March 16, 2006

Tobacco farms, tomato canneries and sprawling plantation are all part of the Northern Neck’s rich history, and a group of determined volunteers plans to build a museum to honor and preserve that legacy. Efforts are currently underway to raise money to build the Northern Neck Farm Museum on eight acres of donated land on Highway 360 near Heathsville.

Luther Welch, with vintage tractor

“I’ve been farming since I was four years old,” said Luther Welch, who, with his wife Margaret, have donated the land for the museum.
“I want to preserve these memories for today’s young people, so they will know how their grandparents and other ancestors lived.”
For years Luther has been collecting old tractors and farm implements on his farm near Wicomico Church, in Northumberland County. Some of the tractors go back to the 1920s, and some of the horse-drawn implements go back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Luther is happy to show visitors through the make-shift museum in one of his long outbuildings, but for years he’s dreamed of putting his extensive collection in a real museum. With the help of Patty Long, Northern Neck Tourism Council Director, and a board of directors, it may be about to happen.
“We estimate the cost of the building could be anywhere from $750,000 to $1,000,000. We’re currently raising money and seeking grants,” she said.
“We’re also doing a lot of praying,” said Craig Giese, who serves as chairperson of the museum’s board of directors.
“We’ve been very fortunate so far with local support. We have about 25 charter members and our campaign will run through August.”
The museum board has authorized the establishment of the charter memberships, available to families and individuals at five different giving levels, from $350 to $5,000. Charter members will have their names placed on a “wall of honor” once the museum is built.
“We’ve obtained 5013c status, so contributions are tax deductible,” Craig said.
Architect Will Williams of Gloucester has helped with the design of the building, which will contain exhibits showing the progression of tools and technology used on Northern Neck farms. The building is designed to resemble a large barn, and will include a windmill, as the signature focal point on the grounds.
“The Northern Neck was originally settled in the 1600s for agricultural purposes,” said board member George Beckett. “And before that the Indians in the region were farmers.”
But with accelerating development in the region, many besides Luther are concerned that the rural, agricultural legacy of the Northern Neck is slipping away. The museum is seen as one way to preserve it forever.
“There’s still a lot we can learn from all of this, especially the young people. That’s why I want to preserve it,” Luther said.
Members of the museum board include Craig Giese, Matt Lewis, Luttrell Tadlock, John Jenkins, Francene Barber, Ginny Pitman Barnes, George Beckett, Gregory Carey, William Dawson, Jr., Gail Haynie, Mitchell Jett, Kelly Liddington, Patty Long, Randall Packett, LeVander Toulson, Alan Welch, Luther Welch, and Margaret Welch.