Danville Historical Society's Guided Walking Tour

The Secrets Inside

Learn little-known facts about the historic buildings and their former residents on or near Millionaires' Row.  An easy 60-90 minute brisk walk takes you into the heart of Danville, Virginia's Historic District where you'll marvel at the beautiful Victorian mansions and churches.  Your guide will tell stories about the buildings ... and the secrets within their walls.

The tour begins on the back step of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, 975 Main Street. Cost is $6 for adults; free for DHS members and children under 12 with a paying adult.   See Tour Brochure Card (pdf).

Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.  Tours are offered at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily.  There are no tours on major holidays.  Phone 434-770-1974 and leave your name, the number in your party, and your phone number (including area code).

Optional add-ons:

• Visit inside the restored 1885 Dibrell House and enjoy tea and gourmet sconces served on antique china.  Minimum of four persons; maximum of 16; available following the 1:30 tour only; $6 per person.  Visit The II Georges Inn.
• Take a free guided tour of the Langhorne House, birthplace of Lady Astor and the Gibson Girl, which is open on Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Contributions are accepted.
• Travel back to the days of the Civil War when the Sutherlin Mansion (now the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History) served as the Last Capital of the Confederacy.  Guided tours include video; $5 for adults; $4 for seniors and students.  Tour begins at 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Preservation In Action

The Danville Historical Society has purchased the "Home of Dan River Fabrics" sign – a landmark to many and an important part of Danville's history.  While the final location is not yet known, the cost of acquiring and displaying the sign will be several times the present DHS treasury.  Your patronage for the Holiday Homes Tour as well as you direct contributions to the sign fund will be appreciated.

Please send checks marked "Sign Fund" to:

Plaque Program

The Danville Historical Society has launched a project to mark the facades of buildings at least 100 years old.  Custom-crafted bronze plaques will feature the date of original construction and thumbnail histories.  Please see Plaque Program to learn how to participate.

Brief History

"The purpose of the Danville Historical Society is to bring together those people interested in preserving historical facts, artifacts and buildings of the City and environs."
    – Excerpt from the DHS bylaws

Since 1971, the Society has maintained an active interest in many aspects of the City's and Virginia's history. The roster of its programs – held more or less monthly from September through May – has run the gamut from distinguished scholarly speakers to popular presentations.

Since 1980, the Society has purchased, renovated, and resold a half-dozen historic houses for owner-occupants.  Currently, it continues work on another house and a commercial building, readying them for resale.  A partnership with the City provides space for the North Danville Police Precinct in old Neapolis, a two-story Victorian commercial building at 616 North Main Street, just across from the newly-restored North Theatre.  The organization has helped underwrite three historical markers and several publications, as well as original artwork. Through the years, it has amassed a sizeable body of local artifacts and primary materials of interest to researchers.  Read more about our long history of accomplishments.

 
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