The Town of Wytheville Museums will open the Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum and the Thomas J. Boyd Museum for tours from 1 p.m – 5 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month - starting April 5. The special hours will continue through October. In addition to the special hours, tour admission fees will be 50 percent off for all Wythe County residents! For more information call (276) 223-3330.

The home of Wytheville's first resident physician, the Haller-Gibboney Rock House has played a significant role in Wytheville's history since its construction in 1823. Dr. John Haller served his community as a country doctor, county coroner, and delegate to the Virginia Legislature.

During the 140 years that the Hallers and their descendants, the Gibboneys and Campbells lived in the home, they responded to the needs of their community by using their home as an infirmary and school during the Civil War years and as a boarding house when Wytheville became a popular summer resort. As a Registered Historical Landmark, the home now serves as a museum containing over 1400 original artifacts and period furnishings. The purpose of the Rock House Museum is to preserve its collections, structure, and grounds in a manner that promotes understanding and appreciation of family life in Wytheville within the context of the events of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Learn about Dr. John Haller Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum Learn about Doctor John Haller and others who provided early medical care to the people of what is now Wythe County. Our newest exhibit consists of a self-guided tour that features items belonging to Doctor John Haller, the first resident physician in town and first owner of the Rock House. Objects from other early medicinal practitioners of this area are also highlighted. Additional sections of the exhibit feature museum collections representing patent medicine, herbal healing, Wytheville as a resort town, the Haller Family, women’s roles, and domestic life. There is even an area for children to test their knowledge of medicine in Wythe County and experience grinding herbs in a mortar and pestle, just like a 1800s apothecary!

The Haller-Gibboney Rock House is open year round. Hours are Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Check Out The New Exhibit 
"Wytheville Fire Department - Then and Now"

 

The planning and design work for this project began in early 2002. The selected topics include the early settlement of Wythe County, the development of Wytheville, the Civil War, World War 1, Edith Bolling Wilson, Wytheville as a tourism destination, and Wytheville as a polio town. Objects and images were selected that appropriately illustrate the themes. Most items came from the Museum's collections, but some images came from the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace, the Library of Virginia, the Museum of the Confederacy and Virginia Tech's special collection. Fort Chiswell excavation pieces came from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. This is the first time that these artifacts have been exhibited in Wythe County.

Admissions
One museum: $4.00 for adults, $2 for children (6-12)
Two museums: $6.00 for adults, $3 for children (6-12)