We've left 2020 behind and are looking forward to 2021 with fresh hope for better days ahead.
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We’ve left 2020 behind and are looking forward
to 2021 with fresh hope for better days ahead.
History teaches us that although there will always be difficult
times, we can still achieve our goals through hard work,
dedication, and compassion for others.
We, the staff and board members of your museum, are
grateful to each of you who helped us weather the
storm of 2020 to see the sun shine in 2021.
This coming year will present its own set of challenges,
but we’re forging forth with plans for events and programs
to share the history and stories of our region with you,
our members, visitors, supporters, and friends.
A Note from the Director, Cynthia Farmer
Dear Museum Family,
We could never have imagined the challenges and struggles ahead of us as we
embarked on the year 2020. Although the COVID-19 pandemic, with all the
restrictions and business shut downs, brought many challenges, we soldiered
on. With the combined efforts of our staff, board of directors, volunteers, sponsors, and
many other supporters we remained stable during this unprecedented time, though it was
not exactly the way we envisioned celebrating our 40th year. However, I am inspired by the
pioneering spirit that we have witnessed within our museum family. In essence, we closed
ranks and got busy. Marching forward together in an effort to protect the museum that so
many have worked to develop and preserve for future generations.
During the onset of the pandemic our spring and summer business operations were
impacted. We were forced to cancel many of our cherished events such as the Mountain
Man Rendezvous, July 4th Celebration, Fiddlers’ Convention, Pioneer Apprentice Camp, and
countless school field trips. We even had to close the museum to visitors, during the
months of March and April. As families were reluctant to travel during the summer, our
normal tourism admission subsequently suffered as well.
Thankfully, the fall brought opportunity and new life to our museum. With the careful
planning and hard work of many, we were successful with our best corn maze event ever!
We utilized volunteers, seasonal staffing, and safety protocol as outlined by the Virginia
Department of Health to offer a safe outdoor fall activity. This successful event, truly
became our “Field of Dreams”. The overwhelming success of this event coupled with
increased sponsorship closed the gap in lost operating revenue. Our corn maze success,
partnered with equally positive Legacy Society and Annual Fund Campaigns, the museum
has endured. Through the faithful support of members, donors, and sponsors we enter 2021
on solid ground.
So, now this January I reflect on January 1980, when ground was broken on the site that a
year later would become the Historic Crab Orchard Museum - a museum whose objective is
to honor the pioneers, settlers, and soldiers who trail blazed the southwestern Virginia
frontier bringing with them the same grit, determination, and perseverance still found within
each of us today. I am proud to be counted in the ranks of our loyal supporters, our
museum family.
Thank you to all who embraced and championed the solution instead of the problem.
Onward and upward as we enter 2021!
2
MARCH AUGUST
4: Board Meetings 5: Board Meetings
APRIL SEPTEMBER
4: First Sunday Open for the Season 17: Crab Orchard Corn Maze &
1 - 5 pm Pisgah Pumpkin Patch Opens
16: Civil War Education Day &
Encampment
OCTOBER
24: Annual Membership Meeting
3 pm 31: Crab Orchard Corn Maze &
Pisgah Pumpkin Patch Closes
31: Last Sunday Open for the Season
MAY 1 - 5 pm
6: Board Meetings
NOVEMBER
JUNE 11: Executive Committee Meeting
11 - 13: Primitive Mountain Man 30: Holiday Gift Shop Sale Begins
Rendezvous
DECEMBER
JULY
1 - 4: Holiday Gift Shop Sale
3: Independence Day Celebration
(Held a day early as July 4, 2021 is a Sunday.)
3: Frontier Christmas
9 - 10: Tazewell County Old Time &
Please note:
Bluegrass Fiddlers’ Convention All dates for events and programs are
subject to change or cancellation due
26 - 30: Pioneer Apprentice Camp to public health concerns.
3
SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2020:
A WHIRLWIND OF ACTIVITY!
Spring and Summer were, much to our disappointment, a seemingly unending
series of event cancellations. After school classes, a new exhibition reception,
Spring school tours, Civil War Education Day, the Primitive Mountain Man
Rendezvous, our Independence Day Celebration, the 18th Annual Fiddlers’
Convention, and Pioneer Apprentice Camp all fell victim to the pandemic
and were lost to us in 2020. Thankfully, Autumn arrived with the opportunity to
get creative with a few of our remaining events.
CRAB ORCHARD CORN MAZE
The 2020 Crab Orchard Corn Maze and Pisgah Pumpkin Patch was the absolute highlight of the
year, and not only because it was the first big event we were able to have. This season, with our
train themed maze, we welcomed over 10,000 visitors to our site. Everyone was excited to have an
opportunity to be outdoors and enjoy some fresh air while having a good time.
While taking proper care to observe social
distancing, and with strategically placed hand
sanitizing stations, visitors were able to navigate the
maze, ride the wagon, pick their own pumpkins
and gourds, grab a snack from our onsite vendor,
and even chunk a punkin’ or two. It was a
wonderful season! Many thanks to all of our
incredibly dedicated volunteers and staff - we
could never have done it without you!
NOVEMBER SOCIAL FRONTIER CHRISTMAS
A special addition to our event schedule this Gathering restrictions made it impossible to hold
fall, the November Social brought museum our normal Frontier Christmas, but that didn’t
members and supporters together with the Fort stop us from finding a new way to start the
Maiden Spring chapter of the Daughters of the holiday season together. Thanks to Lisa Tyson
American Revolution for a fascinating program and our friends at the Tazewell County Public
about Fort Witten. The program, led by FMS Library, we were able to create a virtual Frontier
chapter regent, Vicki Vance, with a video Christmas experience. Many of our familiar
presentation by Susan Reeves, was enjoyed by faces from Frontier Christmases past were able
everyone in attendance. It was a great to join us, including Santa and Mrs. Claus!
opportunity to get together with other Though not the same as being together at the
supporters of local history, just before the next museum, we were still able to celebrate
wave of gathering restrictions went into effect. Christmas in the true pioneer spirit.
4
Please remember that during the Have you visited the
winter months the museum may be Museum Gift Shop recently?
closed due to inclement conditions. The Gift Shop has a variety of items
Be sure to check our Facebook page to suit any interest. Our wide
selection of books features local
for information about unexpected history and local authors. Home
closures, or call the museum at décor items include handmade
pieces from local artists and
276-988-6755 before artisans. Children’s toys offer a look
venturing out. back at pioneer days when games
didn’t require batteries, but still
provided hours of entertainment.
Stay warm, So, come by
and take a
everyone! look -
Spring will be we’re sure
you’ll find
here before something
we know it! you just can’t
leave without!
folk art
traditions
A continuing exhibition in the Lucie Greever Gallery
Folk art, unlike fine art, is rooted in the traditions of place. Often made with everyday objects,
this style of art provides makers with a creative outlet while also recognizing the importance of usefulness
and functionality. In Southwest Virginia, it reflects the determination and spirit of the mountain people
who know how to “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” Limited materials and artistic
education shaped an environment in which artists were able to add creative, and sometimes unusual,
artistic elements to the every day needs of life. This exhibition will explore some of the many
different approaches in folk art and the people who create it.
This exhibition has been held over as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020,
and will now run through the end of 2021. Many thanks to the artists who have graciously
extended the loans of their work for this show.
5
2020 ANNUAL REPORT
The fiscal year of 2020 ended well with total revenues of $378,893.22 and total expenses of
$282,119.24, a difference of $96,773.98. This net operating income can be primarily identified
as increased revenues in the categories of events, membership, and donations.
The events category increased from 14.7% (2019) to 28.3% (2020) of the budget revenue and
is primarily comprised of corn maze revenue.
The membership category increased exponentially from 4.7% (2019) to 19% (2020) due
chiefly to a successful Legacy Society Campaign.
Donations also increased from 10.2% (2019) to 19.2% (2020) and can be attributed to
additional support received in response to the COVID pandemic business interruptions and
year-end donations.
However, it is also noted that admissions and education programs decreased drastically from
21.4% (2019) to 1.3% (2020) due to
museum closure, and loss of school
tours and other educational programs,
all attributable to the pandemic.
Additionally, it should be noted that
total operating expenses were
maintained at 79% of the initial
budget by management in response to
the forced disruption in business
operations.
6
2020 MEMBERSHIP ROSTER
New and Renewed Members from January 1 ‐ December 31, 2020
Mike Abel Doraldean Coon Linda Hoagland
Mary Adams Robert & Clara Corell Browne Hollowell
Will Adams Robert Croye Elaine Holmes
Tom & Lara Addison Ronnie & Kelli Cruey Michael & Amanda Hoops
Bill & Jennifer Alicie Mac & Mary Catherine Culbertson Richard Hudson
Robert & Tina Altizer Rod Cury Billy & Lee Hunter
Lois Angles John Daniel Bobby & Dede Hunter
Ruby Aralds Greg & Cindy Deskins Gene & Martha Hurst
Miller & Ann Asbury Jim & Claudine Deskins Jeff & Charity Hurst
Frank & Dora Barnes Joy Deskins Mike & Cecelia Hymes
Rudi & Johnsie Beck Jamey Doak Nancy Jackson
James & Becky Belcher Jim & Joan Doak Natalie Jackson
Donna Bell Tom & Anne Dumper Henry & Susan Johnson
John & Carol Biggs Don & Nancy Dunford Lawrence Johnson
Mrs. Harry Lee Billington Michael & Jennifer Duty Sam & Chrisa Johnson
Fame Billips Don & Ellen Elmes Jo Jones
John & Joanne Boggess Melinda Estoll Eunice Jones‐Lester
Vickie Boothe Lloyd D. Evans George Kegley
George & Donna Bowen Sonny & Cynthia Farmer Kimberly’s Greenhouse at Pisgah
Joe & Gizele Bowen First Sentinel Bank Dr. Charles King
Ray & Darlene Bowling Rick Fisher Wayne & Barbara Kitts
Sarah Bowling Billy Fox Randall & Kelly Knapp
Marie Bowman Anabelle Galumbeck Mary Lawson
Amy Brittain Bob & Sharon Gemmell Larry & Mary Ruth Laxton
Buck & Carrie Brittain Bill & Cindy Gillespie David Leonard
Carolyn Brittain Carl & Linda Gillespie Ron & Naomi Levison
Nancy Brooks Jeff & Susan Gillespie Thad & Eleanor Lewis
Chris & Tammy Brown Joyce Gillespie Lilies of the Field Thrift Store
June Brown John & Patty Glavaris J. York & LaRhonda Lindsey
Bob & Kathy Buchanan Sterling & Nettie Green Ben & Sarah Lineberry
James Campbell, Sr. Lee & Jan Greever Crockett & Cindi Lowe
Glenn & Estella Catron Margaret Peery Harman Dianna Lynch
George & Letitia DuVall Chapman Dan & Cathy Harris Bonnie Mabe
Rebecca Childress Glenn & Liz Harrison Elsie Matney
Joey & Kathy Claytor Carolyn Harrold George & Lyn McCall
Tearesa Clifton Patricia Harry John McClintock, Jr.
Ellis & Dawn Cole Charlie & Karen Hart Mike McClure
Scott & Keshia Cole Russ & Debbie Hatfield Brenda McCormick
Elene Combs John & Rosemary Haun Anita McGraw
7
2020 MEMBERSHIP ROSTER
New and Renewed Members from January 1 ‐ December 31, 2020
Jim & Barbara McMillan Tonia Russell Sandra Whitt
Linda Melvin Karel Ryan Charlotte Whitted
Tom & Sara Metcalfe Judy Sears George Williams
Henry Miller Seasons IV Garden Club Lissi Williams
Roderick & Linda Moore Singleton Funeral Service John & Jane Willis
Sallie Moss Bonnie Sisk Ray & Lynn Willis
Peter & Jane Mulkey Jane Sorensen Don Wimmer
Rachel Mulkey John Spracher Tom & Barbara Witten
Ron & Linda Mullennex Cynthia St. Clair Mrs. Arthur Woodward
Grat Mullin Kenny & Hedda St. Clair Dorothy Wright
David & Brittany Mullins Richard & Marian Stansbury Tommy Wright
Terry & Irene Mullins Charlie Steele Dan & Joan Yates
Garnett & Nita Musick Rebecca Steele
Mike & Violet Neel Rebecca Steorts
Joe & Cindy Nicholson Brad & Mary Ann Strong
Henry & Peggy Nickels Lynda Stuart
Dawn Olinger Shirley Susman
David & Nancy Olson Jim & Melissa Thompson
Wanda Partyka Randy & Christy Thompson
Catherine C. Payne Ron & Velma Thompson
Bill T. & Peggy Foster Peery Sam Thompson
George Peery Yvonne Thompson
Mary Louise Peery Jane Thornhill
William A. Peery Diana Tibbs
Michelle Perkins Danny Trent
Charlotte Puckett Bettye Van Dyke
Brad & Elaine Pyott Gracie Vernon
Lonnie Quesenberry Jane Waddell
Barry Reese Mike & Hilda Wade
Susan Reeves Bryan Warden
Narcie Reynolds Sandra Warden
Bill & Karen Rich Johnny Watkins We try our best to make sure
Ervin Rich, Jr. Daisy Watson our records are correct and
Carl & Peggy Riley up‐to‐date, but mistakes do
Chris & Roberta Wearmouth
some mes happen. If we have
Cindy Ringstaff Robert & Bonnie White omi ed your name in error,
Diana Roberts Dwain & Patricia Whited as a member, donor, or
sponsor, please let us know
Laurie Roberts Charlotte Whitesell so that we may recognize you
Jonathan & Sarah Romeo Eric Whitesell in our next issue of the
William A. Royall, Jr. Mary Sue Whitt Pathfinder.
8
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Established in 2020 as a reflection of the need to support Historic Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park
as it was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Legacy Society recognizes individuals who value the
museum’s mission to serve as a bridge across past and future generations, connecting us to our roots and
reminding us who we are. Through a one-time gift of $5,000, either in their own name or as a gift in honor
of a loved one, Legacy Society members honor the pioneering spirit the museum seeks to remember and
share with all who enter our site. Additionally, the creation of the society replaces the Lifetime option for
museum membership, and all Lifetime Members are now members of the Legacy Society.
The museum staff and Board of Directors thank you, our most devoted and determined supporters,
for remembering the museum and it’s mission to preserve the past for the future, and for taking on
the challenges we face with the boldness and bravery consistent with our Appalachian heritage.
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A gift from her children, grandchildren, & great-grandchildren
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A gift from her son, Charlie W. Bishop Vtà{xÜ|Çx VA ctçÇx
On behalf of the Stelio & Betty Tracy Corte Charitable Foundation
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ZÉÜwÉÇ tÇw VÉÑxç [tÇxá In memory of Rev. Dr. Kathy Spitzer
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In memory of his wife, Mary L. King Held in perpetuity by the Office of the President,
Southwest Virginia Community College
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For information about becoming a Legacy Society member, please contact Cynthia Farmer by phone at 276-988-6755,
or via email at cfarmer@craborchardmuseum.com.
9
2020 DONORS & SPONSORS
January 1 ‐ December 31, 2020
The 1774 Circle
Recognizing donors making annual cash gi s of $1,000 or more.
Mary Adams Mary Lawson
Anne Bishop Thad and Eleanor Lewis
John and Joanne Boggess Joe and Cindy Nicholson
Joe and Gizele Bowen David and Nancy Olson
Nancy Brooks The Frank L. Smoot Charitable Trust
Elene Combs Jane Sorensen
The George Cruise Founda on Lynda Stuart
Tom and Anne Dumper Tazewell County
Rick Fisher Town of Bluefield
Carolyn Harrold Robert and Bonnie White
Gene and Martha Hurst The Charlo e Gay Whi ed Charitable Fund
The 1774 Circle name commemorates the construc on date of the original Fort Wi en.
A & S Sanita on Beth Duafala Sam and Chrisa Johnson
Will Adams E er’s Greenhouse Kimberly’s Greenhouse at Pisgah
Arrington’s Truck Parts Farm Credit Wayne and Barbara Ki s
Alex and Nancy Bartley First Sen nel Bank Randall and Kelly Knapp
The Alison W. Williams 1999 Trust Fisher & Company L & L Broadcas ng
Between Friends Fisher Cove Farm Larry and Mary Ruth Laxton
Mrs. Harry Lee Billington Fort Maiden Spring Chapter, DAR Leonard Companies
Bluefield Daily Telegraph Ethan Fulwood David Leonard
Ray and Darlene Bowling Galumbeck & Kegley, A orneys Ron and Naomi Levison
Doug and Ginger Branton Bill and Cindy Gillespie Lions Club of Tazewell
Carolyn Bri ain Carl and Linda Gillespie Crocke and Cindi Lowe
Bob and Kathy Buchanan Gale Gillespie George and Lyn McCall
Glenn and Estella Catron Joyce Gillespie Jim and Barbara McMillan
Cargo Oil Company Svetlana Goldman Shawn McReynolds
Century 21 England & Associates Grants Supermarkets Meade Tractor
George and Le a DuVall Chapman Margaret Peery Harman Tom and Sara Metcalfe
Joey and Kathy Claytor Patricia Harry Peter and Jane Mulkey
Tearesa Cli on Charles and Karen Hart Ron and Linda Mullennex
Clinch Valley Health Russ and Debbie Ha ield Grat Mullin
Kenny Compton Molly Adams Hemsworth David and Bri any Mullins
Crab Orchard Veterinary Services Browne Hollowell Na onal Bank
Robert Croye Elaine Holmes New People’s Bank
Mac and Mary Catherine Culbertson Homestead Rentals Dawn Olinger
Vince and Lucie D’Amato Richard Hudson Robert and Ann Parks
David Mullins Wealth Management Hurst‐Sco Funeral Homes Wanda Partyka
Davis Valley Winery & Dis llery Mike and Cecelia Hymes Bill T. and Peggy Foster Peery
Jim and Claudine Deskins J & R Gold George Peery
Jim and Joan Doak Jennmar Corpora on of VA Mary Louise Peery
102020 DONORS & SPONSORS
January 1 ‐ December 31, 2020
Sharon Peery Tazewell Carilion Community Hospital Jane Thornhill
Lonnie Quesenberry Tazewell County Fair Associa on Diana Tibbs
Ramey Automo ve Richlands Tazewell County Farm Bureau Chris na Watson
Ratliff Law Firm Federa on Eric and Charlo e Whitesell
Russell County Farm Bureau Tazewell County Farm Bureau Lissi Williams
Sassy Farms Insurance John and Jane Willis
Southern States Tazewell Rotary Club Thomas and Barbara Wi en
Charlie Steele Tazewell County Sheriff’s Department Twin Enterprises
The Stelio and Be y Tracy Corte Thompson & Li on WVVA TV
Charitable Founda on Jim and Melissa Thompson
Stuart & Associates Realty Yvonne Thompson
2020 HONORARY AND MEMORIAL GIFTS
In Memory of Dr. Joe Adair In Memory of Gracie Dotson In Memory of Claude H. VanDyke
Mary Adams Marsha Lockhart Be ye VanDyke
Lynda Stuart
In Honor of Cynthia Farmer In Memory of
In Honor of Mary Adams Mary Adams Irene (Cece) Bowen Wendell
Mary Lawson James Bowen
Joe and Cindy Nicholson In Honor of Darlane Haines Joe and Gizele Bowen
Laura Kerr Wiley Virginia Cox
In Memory of Frank Barnes Keith and Emily Edmondson
Mary Adams In Memory of John Laird Joyce Gillespie
Bill T. and Peggy Foster Peery Teresa Pra John C. Lewis
Rita Kiscaden
In Honor of Anne Bishop In Memory of Sam & Martha Leece Garne and Nita Musick
Joe and Cindy Nicholson Ann Gillespie Gray Lynda Stuart
In Honor of In Memory of C. Vance Mabe In Memory of Evelyn St. Clair Werth
Mr. & Mrs. John Peery Boggess Bonnie Mabe Cynthia St. Clair
Porter and Stevie Boggess
In Memory of Barbara Jane Meador In Honor of Charlo e Whi ed
In Honor of Martha W. Blaylock Wayne and Barbara Ki s
Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Porter Boggess, III Mary Lou Mannschreck
John and Joanne Boggess In Memory of Charlo e McVey Laura Kerr Wiley
Helen Graves
In Memory of Dr. Travis Brannon Gene and Martha Hurst In Memory of Ka e Gillespie Williams
Bill T. and Peggy Foster Peery Will McVey Bill T. and Peggy Foster Peery
In Memory of Jack Wi en Cecil, Sr. In Honor of Cindy Ringstaff In Honor of Joan Yates
Bill T. and Peggy Foster Peery Mary Adams Tim and Megan Kerr
Wayne and Barbara Ki s
In Honor of Tearesa Cli on In Memory of Mary Lou Mannschreck
Lawrence Johnson Charlie S. and Helen W. Steele Laura Kerr Wiley
Rebecca Steele
In Memory of Morris Lowell Daniel
Jennie Smith
11Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network
‘Round the Mountain:
Tazewell Area Chamber of Commerce
Richlands Chamber of Commerce
Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce
Virginia Association of Museums
MEMBER
www.craborchardmuseum.com
info@craborchardmuseum.com
(276) 988-6755
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Tazewell, Virginia 24651
3663 Crab Orchard Road
& Pioneer Park
Historic Crab Orchard Museum
Newsletter of the
January 2021
The Pisgah Pathfinder
Board of Museum
Directors S ta f f
David Mullins, Chairman
Nancy Brooks, Vice Chairman
Sam Johnson, Treasurer Cynthia Farmer
Amy Brittain, Secretary Executive Director
Annabelle Galumbeck
Zachary Hash Cindy Ringstaff
Mary Lawson Administrative Coordinator
Rod Moore
Ron Mullennex
Peggy Foster Peery Part Time Staff
Susan Reeves
Peggy Riley Brittany Davis
Kim Santolla Ron Ireson
Jane Thornhill
Tracey L. Wright
Shannon Mauro
Joe Bowen, Counsel to the Board Amy Whitt
Jenny Woodward
Mission Statement
The Historic Crab Orchard Museum is an educational institution whose mission is to identify, collect, preserve, interpret,
and promote the diverse Appalachian cultural heritage of Southwest Virginia and the surrounding region.
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