James Madison Museum

The James Madison Museum houses exhibits on James and Dolley Madison, featuring one of the nation's most outstanding collections of Madisonia. The focal point of the Madison Room is Madison's favorite chair, a campeche chair given him by his good friend, President Thomas Jefferson. Also on display are a number of Madison's personal items, papers and furnishings.

Thomas Jefferson called James Madison "the best farmer in the world" and to pay respect to Madison the farmer, the Museum's Hall of Transportation & Agriculture displays an interesting collection of antique farm tools. Also featured are a 1924 Model T Ford, 1922 Velie, and the Arjalon Price House, a 1733 "patent" or "cube" house. The house is partially reconstructed so that visitors will be able to see first-hand the building practices of the day.

The museum also features a small gift shop where items related to James Madison, Virginia Agriculture, and Orange County may be purchased.

The structure where the museum now resides was originally built in 1928 as the Powell Nash car dealership. Adjacent to, and now owned by the museum, is the former Hill Top Restaurant (which in the early century served as a gas station).

Our Mission:
The mission of the James Madison Museum is to serve the community by: Collecting and preserving the artifacts and cultural heritage of 18th, 19th, and 20th century rural Virginia; and promoting an awareness and appreciation of the lives and achievements of James Madison and others who made a unique contribution to the region.