Ferrum College created the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum in the early 1970s to document, interpret, and present the folk heritage of the Blue Ridge region. Since that time, the Institute has grown steadily, expanding its work throughout Virginia and Appalachia while maintaining an emphasis upon the western portion of the state. The Institute is located near Rocky Mount, Virginia. Not only are the exhibits educational, but they provide a great place for photographers. Buildings on the grounds have all been brought to the location and assembled or renovated using vintage techniques and materials. On certain weekends during the year, volunteers wearing hand made clothing of the style once worn in the region, engage in farming, cooking and other activcities all the while making themselves available to relate to visitors about their experiences.
Below are several examples of what’s available there. Truly, this is one of my favorite locations to visit with my camera. I seem to always find some new composition I’d not seen before. That’s what makes this so much fun. For those interested from a photographic standpoint, it’s a good idea to include some nice close-up views during a photo shoot such as this. It adds to the story you’re telling visually.
Sharing My Joy 
A great group of work