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Martinsville Henry County Heritage Museum schedules Sept. 6 opening for 13,000 sq ft annex
Summary
The Martinsville Henry County Heritage Museum announced a Sept. 6 opening for a new 13,000-square-foot annex housing a major private antiques collection; the museum said a donor will cover school field trip fees for the next two years and provided hours and admission prices.
Holly Kozelski, executive director of the Martinsville Henry County Historical Society, told the Henry County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 26 that the museum will open a 13,000-square-foot annex on Saturday, Sept. 6, showcasing a national-level collection donated by Dr. Mervyn King and Virginia King.
Kozelski said construction began in February 2023 and that the Kings donated funds to cover the additional cost of the annex. The board packet and Kozelski’s presentation listed grant support used historically on the courthouse museum, including a Save America’s Treasures award, a HUD grant and support from the Harvest Foundation. The county deeded the old Henry County Courthouse to the Historical Society in 2010, Kozelski said.
The annex will contain Native American artifacts, pottery, dolls, train collections, early medical devices and a large collection of tools, textiles and horse tack. Kozelski described large glass display walls and freestanding shelves used to present the items and thanked local businesses and volunteers who helped move and install material.
Kozelski announced a special private reception for members on the evening of Sept. 5 and an opening on Sept. 6 at 3 p.m.; she invited board members and the public to visit. The museum will offer free field trips for schools for the next two years funded by an anonymous donor, Kozelski said. Regular hours will be 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturdays; general admission is $10, $5 for students and people 65 and older, and free for children and members. The museum’s website listed in the presentation is mhchistoricalsociety.org.
Kozelski asked supervisors to encourage local outreach; she said the museum will work with city and county schools and also provide programs for rest homes and adults with disabilities. Supervisors thanked Kozelski and Dr. and Mrs. King for their work and contributions.
