Collecting Community: How the MSV Tells the Valley’s Story

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) is more than just a repository of artifacts—it’s a vibrant center for community, history, and storytelling. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Scott Stroh, the museum’s new Executive Director and CEO, and Nick Powers, Curator of Collections, to discuss the MSV’s evolving role in Winchester and the wider valley.

Scott, less than a year into his role, brings a lifelong passion for history and museums, having previously led George Mason’s Gunston Hall. “I am very blessed and fortunate to have been able to take my love of history and museums and make it into a career,” he shares. Since arriving in Winchester, Scott has been struck by the community’s warmth and the museum’s central place in local life.

Collecting the Valley’s Many Voices

Nick Powers, a familiar voice to listeners, explains the museum’s unique approach to collecting. The MSV’s collection spans 150 miles, from Harper’s Ferry to Natural Bridge, and covers a vast array of stories and communities. “We try to collect and exhibit all the communities that make up the valley,” Nick says, emphasizing the importance of allowing communities to tell their own stories.

The museum’s holdings are vast—over 25,000 objects, from miniature chairs to massive furniture, each meticulously cataloged. Recent upgrades to storage ensure both preservation and room for growth, reflecting the MSV’s commitment to stewardship and active collecting.

History in the Making

The conversation highlights how history is not just about the distant past. Nick points out that today’s everyday objects could become tomorrow’s artifacts, and the museum actively collects contemporary art and stories. “There’s always something new coming around the bend,” he notes, referencing both changing land use and the valley’s vibrant artistic community.

Janet and Nick reminisce about estate sales and family heirlooms, underscoring the personal connections that make the MSV’s collections so meaningful. Scott echoes this sentiment, describing the museum’s artifacts as the “collective identity of the valley,” akin to family heirlooms that tell the story of a people and a place.

Staff Favorites and Community Connections

A highlight of the current MSV experience is the “Inside Job: Staff Favorites from the Valley Collection” exhibition, celebrating the building’s 20th anniversary. Staff members selected their favorite objects, with Nick curating complementary pieces. The result is an exhibition that not only showcases artifacts but also the personal stories and evolving perspectives of the museum’s team.

One standout story is the “Little Beasties” toys, crafted during the Depression by the Shenandoah Community Workers of Bird Haven, Virginia. These toys, along with marketing ephemera, illustrate how valley residents used creativity and local resources to overcome hardship.

Sharing the Valley’s Treasures

The MSV’s reputation extends far beyond Winchester. A prized Grandma Moses painting from the collection is currently on loan to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, part of a major retrospective. Nick reveals that Grandma Moses spent nearly two decades in the Shenandoah Valley, a little-known fact that deepens the region’s artistic legacy.

Looking Forward: Apple Blossom and Revolutionary Valley

The museum is gearing up for major exhibitions. In 2027, the MSV will help celebrate the 100th Apple Blossom Festival parade with a community-driven exhibition. Residents are encouraged to submit objects and photographs that tell the story of this beloved event. “We want to acknowledge the very diverse group of people that make this a success year after year,” Nick says.

Another milestone is the upcoming “Revolutionary Valley” exhibition, opening July 4, 2026, to mark America’s 250th anniversary. The show will explore the valley’s role in the Revolution and beyond, featuring never-before-seen objects and personal stories, such as the correspondence of James Wood Jr. and the remarkable legal battle of Sarah Strother, a woman born enslaved on the Glen Burnie property who fought for—and won—her freedom.

The Power of Storytelling

As the conversation draws to a close, Scott emphasizes the museum’s mission: “At the end of the day, it’s about stories, it’s about people, it’s about place, and it’s about fostering dialogue and understanding.” The MSV stands as a testament to the valley’s rich, diverse, and ongoing story—inviting all to explore, learn, and connect.

For more information on current and upcoming exhibitions, visit msv.org or follow @visitmsv on social media. Memberships are available and make thoughtful gifts for anyone eager to discover the valley’s past, present, and future.