Where Coastal History Comes Alive
Explore the people, places, working waterfronts, traditions, and stories that have shaped Mathews County.
Saturday 10–2
Mathews, VA 23109
$5 suggested gift
Welcome to the Mathews Museum
Step inside Mathews County history through artifacts, photographs, exhibitions, and community stories connecting the county’s working waterfronts, neighborhoods, traditions, and people.
Now on View
See what’s currently on view and the stories brought to life throughout the museum.
Step into 1776: The Battle of Cricket Hill Diorama
Experience Lord Dunmore’s last stand in Virginia through a detailed scale model of Gwynn’s Island, Fort Cricket Hill, and the waters of Hills Bay.
View exhibit →
100 Hours Beneath the Chesapeake
Before ROVs or scuba, there was Gilbert Klingel—a man who welded curiosity into steel and gave the Chesapeake a voice.
View exhibit →
Tom Hunley General Store
Step into a recreated country store—every jar, scale, and sign is original, sparking memories of community life in rural Mathews County.
View exhibit →Upcoming Events
Talks, classes, and special exhibits on Main Street.
Revolutionary Mathews: A Historical Book Talk with Author Peter Jennings Wrike
7:00 PM
Details →
100 Hours Beneath the Chesapeake: The Klingel Aquascope
Public opening during museum hours
Details →
Bay Quilters Quilt Show Exhibit
Opens September 12; on view through September
Details →
Amateur Radio Technician Class
Mondays 6–8 PM • Saturdays 9 AM–12 PM
Details →
Meet the Author: Bruce Bracken
Doors open at 6:30 PM; program begins at 7:00 PM
Details →New programs are being planned. Check back soon.
Explore the Museum
Follow the part of Mathews history that interests you most, from exhibitions in the galleries to collection objects and stories you can explore from home.
Exhibits
See what’s currently on view and discover the stories brought to life throughout the museum.
Explore exhibits →Collection
Explore artifacts, photographs, documents, and objects that preserve generations of Mathews County history.
Browse highlights →
Stories
Go deeper into local people, places, research, memories, and the stories behind objects in the collection.
Read stories →Stories from Mathews
Local history, museum research, collection stories, and perspectives from the people and places of Mathews County.
100 Hours Beneath the Chesapeake: Gilbert Klingle Exhibit
Explore the story of Gilbert Klingle and his iconic 3,000-pound underwater diving chamber, the Aquascope, featured at the Mathews Museum.
Watch →
Mathews Museum’s Battle of Cricket Hill Diorama Featured by WAVY
WAVY’s Spirit of America series recently featured the Mathews Museum’s Battle of Cricket Hill diorama, a new VA250 exhibit that helps visitors visualize Mathews County’s connection to the American Revolution.
Watch →Step Into 1776: The Battle of Cricket Hill Comes to Life at Mathews Museum
History comes alive at the Mathews Museum with a detailed new Battle of Cricket Hill diorama, offering visitors a vivid look at Gwynn’s Island, Lord Dunmore’s fleet, and Mathews County’s Revolutionary War story.
Read the story →
Support Culture, Creativity, and Community
Your generous support fuels more than exhibits. It powers programs, hands-on learning, community projects, and the preservation of Mathews’ unique heritage.