The Poquoson Museum will establish an educational institution dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the City of Poquoson. Poquoson is the only city or county in the Hampton Roads region lacking a museum displaying community historical and cultural themes. Accordingly, the Poquoson Museum will achieve the following goals:
- Restore the National Register of Historic Places property known as Tom Hunt's Store and Post Office, recreating a typical neighborhood store of the 1920's and 30's.
- Preserve the historic agricultural landscape known as the Dryden Farm and its historic structures consisting of barn, washhouse and sheds, plus farming implements of the era.
- Provide space for community meetings, programs and events in an historical, picturesque setting.
- Spur economic development through heritage tourism at a Living History Museum.
- Foster interest in learning traditional handicrafts such as quilting, spinning/weaving, caning, pottery, carving and paintng.
- Collect memorabilia and object interpreting Poquoson history, heritage and culure in times of war and peace, reflecting the influence of our neighbors/employers at NASA, Langley AFB and the Shipyards.
- Create "Standards of Learning" hands-on interactive educational sessions for schools and students of all ages.
- Initiate summer educational camps teaching traditional and historic themes and techniques such as boat buildinig and decoy carving.
- Present the history of Poquoson, using pictorial displays and oral histories.
- Establish a natural history experience interpreting the wildlife and fauana of Topping Creek, with a boardwalk overlooking the Big Marsh.
- Recognize the unique waterman, seafood and boat building traditions through the creation of a Boat Building structure exhibiting regional watercraft and watermen's tools.
- Facilitate dissemination of Poquson history, using publications, seminars and special events.
- Expand public awareness of Poquoson history, acting as the community information center.
- Interpret the role of schools, churches and stores in the development of Poquoson.
- Maintain a park, gardens and open space at Dryden Farm.
These actions will enable the Poquoson Musuem to become a focal point of community pride, activity, education and preservation.
