The "Friends of The May Museum" was formed in 2007. This non-profit serves as a group of contributors and volunteers that aid in the promotion of the museum, act as volunteers for events and aid with fund raising to meet the acquisition needs for collections and enhancement of the building and grounds. Everyone is welcome to join. Contact the museum at 252-753-6725 for more information.About the museum
The May Museum and Park is dedicated to preserving and interpreting Farmville area history. Tabitha DeVisconti bequethed the 19th century house to the Town of Farmville in 1983. Following renovations, the Town opened the facility in 1991 as The May Museum and Park.
The home was built in 1854 by James Williams May (left) and Tabitha Bynum May. James Williams' grandfather, Major Benjamin May, settled the area south of Black Swamp in the colonial period and was known to have "promoted and motivated his community in an exemplary manner."
The museum is located at 3802 South Main Street in Farmville, NC and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for tours. Other times are also available by appointment. Please call 252-753-6925 for more information.
Reminder
The May Museum and Park unveiled their new Veteran's Exhibit on November 8, 2009. The ceremony will began at 2:00 with special guest US Congressman Walter B. Jones. Please stop by to view the new exhibit.
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The May Museum and Park held their annual Christmas Tea on Sunday, December 13, 2009.
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We have recently moved the furniture into our parlour and are currently adding the finishing touches. Many thanks to the Monk family for enabling us to complete this project.
The room was officially unveiled at the November 8th Veteran's Ceremony.
Mark Your Calendar
The Annual Christmas Tea was held Sunday, December 13th. Make plans to visit the Veteran's Display and the Christmas decorations during the holiday season.
Our Collections
The museum is home of one of the finest one family quilt collections in North Carolina. The quilts date from 1830 to 1930, several signed by their makers. Many were presentation quilts and not the typical Southern patchwork for home use.
The quilts are in the process of being cleaned and restored. Although all of the quilts can be seen by visitors, display of the quilts is on a rotational basis. The quilts date from the 1830's through the 1930's.
The back kitchen, which was moved from the family farm when the house was built, retains the original interior (with daylight shining through the floorboards) including the walk-in fireplace. The kitchen also showcases the family's 19th century furniture.
The museum is fortunate to own a collection of Louis Orr's North Carolina etchings. The Friends are in the process of having these framed to be displayed in the Farmville Public Library. Individuals may choose the etching of the choice and have it framed Hogarthe style in honor or in memory of someone.