Virginia Quilt Museum Relocating to Historic Silver Lake Mill in Dayton, Virginia
Harrisonburg, VA - May 9, 2024 - The Virginia Quilt Museum is thrilled to announce its upcoming relocation from the Warren-Sipe House in Downtown Harrisonburg to the historic Silver Lake Mill in Dayton, Virginia. This move marks an exciting milestone for the museum as it seeks to expand its offerings and enhance accessibility for visitors.
The new location at the iconic Silver Lake Mill will provide a spacious setting for larger exhibitions throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy a wider variety of quilts and textile art. Additionally, the move will offer far greater accessibility and comfort for visitors, ensuring an enhanced museum experience for all.
"We are so pleased to begin this new chapter in the history of the Virginia Quilt Museum at the Silver Lake Mill," said Alicia Thomas, Executive Director of the Virginia Quilt Museum. "This move will allow us to offer an even more enriching experience for our members and visitors while preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of quilting in Virginia."
Sharing in enthusiasm for the Museum’s relocation, Virginia Quilt Museum Board President, Sandy Maxfield, adds, "We are excited by the opportunities that are opening up for the Virginia Quilt Museum with our move to the historic Silver Lake Mill in Dayton. The new location provides lovely exhibit spaces, spacious work areas for staff and our collections, as well as enhanced accessibility for visitors. The future looks bright for VQM at the Mill."
The Silver Lake Mill, at the south end of Silver Lake, offers a unique blend of history and nature. First built in 1822, the Mill is situated on 12 acres and is listed on Virginia's Civil War Trails. The surrounding area, listed as the Silver Lake Historic District on the National Register, boasts stunning natural landscapes and abundant wildlife, including migratory waterfowl, and bald eagles.
Owner of the Silver Lake Mill, Cheryl Lyon, looks forward to all that the Virginia Quilt Museum will bring to the space. "Having viewed myself as the Mill’s caretaker and storyteller for 25 years, the Virginia Quilt Museum fulfills my very best hopes for the future,” says Lyon. “It brings boundless art and history, and it creates accessibility for the public. I could not possibly hope for more – I am delighted,” Lyon adds.
For the Town of Dayton, the arrival of the Virginia Quilt Museum is highly anticipated. "We are thrilled to welcome the Virginia Quilt Museum to its new home at the historic Silver Lake Mill in Dayton,” says Brian J. Borne, Town Manager. “This relocation not only preserves our rich cultural heritage but also revitalizes this iconic landmark, creating a unique destination that celebrates art, history, and community. We look forward to the continued growth and enrichment this partnership will bring to our town and beyond."
The Virginia Quilt Museum will finalize its move in June of 2024. Detailed information, including a timeline of important dates related to its relocation, will be made available on its website at vaquiltmuseum.org and will be posted to the Virginia Quilt Museum's social channels.
Learn how to support Virginia Quilt Museum as we make the exciting move to our new home! Click here.
