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Shenandoah Valley
Cultural Heritage Museum

Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum

Shenandoah Valley
Cultural Heritage Museum

Welcome!

The 1848 Edinburg Mill recreates Shenandoah Valley hands-on history with memorabilia, antiques, old equipment and tools, as well as exhibits about Civil War history, the nation’s first Civilian Conservation Camp ...and much more!

Main museum displays on the second and third floors, ACCESSIBLE BY ELEVATOR. Admission donation to these floors is $3.

Could have spent all day here.  Really superb,  Thank you   (p. Invernes Scotland)


Thank you for saving history


Love your brooms


My second time to the Mill.  So interesting!


We truly believe the museum is historic and worthwhile to pursue


Good job!!!


Thanks for having us.  This place is COOL!


One of the best local history Museums I have ever visited.  Every display was a fun window into the past.  It also has the very best collection of American Red Cross artifacts of any single place I have ever visited.


I hope this place is around for a long time, as I want to bring other history lovers to this treasure.


This is one of the best museum of this kind we have visited in 30 years travel cross country – be proud. The movie was so unique.  (From:  a museum curator in New Hampshire)


One of the best!  We will be back


Friendly staff.  Beautiful museum


Spectacular preservation and use





A symbol of social status and refinement during the 19th Century 

By Dan Harshman


Every once in a while I butcher the spelling of a word so bad that even spell check can’t help me. When that happens, I have this four inch thick illustrated dictionary that my dad gave me years ago that I pull out. It’s so thick that it stands up all by itself on the floor under my desk. 


While solving a spelling challenge recently I noticed a small picture a water pitcher in the margin of one of the pages. The thing that caught my attention about this was that I was in the “E” section of the dictionary. What I was looking at was a “Ewer” from the 1800s. Pronounced like a female sheep with an “R” on the end. It is defined as a large wide-mouthed pitcher or jug used to bring water to a washbasin for washing the hands before indoor faucets became common.

Obviously, people have been carrying water in jugs and pitchers for hundreds of years. But I just learned a new word and got the inspiration for this month’s article. Although you can find earlier examples of pitchers and wash basins; it was the 19th century that gave us the decorative ones that continue to be a popular decorative item today.

The 19th century saw significant improvements in many aspects of everyday life, including the evolution of wash basins. Also called washbowls or lavatories, the wash basin played a crucial role in personal cleanliness and improvements in hygiene practices.

During the early 1800s pitchers and wash basins were typically made of ceramic or porcelain. The pitchers might have a variety of shapes with the basin being a shallow round or oval shape, which allowed a person to wash their face and hands comfortably. The basins were usually placed on top of a wooden or metal stand which set them at a convenient height.

You can see an example of both a wooden washstand and a metal stand on the second floor of the Museum at the Edinburg Mill. The washstand may have been simple and just hold the basin with a shelf underneath for the pitcher; or it could have been larger and more elaborate with space for a number of necessary grooming items, including towel bars and a mirror. Some of them, called commode washstands, typically would hold a chamber pot in a bottom cabinet. Out of sight until it was needed.

As the 19th century progressed, the designs of pitchers and wash basins, also called pitchers and bowls, became more elaborate and ornate. The Victorian era introduced elaborate decorative patterns and motifs. Designs were influenced by the various art movements of the time such as Rococo and Neo-classicism. Floral patterns, gilded edges, and intricate detailing became very popular during this period.

The pitchers and bowls of the time went beyond the mere function they were meant to serve. Owning an elaborately designed pitcher and bowl set was considered a sign of wealth and taste. They were seen as a symbol of social status and refinement. Manufacturers of the time competed to create the most beautiful and innovative designs.

Other advancements in plumbing technology during the century led to improvements in the wash basin’s functionality.

Some were equipped with separate compartments for hot and cold water, allowing the user to fine tune the temperature to their liking. Some even had built-in drainage systems that eliminated the need to dump the water when you finished washing.

As personal hygiene practices improved during the 19th century, you began to see wash basins in more than just homes. They began to show up in public spaces such as hotels, restaurants, and train stations. Accessibility to wash basins contributed to an overall improvement in personal cleanliness, hygiene and grooming. With the flat bottom and slightly sloped sides, it also allowed for the washing of small items of clothing or linens, in addition to hand and face washing. 

The material used to make a pitcher and wash basin, and their design, varied greatly depending on the owner’s social status, affordability, and personal preference. Porcelain pitchers and bowls were very popular with the upper class because of their elegance and durability. These were often decorated with intricate designs and patterns.

Earthenware was more affordable and commonly used by the middle class. These were made from clay and then glazed or decorated with simple designs. We have a very unique pitcher and bowl on exhibit on the first floor of our Museum that is an example of local pottery made in Strasburg, Virginia. 

Tin pitchers and bowls might have been found in lower class household or for more practical purposes in hospitals and workhouses. Copper wash basins were less common but still used in some cases. Copper was durable and had antibacterial properties, but required regular polishing.

While marble isn’t suitable for making a pitcher, it was a luxury option for wash basins in wealthier households. It would have been carved from a solid block of marble and was considered a status symbol because of their expense and elegance.

Today you might find an antique, or a reproduction, of a decorative pitcher and bowl in many households. Even if they are sitting on a proper washstand, chances are you won’t be washing your face and hands in it anytime soon. Please stop in at the Edinburg Mill to check out those that we have on exhibit.




• Handicapped Accessible

• Elevator, Ramps & Chair-lift

• Ample Parking

• Handicapped Accessible   • Elevator, Ramps & Chair-lift   • Ample Parking

Could have spent all day here.  Really superb,  Thank you   (p. Invernes Scotland)


Thank you for saving history


Love your brooms


My second time to the Mill.  So interesting!


We truly believe the museum is historic and worthwhile to pursue


Good job!!!


Thanks for having us.  This place is COOL!


One of the best local history Museums I have ever visited.  Every display was a fun window into the past.  It also has the very best collection of American Red Cross artifacts of any single place I have ever visited.


I hope this place is around for a long time, as I want to bring other history lovers to this treasure.


This is one of the best museum of this kind we have visited in 30 years travel cross country – be proud. The movie was so unique.  (From:  a museum curator in New Hampshire)


One of the best!  We will be back


Friendly staff.  Beautiful museum


Spectacular preservation and use





A symbol of social status and refinement during the 19th Century 

By Dan Harshman


Every once in a while I butcher the spelling of a word so bad that even spell check can’t help me. When that happens, I have this four inch thick illustrated dictionary that my dad gave me years ago that I pull out. It’s so thick that it stands up all by itself on the floor under my desk. 


While solving a spelling challenge recently I noticed a small picture a water pitcher in the margin of one of the pages. The thing that caught my attention about this was that I was in the “E” section of the dictionary. What I was looking at was a “Ewer” from the 1800s. Pronounced like a female sheep with an “R” on the end. It is defined as a large wide-mouthed pitcher or jug used to bring water to a washbasin for washing the hands before indoor faucets became common.

Obviously, people have been carrying water in jugs and pitchers for hundreds of years. But I just learned a new word and got the inspiration for this month’s article. Although you can find earlier examples of pitchers and wash basins; it was the 19th century that gave us the decorative ones that continue to be a popular decorative item today.

The 19th century saw significant improvements in many aspects of everyday life, including the evolution of wash basins. Also called washbowls or lavatories, the wash basin played a crucial role in personal cleanliness and improvements in hygiene practices.

During the early 1800s pitchers and wash basins were typically made of ceramic or porcelain. The pitchers might have a variety of shapes with the basin being a shallow round or oval shape, which allowed a person to wash their face and hands comfortably. The basins were usually placed on top of a wooden or metal stand which set them at a convenient height.

You can see an example of both a wooden washstand and a metal stand on the second floor of the Museum at the Edinburg Mill. The washstand may have been simple and just hold the basin with a shelf underneath for the pitcher; or it could have been larger and more elaborate with space for a number of necessary grooming items, including towel bars and a mirror. Some of them, called commode washstands, typically would hold a chamber pot in a bottom cabinet. Out of sight until it was needed.

As the 19th century progressed, the designs of pitchers and wash basins, also called pitchers and bowls, became more elaborate and ornate. The Victorian era introduced elaborate decorative patterns and motifs. Designs were influenced by the various art movements of the time such as Rococo and Neo-classicism. Floral patterns, gilded edges, and intricate detailing became very popular during this period.

The pitchers and bowls of the time went beyond the mere function they were meant to serve. Owning an elaborately designed pitcher and bowl set was considered a sign of wealth and taste. They were seen as a symbol of social status and refinement. Manufacturers of the time competed to create the most beautiful and innovative designs.

Other advancements in plumbing technology during the century led to improvements in the wash basin’s functionality.

Some were equipped with separate compartments for hot and cold water, allowing the user to fine tune the temperature to their liking. Some even had built-in drainage systems that eliminated the need to dump the water when you finished washing.

As personal hygiene practices improved during the 19th century, you began to see wash basins in more than just homes. They began to show up in public spaces such as hotels, restaurants, and train stations. Accessibility to wash basins contributed to an overall improvement in personal cleanliness, hygiene and grooming. With the flat bottom and slightly sloped sides, it also allowed for the washing of small items of clothing or linens, in addition to hand and face washing. 

The material used to make a pitcher and wash basin, and their design, varied greatly depending on the owner’s social status, affordability, and personal preference. Porcelain pitchers and bowls were very popular with the upper class because of their elegance and durability. These were often decorated with intricate designs and patterns.

Earthenware was more affordable and commonly used by the middle class. These were made from clay and then glazed or decorated with simple designs. We have a very unique pitcher and bowl on exhibit on the first floor of our Museum that is an example of local pottery made in Strasburg, Virginia. 

Tin pitchers and bowls might have been found in lower class household or for more practical purposes in hospitals and workhouses. Copper wash basins were less common but still used in some cases. Copper was durable and had antibacterial properties, but required regular polishing.

While marble isn’t suitable for making a pitcher, it was a luxury option for wash basins in wealthier households. It would have been carved from a solid block of marble and was considered a status symbol because of their expense and elegance.

Today you might find an antique, or a reproduction, of a decorative pitcher and bowl in many households. Even if they are sitting on a proper washstand, chances are you won’t be washing your face and hands in it anytime soon. Please stop in at the Edinburg Mill to check out those that we have on exhibit.




• Handicapped Accessible   •   Elevator, Ramps & Chair-lift   •   Ample Parking





A symbol of social status and refinement during the 19th Century 

By Dan Harshman


Every once in a while I butcher the spelling of a word so bad that even spell check can’t help me. When that happens, I have this four inch thick illustrated dictionary that my dad gave me years ago that I pull out. It’s so thick that it stands up all by itself on the floor under my desk. 


While solving a spelling challenge recently I noticed a small picture a water pitcher in the margin of one of the pages. The thing that caught my attention about this was that I was in the “E” section of the dictionary. What I was looking at was a “Ewer” from the 1800s. Pronounced like a female sheep with an “R” on the end. It is defined as a large wide-mouthed pitcher or jug used to bring water to a washbasin for washing the hands before indoor faucets became common.

Obviously, people have been carrying water in jugs and pitchers for hundreds of years. But I just learned a new word and got the inspiration for this month’s article. Although you can find earlier examples of pitchers and wash basins; it was the 19th century that gave us the decorative ones that continue to be a popular decorative item today.

The 19th century saw significant improvements in many aspects of everyday life, including the evolution of wash basins. Also called washbowls or lavatories, the wash basin played a crucial role in personal cleanliness and improvements in hygiene practices.

During the early 1800s pitchers and wash basins were typically made of ceramic or porcelain. The pitchers might have a variety of shapes with the basin being a shallow round or oval shape, which allowed a person to wash their face and hands comfortably. The basins were usually placed on top of a wooden or metal stand which set them at a convenient height.

You can see an example of both a wooden washstand and a metal stand on the second floor of the Museum at the Edinburg Mill. The washstand may have been simple and just hold the basin with a shelf underneath for the pitcher; or it could have been larger and more elaborate with space for a number of necessary grooming items, including towel bars and a mirror. Some of them, called commode washstands, typically would hold a chamber pot in a bottom cabinet. Out of sight until it was needed.

As the 19th century progressed, the designs of pitchers and wash basins, also called pitchers and bowls, became more elaborate and ornate. The Victorian era introduced elaborate decorative patterns and motifs. Designs were influenced by the various art movements of the time such as Rococo and Neo-classicism. Floral patterns, gilded edges, and intricate detailing became very popular during this period.

The pitchers and bowls of the time went beyond the mere function they were meant to serve. Owning an elaborately designed pitcher and bowl set was considered a sign of wealth and taste. They were seen as a symbol of social status and refinement. Manufacturers of the time competed to create the most beautiful and innovative designs.

Other advancements in plumbing technology during the century led to improvements in the wash basin’s functionality.

Some were equipped with separate compartments for hot and cold water, allowing the user to fine tune the temperature to their liking. Some even had built-in drainage systems that eliminated the need to dump the water when you finished washing.

As personal hygiene practices improved during the 19th century, you began to see wash basins in more than just homes. They began to show up in public spaces such as hotels, restaurants, and train stations. Accessibility to wash basins contributed to an overall improvement in personal cleanliness, hygiene and grooming. With the flat bottom and slightly sloped sides, it also allowed for the washing of small items of clothing or linens, in addition to hand and face washing. 

The material used to make a pitcher and wash basin, and their design, varied greatly depending on the owner’s social status, affordability, and personal preference. Porcelain pitchers and bowls were very popular with the upper class because of their elegance and durability. These were often decorated with intricate designs and patterns.

Earthenware was more affordable and commonly used by the middle class. These were made from clay and then glazed or decorated with simple designs. We have a very unique pitcher and bowl on exhibit on the first floor of our Museum that is an example of local pottery made in Strasburg, Virginia. 

Tin pitchers and bowls might have been found in lower class household or for more practical purposes in hospitals and workhouses. Copper wash basins were less common but still used in some cases. Copper was durable and had antibacterial properties, but required regular polishing.

While marble isn’t suitable for making a pitcher, it was a luxury option for wash basins in wealthier households. It would have been carved from a solid block of marble and was considered a status symbol because of their expense and elegance.

Today you might find an antique, or a reproduction, of a decorative pitcher and bowl in many households. Even if they are sitting on a proper washstand, chances are you won’t be washing your face and hands in it anytime soon. Please stop in at the Edinburg Mill to check out those that we have on exhibit.



...more


Open year-round, but closed Christmas Day: Mon. - Sat., 9:30 am.to 5:30 pm; Sunday, Noon to 5 pm. Bad weather: Call & Check: 540-984-8400

The Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum is located along U.S. Route 11 in Edinburg, Virginia.
The museum is open year-round and is owned and operated by the Edinburg Heritage Foundation and the Town of Edinburg.
The mill is also home to Heritage Mill Wines 1848 and the Edinburg Mill Restaurant. The Edinburg Mill is a Virginia Historic Landmark.

Shenandoah Valley Productions LLC

Open year-round, but closed Christmas Day: Mon.
Sat., 9:30 am.to 5:30 pm; Sunday, Noon to 5 pm.
Bad weather: Call & Check: 540-984-8400.

The Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum is located along U.S. Route 11 in Edinburg, Virginia. The museum is open year-round and is owned and operated by the Edinburg Heritage Foundation and the Town of Edinburg.

The mill is also home to Heritage Mill Wines 1848 and the Edinburg Mill Restaurant.

The Edinburg Mill is a Virginia Historic Landmark.

Shenandoah Valley Productions LLC

Open year-round, but closed Christmas Day: Mon. - Sat., 9:30 am.to 5:30 pm; Sunday, Noon to 5 pm. Bad weather: Call & Check: 540-984-8400

The Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum is located along U.S. Route 11 in Edinburg, Virginia.

The museum is owned and operated by the Edinburg Heritage Foundation and the Town of Edinburg.

The mill is also home to Heritage Mill Wines 1848 and the Edinburg Mill Restaurant.

The Edinburg Mill is a Virginia Historic Landmark.


Shenandoah Valley Productions LLC