Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History

Bus Transportation to Sharswood's Juneteenth Celebration
2026-06-14 11:00 - 18:00 UTC | Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main St, Danville, VA, 24541, United States
The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is proud to support community access and inclusion by providing round-trip bus transportation to Sharswood on June 14th, 2026, for Sharswood’s annual Juneteenth celebration. Recognizing that distance and travel can be a barrier for many—particularly older adults and those without reliable transportation—the museum offers this service to ensure more members of the community can participate in this meaningful event. By connecting Danville residents to Sharswood, a historic site with deep ties to local African American history, DMFAH hopes to foster greater awareness of the historic site and of Juneteenth, while strengthening community connections across the region.
Sharswood’s Juneteenth Celebration, an event commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, is an opportunity to have fun and learn about local history. Visitors can meet the Miller Family, featured on 60 Minutes, who purchased Sharswood in 2020 and later discovered through genealogical research that they were descendants of enslaved people who lived and worked at Sharswood before Emancipation. Historic House Tours, Live Music, Food Trucks, and Vendors will be available.
About Sharswood
Prior to the American Civil War, Sharswood operated as a 2,000-acre tobacco plantation. The current main building, an1850s Gothic Revival house, was designed by New York architect Alexander Jackson Davis. An earlier, wood-frame structure, likely the original plantation house, was built before 1800. After 1820, it was divided into a duplex and used as living quarters for enslaved people at the plantation.
In 2020, the estate was purchased by Frederick Miller, a retired United States Air Force veteran. Frederick Miller, who is African-American, is the great-great-grandson of Violet and David Miller, who were both enslaved at Sharswood. His great-grandmother, Sarah Miller, was born in 1868 at Sharswood and was recorded as a member of the household in the Slave Birth Index. Miller was unaware of his ancestral connection to Sharswood at the time of his purchase. Miller and his family founded the Sharswood Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the upkeep and historical preservation of the historic property.
Registration and Tickets are Required Purchase Tickets
Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and must be purchased in advance. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite or at the museum.
$20 for adults
$10 for children ages 7-17
$5 for children 6 and 7 under
Schedule
11 a.m.: Bus departs Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History
11-12: Bus travels to Sharswood. Location: 685 Riceville Rd, Gretna, VA, 24557
5 p.m.: Bus Departs Sharswood for Danville
6 p.m.: Bus Returns to Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History
Bus Information: W and W Limo Motorcoach, air conditioning, bathroom available.
Parking: The bus will be parked on McGruder’s Alley behind the museum. Attendee parking is available in the parking lot behind the museum or along Sutherlin Avenue or Holbrook Avenue. The museum’s address is 975 Main Street, Danville, VA 24541.
Food: Lunch can be purchased at the event at one of the multiple food trucks that will be available. Free drinks and snacks will be available on the bus.
Note: You may want to consider bringing a foldable lawn chair.
For more information, please contact the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History at info@danvillemuseum.org or 434-793-5644.

We the People- VMHC Traveling Exhibit
2026-05-14 - 2026-06-21
From the earliest days of colonial settlement to today, people from around the globe have come to Virginia to make this place their home. We The People explores the diversity of the immigrant experience and the profound impact immigrants have had on Virginia’s history and identity. Throughout the centuries, immigrants have shaped the culture, driven the economy, and connected Virginia to the world, while also defining the nature of citizenship and what it means to be a Virginian.
We the People Traveling Exhibition | Virginia Museum of History & Culture

DPS Exhibit Reception and Free Museum Day for Parents and Students
2026-05-06 10:00 - 18:30
Free Exhibit Day and Reception for Students and parents
Reception: 5:30 PM-6:30 PM

Opera on the James
2026-03-06
Opera on the James returns to the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History on March 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Join us for the only live opera performance in Danville as we welcome Opera on the James for another extraordinary evening of music. Based in Lynchburg, this OPERA America Level Four Professional Company features accomplished vocalists performing beloved arias and ensembles from both classic and contemporary works.
Experience an inspiring night of beautiful voices, music, and professional artistry right here in Danville.
Adult Tickets $20 each. Click here for tickets!
Opera on the James.

The Movement Documentary Screening
2026-02-06 18:00 - 20:00
On February 6th at 6 p.m., join DMFAH, in partnership with the Danville Public Library, Parker Productions, and the Danville Research Center for African American History and Culture as we show The Movement– the powerful documentary about the Civil Rights struggles in Danville.
This event is free and open to the public. No tickets required.

"From the Mind's Eye," Danville Art League Exhibit
2026-01-31 10:00 - 2026-03-29 16:00
The Danville Art League presents From the Mind’s Eye, an exhibition showcasing original works by talented local artists. The exhibit will be held at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History from January 31- March 29.
An opening reception for DAL and DMFAH members and participating artists will be held on January 30, 6 p.m.
For more information and how you can participate see the link to the Prospectus below.
2026DAL_Winter Prospectusrev_260109_183235

"From the Mind's Eye," Danville Art League Exhibit Opening Reception
2026-01-30 18:00 - 20:00
An opening reception for DAL and DMFAH members and participating artists will be held on January 30, 6 p.m.
The Danville Art League presents From the Mind’s Eye, an exhibition showcasing original works by talented local artists. The exhibit will be held at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History from January 31- March 29.

DMFAH Presents A Christmas in Manhattan
2025-12-18 18:30 - 21:00
Join us for this special holiday fundraising event to celebrate the season and support the museum. Enjoy an elegant dinner, 2 drink tickets, live music, raffle prizes, and charming horse-and-buggy rides through the historic Old West End. Your participation helps sustain our exhibitions, programs, and community events throughout the year.
Tickets are:
$50 per person or
$350 for a table of 8

Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite or in-person at the Museum. All physical tickets will be available to pick up the night of the event only.
GET TICKETS

Hannukah and Art
2025-12-15 18:00 - 19:00
“Hanukkah and Art”
A lecture by Dr. Evyatar Marienbergwith Hanukkah Festivities

Monday, December 15, 2025, 6:00pm-7:00pm

Evyatar Marienberg is a professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a board member of the DMFAH. Among other things, he is interested in art(ists) and religion.
Free and Open to the public.

Holiday House at DMFAH with a visit from Santa Claus and Tree Lighting!
2025-12-06 16:00 - 18:00
Join us at the museum to celebrate the holiday season! Come make holiday crafts, view the museum

Join DMFAH to celebrate the holiday season!
Adults can share in some festive refreshments and see the museum’s decorations. Children can make holiday crafts, play with traditional toys, and visit with Santa Claus!
The event will end with a lighting of the museum’s outdoor tree!
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are $10.00 and $5.00 for each additional child in the immediate family. Tickets sold on Eventbrite or at the museum.
TICKETS

Children's Holiday Event at the Museum
2025-12-06 12:00 - 14:00
Children’s Holiday House at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History
Ages 4 – 10 years
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Join us at the museum to celebrate the holiday season!
Come make holiday crafts, view the museum’s decorations and toys from the past, listen to stories and share some festive refreshments.
Tickets: $10.00 per child, $5.00 each additional child in immediate family, no charge for adults

Museum Store Sunday
2025-11-30 12:00 - 16:00
Join DMFAH on Sunday, Nov 30th from noon to 4 pm for
MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY
Museum stores offer distinctive products made, designed, and provided by local artisans, designers, publishers, and other small businesses. This purposeful practice not only offers locally-sourced items to museum visitors and store customers, but also helps to support and sustain local businesses and the community at large.
DMFAH’s gift shop will have special prices on all items.

Museum Closed
2025-11-28, 2025-11-27

Movies on the Lawn Presents Plan 9 From Outer Space
2025-11-21 18:00 - 20:00
Kick back under the stars as we screen the cult classic Plan 9 from Outer Space. In this so-bad-it’s-good sci-fi tale, extraterrestrials attempt to stop humanity from creating a doomsday weapon that could destroy the universe. Once dubbed “the worst film ever made,” Plan 9 has since earned a devoted following for its campy charm.
Bring a lawn chair, blanket, and your favorite snacks! The museum will have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available to purchase. See you there!
TICKETS

Maud Gatewood: A Sphinx in a Remembered Garden, a presentation by Jim Frakes
2025-11-08 13:00 - 14:00
Join DMFAH on Saturday, November 8th at 1 PM for exploring Gatewood’s transformative time in Vienna (1962–63) and the influential Mint Museum exhibition that followed in Charlotte in 1965. Following her return from Vienna, Gatewood joined the Creative Arts Department at UNC Charlotte, where she played a key role in building the department. She taught at UNCC for nine years before continuing her teaching career at Averett University.
James F. D. Frakes is a Professor of Art History at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

More about Jim Frakes: https://coaa.charlotte.edu/people/jim-frakes

The event is free and open to the public.

Halloween Friday on the Lawn
2025-10-31 17:00 - 20:00
Join the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History for a fun time as we hand out candy to all the ghosts and ghouls of Danville! Enjoy hot cider, festive drinks, and frightfully fun snacks. Don’t be too scared to stop by—we’d love to see you!

Paranormal Event (Tentative)
2025-10-24 18:00 - 19:30
Join us as we welcome paranormal investigators present data recovered during recent paranormal investigation of the Sutherlin Mansion.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Eventbrite or at the museum.

Maud Gatewood Exhibit Members-Only Reception
2025-10-03 18:00 - 20:00
Join the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and Historyfor an exclusive Members-Only Reception and Exhibit Preview celebratingMaud Gatewood: Takeover
Be among the first to view this landmark exhibition highlighting the life and work of Maud Gatewood, one of North Carolina’s most celebrated artists.
Enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and community with complimentary beer, wine, and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Maud Gatewood Takeover
2025-10-03 - 2025-12-27
Maud Gatewood Takeover
October 4 – December 2025
The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is proud to present Maud Gatewood Takeover, a major exhibition opening October 4, 2025, and running through the end of December. Featuring over 200 works by Maud Gatewood—one of North Carolina’s most acclaimed and sought-after painters—the exhibition offers an unprecedented look at the breadth and depth of her artistic legacy.
Schedule
Friday, October 3, 2025, 6 – 8 p.m.: Exhibit Preview and Reception for Museum members and guests only
October 4 – December 28, 2025: Exhibit open to the public during regular museum hours
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 3 p.m.: Presentation on Maud Gatewood by Diane P. Kendrick, Professor of Art, Chair of Averett University Art Department
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 1 p.m.: Presentation on Maud Gatewood by Jim Frakes, Professor of Art History, College of Arts and Architecture, UNC Charlotte
Every Saturday from Oct 4 -Dec 27, 2 -3 p.m.: Showing of Gatewood: Facing the White Canvas Documentary by the Empowerment Project

About Maud Gatewood
A native of Caswell County, Gatewood spent much of her teaching career in Danville and is widely celebrated by art historians, curators, museum directors, and collectors as a defining figure in Southern art.
This expansive exhibit includes works from DMFAH’s own collection, including a rare portfolio of early pieces created during Gatewood’s high school years, when she studied under Carson Davenport at Averett College. In addition, more than 70 works will be on loan from major institutions and Gatewood’s family and friends—many of which have never before been publicly displayed.
Gatewood earned her BA from the Woman’s College in Greensboro (now UNC-Greensboro) in 1954, followed by an MA in painting from Ohio State University in 1955. In 1963, she was awarded a Fulbright to study in Austria with the renowned expressionist Oskar Kokoschka. Returning to North Carolina in 1964, she became the founding head of the Art Department at UNC-Charlotte. In 1975, she returned to Caswell County and joined the faculty at Averett College, where she taught until her retirement in 1997.
Her compositions spanned a wide range of themes, from landscapes and figures to architecture, abstract forms, and patterns. She exhibited widely across the Southeast and received numerous honors, including the American Academy of Arts and Letters award, the 1984 North Carolina Governor’s Award in Fine Arts, and an honorary doctorate from UNC-G in 1999.
Gatewood’s work is held in major public and private collections, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts (Washington, D.C.), North Carolina Museum of Art (Raleigh), Asheville Art Museum, Weatherspoon Art Museum (Greensboro), Nasher Art Museum at Duke University (Durham), and the Coca-Cola Corporation (Atlanta).
Though she traveled extensively, Gatewood remained deeply engaged with her home state. She was the first woman elected to the Caswell County Board of Commissioners, where she championed human services, economic development, and responsible land use. Her public service included roles with the North Carolina Arts Council, the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments, and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.
Maud Gatewood Takeover celebrates not only a singular artistic voice, but also a life rooted in service, education, and a profound connection to place.

Art on the Lawn
2025-09-20 10:00 - 2025-09-21 16:00
Sept 20: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Sept. 21: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is thrilled to announce that Art on the Lawn will be a two-day event this year, taking place on September 20th and 21st, 2025. This expansion provides even more opportunities for artists and art enthusiasts alike to engage in a vibrant celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.
Join DMFAH for two vibrant days of art, live music from local bands, delicious offerings from food trucks, and a variety of activities for children. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, Art on the Lawn is a perfect opportunity to experience the heart of Danville’s creative spirit.
Hosted by the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, Art on the Lawn is one of Danville’s most beloved and longest-running outdoor art festivals. This juried art event celebrates the talent of local and regional artists, offering artists a platform to showcase their work, compete for cash awards, and connect with fellow artists and the broader community.
Artists are encouraged to sign up now for exhibit spaces. Call 434-793-5644 or visit Art on the Lawn – Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History for more information or to access the Artist Entry Form.

Fourth Fridays on the Lawn!
2025-08-22 17:30 - 19:30
Join the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History for Fourth Fridays on the Lawn!
Enjoy live music, specialty drinks, local art, and community fun in a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s the perfect way to connect with fellow art and music lovers and celebrate the creative spirit of Danville.
Bring a friend, bring a chair, and join us on the lawn!

Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality Traveling Exhibition from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture
2025-08-06 10:00 - 2025-09-13 17:00
Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black EqualityA Traveling Exhibition from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality is a powerful traveling exhibit that traces four centuries of Black history in Virginia through the lives and legacies of individuals who challenged injustice and helped shape the meaning of American democracy. Through their stories of resistance, resilience, and leadership, the exhibit offers critical insights into the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality in the United States.
Developed by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC), this traveling exhibition is based on the original Determined exhibition, which was on display in Richmond from June 22, 2019, to March 29, 2020. It was created to mark the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in British North America and to honor the enduring impact of Black Americans in the face of slavery, segregation, and white supremacy.
Determined invites visitors to engage with the historical roots of present-day issues and to reflect on the work still needed to achieve a more just and equitable society. It honors those who have pushed the nation closer to its ideals of liberty and equality for all.
Explore the virtual exhibit: Determined | Virginia Museum of History & Culture

Attic Sale - Sunday
2025-08-03 12:00 - 16:00
You don’t want to miss this year’s Annual Attic Sale, an upscale tagged event for bargain and treasure hunters. Starting July 1st, furniture can be dropped off at the door to the children’s room along McGruder’s Alley during regular museum hours. Please call the museum at 434-793-5644 if you have furniture to donate.
Thursday, July 31st from 5-7 p.m: Members’ Only Preview, Reception and Special Silent Auction
Friday, Aug 1st: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug 2nd: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Sunday, Aug 3rd: 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
*Sunday is the Big Sale Day! 12-2: all items 1/2 price, 2-4: fill a box for $10

Attic Sale - Saturday
2025-08-02 10:00 - 16:00
You don’t want to miss this year’s Annual Attic Sale, an upscale tagged event for bargain and treasure hunters. Starting July 1st: Furniture can be dropped off at the door to the children’s room along McGruder’s Alley during regular museum hours. Please call the museum at 434-793-5644 if you have furniture to donate.
Thursday, July 31st from 5-7 p.m: Members’ Only Preview and Reception
Friday, Aug 1st: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug 2nd: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Sunday, Aug 3rd: 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
*Sunday is the Big Sale Day! 12-2: all items 1/2 price, 2-4: fill a box for $10

Attic Sale - Friday
2025-08-01 10:00 - 16:00
You don’t want to miss this year’s Annual Attic Sale, an upscale tagged event for bargain and treasure hunters.
Starting July 1st, furniture can be dropped off at the door to the children’s room along McGruder’s Alley during regular museum hours. Please call the museum at 434-793-5644 if you have furniture to donate.
Thursday, July 31st from 5-7 p.m: Members’ Only Preview and Reception
Friday, Aug 1st: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug 2nd: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Sunday, Aug 3rd: 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
*Sunday is the Big Sale Day! 12-2: all items 1/2 price, 2-4: fill a box for $10

Attic Sale Members’ Only Preview, Reception, and Special Silent Auction
2025-07-31 17:00 - 19:00
Attic Sale Members’ Only Preview, Reception, and Special Silent Auction
Museum staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and Attic Sale Committee look forward to seeing you on Thursday, July 31st, for the Attic Sale Members’ Only Preview and Special Silent Auction. If you are reading this and not already a member of the DMFAH, we encourage you to join us in supporting our mission and enjoying the Members-Only preview, reception, and Silent Auction as one of the many benefits of membership. Please call or email DMFAH about becoming a member. All proceeds from the silent auction will go to the direct care of DMFAH’s collections. You don’t want to miss this opportunity!
Please donate items for the Attic Sale NOW!

4th Fridays on the Lawn
2025-07-25 17:30 - 19:30

Tuesday Speaker Series with Jay Hayes- Virginia Presidents and the Making of the Nation
2025-07-22 18:00 - 19:00
Join us for a presentation by former Averett University professor Mr. Jay Hayes, as he explores the role of Virginia Presidents in shaping the nation.
Mr. Hayes served as a professor at Averett University for 45 years, specializing in 20th-century United States history, before retiring in 2020. Of those years, 41 were spent serving as a department chair. He was the first Wilbur Clarence Daniel Professor of History and Political Science, a position he held for 27 years.
Mr. Hayes holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampden-Sydney College, a Master’s degree from Virginia Tech (VPI), and a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina. He is the author of three published works: Dan Daniel and the Persistence of Conservatism in Virginia (Mercer University Press), South Carolina and the New Deal (University of South Carolina Press), and The Lamp and the Cross: A History of Averett College (Mercer University Press).
Mr. Hayes is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Danville, the Society of the Cincinnati, and Preservation Virginia (formerly APVA). Mr. Hayes also serves on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and is Secretary of the Danville Kiwanis Club. Additionally, he is an original member of the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Virginia.
