It's not the size of the space that matters.
It's the depth of the story you tell in that space.
Brownsburg is a historic village nestled between the Alleghany and the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Rockbridge County. Established in 1793, the town was once a stagecoach stop between Staunton and Lexington, Virginia. The Brownsburg Museum sits right in the center of the village, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and is also registered as a Virginia Historic Landmark.
We first opened our doors in 2010, and our exhibits change every three to four years. We've covered a range of subjects from milling, to country stores, to slavery in the area. We believe that small local museums are critical to keeping the community's history alive. They can tell local history in a way larger museums can't, by presenting stories that help us understand our sense of place. Big things do come in small packages.
The Brownsburg Museum is a non-profit organization. We are volunteer-run and rely on donations from friends, patrons and visitors to keep our doors open and our admission free.
Come visit! The valley is beautiful, and Brownsburg is a step back in time and a delightful journey off the beaten path.
President – Coleen Piranian
Coleen moved to Brownsburg from Lexington in 2021. She has always lived in Rockbridge County, except during her college studies. She earned an undergraduate degree and a Master's in Teaching from Mary Baldwin University. She has been teaching ever since and is currently a teacher in Rockbridge County. Coleen and her four children love their home here and love being part of this community.
Treasurer – Dana Tumminello
Dana Tumminello moved to the Shenandoah Valley in March of 2019 with her husband, Trey, to own and operate Steeles Tavern Manor B&B. They fell in love with the views and community and decided to make this their permanent home after retiring in 2025. Dana is excited to be a part of the Brownsburg Museum and Community Association. She has a heart of serving others and passion for sharing the area with others visiting and new to the area. She is also a licensed massage therapist and is thankful for opportunities to help others relax and slow down while stretching muscles for better mobility. She and Trey have 2 adult children and 5 grands whom they love to visit. On most Sunday afternoons you’ll find them at Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery enjoying the music, fresh air, and camaraderie.
Harry Shannon
Harry is a native of Roanoke, Virginia. After practicing as a lawyer in the U.S. and Germany for over 30 years, he retired to Rockbridge County in 2016. He has an undergraduate and law degree from the University of Virginia and a doctorate in law degree from the University of Munich in Germany. He is a member of the board of the Lexington Historical Society and former chairman of the Alumni Association of the University of Virginia Law School.
David Wade
David was a career army officer, serving overseas and in the U.S. His last civilian position was with IBM. Several factors brought him full-time to Lexington in 2016. His grandfather was from Brownsburg, and both grandparents are buried at New Providence Church. David is involved in the church and other activities in Lexington. He continues his hobby of traveling domestically and internationally.
Valerie Lotts Clay
Valerie (Lotts) Clay is proud to have deep family roots in Brownsburg and is excited to give back through the Brownsburg Community Association. By day, she teaches history and government at Rockbridge County High School, and she’s always drawn to the stories that make places like Brownsburg special. Valerie and her husband, Michael, love to travel and visit historic sites, and their two Siamese cats—Rosie and Hank—keep them on their toes. Valerie is honored to serve and looks forward to listening, learning, and supporting the community in meaningful ways.