited but now abandoned, and the volunteer docents are wonderful and always generous with their time & knowledge.

This was a lovely place - the movie about Hogg Island was extremely well done and touching. This museum has many wonderful artifacts, a research library and a very friendly staff. Don't miss this!

This unique place is on the west side of Highway 13 and is well worth a visit. It's a museum and learning center on the barrier islands and the people who once lived on them. The folks working there - volunteers I'm sure - were so friendly and informative and so dedicated to this museum and its ongoing work with the community. Their enthusiasm was contagious!

This museum tells the story of Virginia's once populated barrier islands. A real historian with his ancestry from those barrier islands is there to answer questions. Full of beautiful photos and real artifacts like the lighthouse keepers log (showing an entry when President Cleveland visited), it is a fascinating glimpse into the thriving communities that once inhabited the islands, and the forces of nature that eventually drove them out. Highly recommended- a DVD "Our Island Home" about three island communities. You can watch it in the center, and it is available to purchase. The museum has a Duplo table for children on the front porch and a whale bone sandbox for them to have some "hands on" things to explore. Decoy and bird hunting people will really enjoy the waterfowl exhibits.

Although undergoing some remodeling the staff was very accommodating! Thank you, Kristen! Cant wait to go back after the work has been completed!

This is a local museum that is steeped in local history. The building was originally the county alms house. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They are very public friendly - they even have dog training classes on the grounds and in the parlor.

Stopped there yesterday, and Mr. Dowdy? (sp) is a great historian. He shared great insight into the people of the barrier islands. Annie and the young lady in the book store also provided some helpful information on the area and were really friendly and informative. All in all, one of the must do's if you want to get a feel of how it was when the area had the two riches counties in the US, and how the decline occurred. Thanks folks for doing such a fantastic job, and for providing me with information on duck decoy carving classes.

Such a wonderful little museum! Learn about the people who once lived on Virginia's barrier islands through local lore and fantastic exhibits complete with plenty of island artifacts. Rotating exhibits of local art from decoys to paintings and fun classes offered, as well. Ask about the spiral chimney!

The barrier island center is a large almshouse full of history. Our tour guide who was from a barrier island "Hog Island" knew everything there was to know about the islands. This place was amazing. There were exhibits and relics of waterman, lighthouses, shipwrecks and family life on the islands. They also let you in the attic to see the twisted chimney. Don't pass through Machipongo without stopping here. I travelled an hour and a half just to go here and I was not dissapointed.