A visit to the Jeff Matthews Memorial Museum is a rewarding experience for adults, families and children of all ages.
Among the treasures are the historic cabins dating back to 1834, Victorian fashions, over 10,000 Native American artifacts, a fascinating collection of African items, one of the largest Kodiak bears on display anywhere in the world, an extensive collection of hunting trophies and guns, one of the first pianos to arrive in Galax, a real covered wagon and thousands of pictures and historic items from every aspect of Galax’s colorful and amazing history.
Hours
Wednesday – Saturday
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Or any time by appointment.
Museum History
The Jeff Matthews Memorial Museum was established in 1974 with the collections of Jeff Matthews and Glenn Pless. Regretfully, Mr. Matthews passed away leaving Mr. Pless to continue the formation of the museum. He did so by accepting the collections of other and the museum was soon in need of a larger building. In 1978 a new museum was opened on West Stuart Drive overlooking the beautiful city of Galax, Virginia. Housed within this new building were the stories and artifacts of how this amazing city came to be.
Among the many treasures at The Jeff Matthews Museum are the historic cabins dating back to 1834, Victorian fashions and over 10,000 Native American artifacts. There is also a fascinating collection of African antiquities, one of the largest Kodiak bears on display anywhere in the world and a tribute to Kylene Barker Hibbard, Galax’s own Miss America of 1979. You’ll also be treated to an extensive collection of hunting trophies and one of the first pianos to arrive in Galax. There’s thousands of pictures and historic items to enjoy dating back as far as 1792. We even have an real covered wagon!
The Jeff Matthews Museum is a rewarding experience for adults, families and children of all ages. We look forward to your visit.
10,000+
Native American Artifacts
200+
Year Old Items in Collection
Contact Us
Jeff Matthews Memorial Museum
606 West Stuart Drive
Galax, Virginia 24333
Phone: 276-236-7874
Email: info@jeffmatthewsmuseum.org
Email: info@jeffmatthewsmuseum.org
Displays
North America Big Game
Donated by Glenn Pless
On the left as you enter the museum, enjoy the collection of trophies of North American big game animals donated by Glenn Pless. He has made more than fifteen big game hunts. You will see more than 50 mounted heads and animal rugs from Alaska, The Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Mexico and the Western States. See the “Grand Slam” in North American sheep, which very few people have been able to secure.
Civil War Veterans
See over 200 8×10 photos of Civil War veterans of this area. If any of your ancestors served and we do not have a photo of them, we would welcome a photograph to add to our display.
Other Outstanding Items
Other items include:
- An ancient soapstone basin
- Covered Wagon
- Farm Implements
- Coin collection
- Old Telephone Exchange
- Fossils from Alaska (190-195 Million Years Old)
- Spinning Wheels
- Pictures of Early Galax and Twin Counties
- Land Grant with D. Boone Signature
- Freaks of Nature
- Musical Instruments
- Old Furniture and Clothing
- A copper still
- Authentic record of the Grayson County, VA militia 1794-1854
- Complete dental office
- One of the first pianos in Galax. Hauled by covered wagon from Pulaski to a farm in Carroll County. Later moved to Galax. Donated by Mrs. George B. Early and Mrs. Tim Pollard.
