The historic village was ten years in the making and opened on September 20th, 2007. It is located on almost 40 acres adjacent to the Lee Wayside and is owned by Historic Buckingham, Inc. The historic significance of the property is that Rose Cottage was a stage coach stop and also the spot where General Robert E. Lee and his troops stayed two days after the surrender at Appomattox on his way back to Richmond.
At the present time, the Village consists of the following structures: log tobacco barn, slate company office, slate roofed privy, general store/ welcome center, corn crib, smoke house, one room school, post office and an outdoor pavilion. A working blacksmith shop which was built on site now contains a beautiful brick forge and is staffed with a local blacksmith during special events.
The newest addition to the village is The Village Stage. Completed in 2013, it is used for music and theater. The restroom facility was completed in 2017 and the Morgan Building , housing a sawmill exhibit and the 1918 Chevy car opened in 2019.
Over 2000 visitors come to the Village during its 7 major events and also on weekends when there is no event. A volunteer staff is available every weekend to lead visitors on a tour. The Village, which is a living history park, is an extension of HBI’s main headquarters. The Housewright Museum is located across from the Buckingham County Courthouse. The Housewright Museum has wonderful exhibits of Buckingham history and artifacts.
In 2018 , HBI opened a wonderful addition to its other sites, The Adams Museum. This new building is located directly behind the Housewright Museum and houses the collections of H. Spencer Adams and his late wife, Winnie Adams. The HBI Research Library is also housed in The Adams Museum which is handicapped accessible.
• The Historic Village is open, weather permitting, April–December, on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. Call (434) 547-2296 for information, for a special tour of the village, to volunteer or to use the park for your group, or visit www.leewaysidevillage.com
• Housewright Museum and The Adams Museum are open April–December, 1pm to 4pm, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Call (434) 547-2296 for more information about the museum, or visit www.historicbuckingham.org
• Events in 2021: During COVID restrictions, the museums and village may not open until June. Check website or call 434-547-2296.
Plan to Attend These Fun Events!
The Fall Farm Fest is October TBA
Other special events not pictured here:
Primitive Technology Day is cancelled 2021.
Vino in The Village TBA
Indian Relic Show Oct 9