Camera Heritage Museum in Staunton Virginia

[SignifDigits]

I had a mind-blowing first-time visit to the Camera Heritage Museum in Staunton, VA yesterday. My wife and I stumbled on it while visiting the Woodrow Wilson Museum and driving around.  Of course I had to stop in and check it out.  It was totally mid-boggling. I highly recommend that anyone visit this - 7,000 vintage and rare or one-of-a-kind (first ever reflex camera patented in 1902, ) film cameras plus one-of-kind historic prints, tintypes, and a guided tour by a person mentored by Ansel Adams and long-time Nikon rep. 412 of the 414 Kodak Brownies are in the collection, and only about 20% of their total collection on display - https://www.cameraheritagemuseum.org/ IMO would make a GREAT group outing for anyone in the area, and seems an amazing a great non-profit to support.  This place looks to me to be a national, if not international treasure, and worthy of supporting by anyone interested in seeing a collectible film camera museum remain viable.  They also accept donations of cameras and might be able to use an expansion of their Canon collection.  They have cameras used in movies, a camera design by Ansel Adams, military cameras.  I will be going back when I have a whole day to spend there.  

[Tintype_18]

Sounds like an interesting place. I'm with you. An entire day to browse and learn. I love museums and and aquariums.take my time. Wife goes through at a dog trot.

For everyone: If you are into American history, the huge museum at Gettysburg is fantastic. Allow at least a day for it.

[Danny]

When asking for directions, remember that the town's name, contrary to its spelling, is pronounced "STAN-ton" and not "STAWN-ton."  You'll thank us! 😄

[Jkarl]

Yes that place is somewhat overwhelming on the first visit. You could spend days there.  

[kvbarkley]

The George Eastman House is also a good photography museum. They have the camera that took the famous "Raising the flag on Iwo Jima" photo.

https://www.eastman.org/

[SignifDigits]

Thankfully the nice lady behind the counter at the Woodrow Wilson Library and Museum corrected my pronunciation first thing.  Apparently the Statler Brothers still live in town too. 

We were planning to visit Mr. Rowes for some of the famous pie but apparently it closed in December 2025.  (pronounced "Row's" (rhymes with how's or cow's). The city name Staunton is pronounced "STAN-tuhn" (like stand without the d).  

We could start a travel book!

• Buena Vista (pronounced "BYOO-nuh Viss-tuh" -rhymes with tuna)
• McGaheysville (pronounced Magakeesville - rhymes with "Whackysville")

[singlechange]

Good recommendation.  I live in northern Virgina and with Spring already here it may be a good time to drive to the Blue Ridge Mountain region.  Staunton is on the way there.  A good reason to test out this newbie Canon convert's recent acquisition of 2005 Canon EOS 5D Mark i with 50mm f/4.  I love this forum.

[SignifDigits]

We lived in the DMV area for many year and now are out west a bit from that.  Feel free to discuss your interests here or via private message.  I recently joined a Shenandoah Valley photography group and they are talking about an event soon.  We also love visiting the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum in Harrisonburg.  Nothing out much other than daffodils right now.   There are several VA bluebell sites and events coming soon as well, and soon the trillium will be out.  I forgot to carry my camera (I hate is when I do that!) so only had my phone for pics as we dropped by on a whim.  They have a nice childrens' section and a pond.

 

[Tintype_18]

The link to the museum was also on another forum.