The James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage is stepping into a new era filled with energy, community spirit and exciting milestones. Under the guidance of Executive Director Shannah Mort and a revitalized Board of Directors, the museum is embracing growth while staying true to its roots.

This fall, with new board members bringing fresh ideas and renewed commitment, the museum has expanded partnerships, strengthened programming and made history more accessible by opening its doors six days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Founded by Helen Marie Taylor and Jaquelin Taylor, the museum holds a special distinction as the nation’s first institution dedicated to President James Madison and the heritage of Orange County. Mort reflected on that legacy with pride: “We are honored to continue the vision begun by Helen Marie and Jaquelin Taylor. Their dream created a home for Orange County’s history, and it is our responsibility to carry that forward with purpose.”

The museum’s recent successes have been fueled by strong leadership, the generosity of the community and the tireless dedication of volunteers. Board members emphasize that the museum’s strength has always come from the people who believe in it—founders, volunteers and the community alike.

One of the year’s most inspiring achievements was the completion of a six-month fundraising challenge. With a goal of raising $50,000 to secure a matching donation, the museum saw an outpouring of support from residents, businesses and partner organizations. Mort described the effort as a testament to local pride: “The response was overwhelming. Our community showed, once again, that preserving our shared history matters.”

In November, the museum welcomed Orange County seventh-grade students for a special History Detectives: Finding Freedom in Orange County program. Students became “history detectives” as they explored exhibits and uncovered how the people of Orange County experienced freedom, independence and change through time. From James Madison’s leadership to the stories of the Culpeper Minutemen, local families and voices often unheard, each group made meaningful connections between local history and the ideals that shaped America 250 years ago.

Museum staff said they were inspired by the students’ curiosity and thoughtful reflections. “The Revolution wasn’t just in Philadelphia—it was here at home, too,” one staff member noted. The museum thanked the teachers, chaperones and especially the students for helping celebrate the spirit of VA250 in Orange County.

Looking ahead, the museum is preparing to welcome a major traveling exhibition from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Opening December 1, Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619–1865 brings together artifacts and stories from across the Commonwealth, offering one of the first in-depth museum exhibitions focused on the lives of free Black Virginians from the arrival of the first captive Africans in 1619 to the abolition of slavery in 1865.

Through powerful artifacts, first-person accounts and more than 200 years of history, visitors will explore how Virginia’s people of color achieved freedom, established communities and persevered within a legal system that recognized them as free but not equal. Featured alongside objects spanning centuries are newly commissioned portraits by award-winning photographer Ruddy Roye—named Instagram Photographer of the Year by TIME—capturing descendants of free Black Virginians who shared their stories and family items for the exhibition.

Building on extensive research and regional projects focused on local communities, Un/Bound presents a broad, statewide narrative told through contributions from descendants and historians.

The museum is also joining the statewide VA250 commemoration, highlighting Orange County’s role in America’s founding and growth. With the museum’s 50th anniversary on the horizon in 2026, excitement is building.

Mort summed up the moment: “This is an incredibly meaningful time for the museum. We are growing, we are energized and we are committed to honoring the stories of this county for generations to come.”
Visitors can explore the James Madison Museum Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is closed on Sundays, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for seniors, military members and first responders, and $5 for children ages 6 to 17. Members are admitted free. The museum is located at 129 Caroline Street in Orange.

Judi Cooper

Copublisher of the Orange County Voice