The Salem Museum will commemorate a pivotal Revolutionary War victory with Gwynn’s Island Weekend on June 27-28, offering two days of living history demonstrations, lectures and family-friendly activities highlighting the role of Gen. Andrew Lewis in Virginia’s fight for independence.
The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 27, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at the museum. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with historical interpreters, attend lectures, view a documentary and meet a reenactor portraying Lewis.
The event focuses on the 1776 Battle of Gwynn’s Island, during which Lewis, a frontier leader and Continental Army general, led Virginia Patriot forces in defeating the Loyalist troops of Lord Dunmore, Virginia’s last royal governor. The battle resulted in the permanent expulsion of British authority from Virginia just days after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Members of the Fincastle Company, a colonial living history group, will be on site throughout the weekend demonstrating trades, crafts and daily life from the Revolutionary era while sharing stories of the men and women who lived through the conflict.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, Dr. Robert Willingham, a professor at Roanoke College, will present a lecture titled “1776, 1976, 2026: How We Remember.” The presentation will examine how Americans have commemorated independence through the years, comparing the nation’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976 with the upcoming Semiquincentennial in 2026.
At 2 p.m. Saturday, the museum will screen Blue Ridge PBS’ documentary, “Resolved to Live and Die: The Revolutionary Roots of Southwest Virginia,” which explores the lives of regional colonial leaders and their efforts to organize resistance against British rule.
At 2 p.m. Sunday, Salem Museum Executive Director Garrett Channell, portraying Lewis in period military uniform, will present “The Battle of Gwynn’s Island.” The program will examine the causes of the battle, Lewis’ leadership and the significance of the Patriot victory.
Visitors also will be able to explore the museum’s featured exhibit, “Andrew Lewis: Salem’s Revolutionary Champion,” which chronicles Lewis’ life and contributions to the American Revolution. The exhibit includes hands-on activities allowing guests to try on period clothing, handle reproduction tools and interact with materials representative of Revolutionary-era Virginia.
The event is sponsored by Blue Ridge PBS, the City of Salem VA250 Committee, The Law Office of I. Ray Byrd Jr., P.C., Sherwood Memorial Park, Robert H. Hunt and the Robertson Endowment for Exhibits and Events.
The program is part of Virginia’s ongoing commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission, known as VA250, is encouraging communities across the commonwealth to host events that highlight local contributions to the Revolutionary War era ahead of the July 4, 2026, semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence.
The Salem Museum is located in the historic Williams-Brown House at 801 E. Main St. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free, though donations are accepted.
For more information, call 540-389-6760 or visit SalemMuseum.org.
