The mission of the Frontier Culture Museum is to increase public knowledge of the formation of a distinctive American folk culture from a blending of European, African, and Indigenous peoples.

The Frontier Culture Museum strives to be a leading state, national, and international resource for historical and cultural learning expereinces, and the best managed museum in the Commonwealth.

The Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia values challenges and opportunities, diversity and inclusion, learning and education, and engaging museum exhibits and programs that provoke thought and increase public knowledge.

The Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia (FCMV) is a state agency, educational institution, and museum. The FCMV's mission is to increase public knowledge of the diverse origins,development, and lasting legacies of American frontier culture, and how this distinctively American folk culture has shaped, and continues to shape, the character of the American people.  For over thirty-five years, FCMV has primarily been an outdoor museum. Its eleven outdoor exhibits provide the setting for interpretative programs designed to improve public understanding of the United States of America's widely misunderstood frontier past, and of the significant part Virginia and Virginians played in this frontier past. The FCMV's educational programs support the Virginia Standards of Learning for History and Social Studies as well learning standards for other subject areas. The FCMV is acceredited by the American Alliance of Museums, and is open to the public eight hours a day, seven days a week, three-hundred-and-sixty-two days a year.

As of FY2025, the FCMV is pushing forward with 2 COV capital outlay projects (1. Crossing Gallery 2. Early American Industries Exhibit) that when complete and open to the public will greatly expand the agency/institution's opportunities to provide the public accessible and engaging high-quality exhibits and programs. 

After a period of sustained growth in visitation and increased earned-revenue from general admissions and special programs and events that extended into early FY2019, the FCMV was confronted with challenges and set-backs from which it continued to recover in FY2023 and FY2024. 

During FY2023 and FY2024 the FCMV successfully implemented its APA corrective action plan and developed agency policies and procedures to bring the agency into compliance with ARMICS.

Near the end of FY2023 the FCMV received the funding report for the Crossing Gallery (239-18316-000) capital project, which re-started the project after a two year hiatus. During FY2024 preliminary plans and drawings were reviewed and up-dated, and planning for the building's permanent exhibit were restarted. By the end of FY2024 the project was moving ahead toward the beginnning of construction, which is expected to begin during the second quarter of FY2025..

Also in FY2024, the Early American Industries Exhibit (239-18316-000) was also re-started after an extended hiatus. Over the course of FY2024 the plans and specifications were up-dated and reviewed by DGS, and by the close of the fiscal year the project was nearly ready to be put-out to bid.

Also in FY2024, the FCMV initiated planning and prepartions to anticipate and adapt to the operational impacts of a two year long construction project.

The FCMV remains mostly within the scope of the Virginia Information Technology Agency's (VITA) services. During FY2023 and FY2024 the FCMV took steps to acquire a new point of sales/reservations system for its admissions and retail operations. 

VITA personnel have also participated in the planning discussions and reviews for the FCMV's Crossing Gallery project. The permanent exhibit includes IT cabling, hardware, and media elements.

The FCMV's workforce remained it most important and expensive resource in FY2023 and FY2024. Payroll and personnel costs totaled nearly 60% of agency expenditures for the fiscal year. Recruiting and maintaining a diverse workforce, and improving their understanding of the agency's mission as well as the laws and policies of the Commonwealth are continuing concerns for agency leadership. The construction and operation of the Crossing Gallery will place different demands on the agency's human resources.  FCMV staff is encouraged to strengthen their knowledge and enhance through skills through the online training offered by the Commonwealth's Learning Center, and to participate in webinars and in-person workshops in public history, interpretation, and general museum studies. Administrative staff continue to increase their knowledge and improve their skills by participating in training offered by central agencies and the Learning Center in support of employee performance management policies and proceedures, procurement, capital outlay and construction management, and Cardinal HCM.

At the close of FY2024, the FCMV's physical plant was in good repair, and the agency had adequate budget resources to manage any needed repairs that arise. Stormwater issues have been addressed at various locations on the site. Major repairs to the FCMV's outdoor exhibits have been completed, and plans for the renewal of the West African Farm are under agency review. 

The key risk factors confronting the FCMV are general economic conditions, public attitudes toward history and museums, and the weather.

Families and schools are the FCMV's main sources of visitors and revenue. Economic contraction impacts household incomes, the cost of living, and school budgets, which often results in a decline in Museum visitation and revenue.  Economic uncertainty and budget troubles at the federal level also indirectly impact the Museum's operating budget and shake public confidence.

Misconceptions regarding history museums also poses a risk to the FCMV.  Households and schools make discretionary spending  decisions when planning day trips, vacations, and field trips.  Amusement parks and other types of entertainment experiences with large marketing and advertising budgets compete directly with outdoor living history museums for these visitors and their dollars.                  

Weather conditions are a critical factor for outdoor sites such as the FCMV.  Extreme weather or extended spells of rain negatively impact FCMV visitation. Such conditions result in field trip cancellations and suppressed visitation for key special events.  Extreme weather conditions also damage the FCMV's modern buildings, outdoor exhibits, and landscapes. Repairs resulting from extreme weather events further strain the Museum's resources. The completion of the Crossing Gallery project will mitigate the weather's impact on FCMV operations by offering the public indoor exhibitions, programs, and events. 

The FCMV's total appropriation for each fiscal year of the 2022-2024 biennium is $3,482,205. The general fund is the source of over 77% of this appropriation. Just over 22% of the appropriation is derived from the agency's Special Reveune Fund. Special Revenue funds are earned from admissions, annual pass sales, mercahndise sales, and third party facility rental. The FCMV also receives gifts and payments from the American Frontier Culture Foundation, Inc., a public 501c(3) corporation established to support the FCMV.

The Museum's primary sources of revenue in FY2022 was admission fees, annual pass sales, merchandise sales, and third-party rentals. The continued support of the American Frontier Culture Foundation, Inc. also added to Museum revenues.

The statistics in the table below provide an understanding of the scope of the FCMV's operations in FY2022.

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The FCMV offers thought-provoking programs and special events in an unique setting. These programs and the setting are designed to increase public knowledge of from the inclusive nature of American frontier culture and its formation from diverse racial and cultural elements.

In FY2024 the FCMV received 59,777 on-site visitors, including 18,488 students and teachers on field trips. In addition, 7355 people attended special events held by the FCMV.  Also, FCMV education and interpretation staff conducted outreach programs for 6177 stundents and teachers. 

The FCMVs purpose as an educational institution and outdoor museum is to present programs that increase public knowledge of American frontier culture and how it shaped, and continues to shape, the national character of the American people. This obliges the FCMV to present innovative, quality programs, and to work to improve program content and delivery. The FCMV provides the public with programs and experiences to accomplish its strategic goals. The completion of the Crossing Gallery and Early American Industries projects will completely transform the FCMV's exhibit and program capabilities and support this agency goal.

The FCMV is committed to using the available facilities and resources at its disposal to provide the public active, engaging, high quality exhibits, materials, and programs that improve public knowledge of history and culture.

• Working within the framework of the agency mission and purposes, develop thoroughly researched, thoughtfully prepared exhibits and programs that support the FCM mission and goals. Train exhibit and program staff to prepare and provide visitors engaging learning experiences. Use public attendance and visitor response to FCMV exhibits and programs to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

• Plan, develop, and prepare special programs one month before the program delivery date. Market programs to the public at least two months in advance of the special program date.

• Plan, schedule, staff, and market quality, thought-provoking daily programs at least 6 weeks in advance.

• Develop and distribute mission specific content for guidebook, website, interpretative signs, and social media.

• Complete the Early American Industries Exhibit and develop exhibits, materials, and programs to increase public knowledge of early American mills and milling and their importance in the commercial development of Virginia and the US. Use every approved means at the agency's disposal to market this exciting new outdoor exhibit to the public.

• Complete the Crossing Gallery capital project and develop innovative, quality learning opportunities and experiences for the public including annually rotating indoor exhibits, a permanent indoor exhibition about Virginia and its frontiers, and all-season public program and event spaces.

As an AAM accredited museum, the FCMV maintains prescribed standards of collections management and curatorial service. The FCMV's collections are the property of the Commonwealth, and the taxpayers and citizens of the state expect its cultural and historical properties to be cared for by professionals working to the highest standards.

• Review collections holdings and records regularly to insure records reflect the true state of the collection. Monitor and assess the condition of artifacts and objects regularly to insure collection is stored properly and conservation measures are adequate. Periodically review collection to confirm the appropriateness of the artifacts and objects held and that the collection supports the FCM mission and strategic goals.

The objective is to track the number of visits to the FCM as a measure of its performance.

• Increase the number of annual visits to the FCM by: expanding and improving programs to engage the public and foster an appreciation for the relevance of American frontier culture; actively encouraging repeat visits through annual pass and special programs; and offering the public incentives and inducements to visit the FCM such as pay-what-you-will-days that feature extra attractions.

The FCM strives to reach an ever expanding audience with its educational and interpretative programs. The purpose of this goal is to recognize the fact that visitors and visitation are crucial to the FCM's success, and that to remain a viable institution in the future, it must work to maximize visitation.

The objective is to track the number of visits to the FCM as a measure of its performance.

• Increase the number of annual visits to the FCM by: expanding and improving programs to engage the public and foster an appreciation for the relevance of American frontier culture; actively encouraging repeat visits through annual pass and special programs; and offering the public incentives and inducements to visit the FCM such as pay-what-you-will-days that feature extra attractions.

The objective is to increase FCM revenue by diversifying opportunities to earn revenue through merchandise sales, facilities rentals, small contributions, and gifts and grants.

• Develop and introduce innovative products, programs, and services that enhance the FCM experience and support its mission.

The FCMV is committed to using the available facilities and resources at its disposal to provide the public active, engaging, high quality exhibits, materials, and programs that improve public knowledge of history and culture.

• Working within the framework of the agency mission and purposes, develop thoroughly researched, thoughtfully prepared exhibits and programs that support the FCM mission and goals. Train exhibit and program staff to prepare and provide visitors engaging learning experiences. Use public attendance and visitor response to FCMV exhibits and programs to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

• Plan, develop, and prepare special programs one month before the program delivery date. Market programs to the public at least two months in advance of the special program date.

• Plan, schedule, staff, and market quality, thought-provoking daily programs at least 6 weeks in advance.

• Develop and distribute mission specific content for guidebook, website, interpretative signs, and social media.

• Complete the Early American Industries Exhibit and develop exhibits, materials, and programs to increase public knowledge of early American mills and milling and their importance in the commercial development of Virginia and the US. Use every approved means at the agency's disposal to market this exciting new outdoor exhibit to the public.

• Complete the Crossing Gallery capital project and develop innovative, quality learning opportunities and experiences for the public including annually rotating indoor exhibits, a permanent indoor exhibition about Virginia and its frontiers, and all-season public program and event spaces.

Increasing revenue from admissions and developing other sources of revenue is an important FCM goal. Increasing revenue creates new sources of funds that can be invested in the accomplishment of the FCM's goals and objectives. Such funds will be used to supplement its general fund appropriation and allow it to better advance its mission and purpose and achieve its goals and objectives.

The objective is to increase FCM revenue by diversifying opportunities to earn revenue through merchandise sales, facilities rentals, small contributions, and gifts and grants.

• Develop and introduce innovative products, programs, and services that enhance the FCM experience and support its mission.

The objective is to track the number of visits to the FCM as a measure of its performance.

• Increase the number of annual visits to the FCM by: expanding and improving programs to engage the public and foster an appreciation for the relevance of American frontier culture; actively encouraging repeat visits through annual pass and special programs; and offering the public incentives and inducements to visit the FCM such as pay-what-you-will-days that feature extra attractions.

The FCMV is committed to using the available facilities and resources at its disposal to provide the public active, engaging, high quality exhibits, materials, and programs that improve public knowledge of history and culture.

• Working within the framework of the agency mission and purposes, develop thoroughly researched, thoughtfully prepared exhibits and programs that support the FCM mission and goals. Train exhibit and program staff to prepare and provide visitors engaging learning experiences. Use public attendance and visitor response to FCMV exhibits and programs to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

• Plan, develop, and prepare special programs one month before the program delivery date. Market programs to the public at least two months in advance of the special program date.

• Plan, schedule, staff, and market quality, thought-provoking daily programs at least 6 weeks in advance.

• Develop and distribute mission specific content for guidebook, website, interpretative signs, and social media.

• Complete the Early American Industries Exhibit and develop exhibits, materials, and programs to increase public knowledge of early American mills and milling and their importance in the commercial development of Virginia and the US. Use every approved means at the agency's disposal to market this exciting new outdoor exhibit to the public.

• Complete the Crossing Gallery capital project and develop innovative, quality learning opportunities and experiences for the public including annually rotating indoor exhibits, a permanent indoor exhibition about Virginia and its frontiers, and all-season public program and event spaces.

Collections Management and Curatorial Services manages and maintains the FCMV's artifact and reproduction collections. It also manages  the FCMV costume collection. FCMV staff uses reproductions and outdoor exhibits on a daily basis to support educational and public programs. The service area also performs research to identify artifacts and reproductions that support the FCMV's mission. In addition, Collections Management and Curatorial Services complies with American Alliance of Museum's stardards for collections storage and care, as well as the laws and policies of the Commonwealth governing this category of state property.

Collections management and Curatorial Services derives authority from §23.1-3201 and §23.1-3203 subsections B &C of the COV.  The service area provides historically honest, appropriate information resources, tools, furnishings, and buildings to staff who deliver educational and public programs; it assures Museum collections are managed and maintained according to the laws and policies of the Commonwealth and the highest standards established by the American Alliance of Museums. The service area researches, prepares, and installs exhibitions that support the Museum's mission and educational programs.

Collections management and curatorial services: Maintains a catalog of and manages the FCM's artifact and reproduction collections; its archives and library collections; and its collection of historic buildings.



Research services and reports: Performs research in support of acquisition of objects, artifacts, reproductions, and historical buildings, and for the development of educational and public programs.



Conservation: Performs conservation of objects and artifacts on an as-needed basis.



Preservation: Monitors condition of outdoor exhibits, and identifies needed maintenance and repairs.



Acquisitions: Acquires objects, artifacts, reproductions, reference and archival materials, and exhibit structures in support of the Museum's mission and its educational and public programs.

Collections Management and Curatorial Services receives funds from both the general and non-general funds. The service area draws on the general fund for salaries for three full-time, classified employees, one part-time wage employee, and for some operating expenses that generally include curatorial materials and supplies. Maintenance Reserve funds are used to repairs to the outdoor exhibits to keep them safe and accessible for the public, and extend their useful life.

Education and Extension Services delivers the FCM's educational and interpretative programs to visitors. Service area staff are in direct contact with the public and advance the agency mission.  Staff research and develop educational and interpretative programs that support the FCM mission and goals and the Virginia Standards of Learning; staff of the FCM's 11 outdoor exhibition sites; deliver educational and interpretative programs to visitors and school groups; demonstrate traditional crafts and life-ways; manage gardens and fields; care for livestock and poultry; deliver educational programs to students and teachers on school field-trips; market FCM education programs to teachers and school administrators; train staff and volunteers to deliver educational and public programs.

Education and Extension Services authority is derived from §23.1-3201 COV.  The service area is primarily responsible for administering such historical and interpretative programs as may be established by the board of trustees of the Museum.

Education and Extension Services researches, develops, and delivers educational and interpretative programs in support of the FCM mission and the Virginia Standards of Learning: performs general and basic research on the time periods and cultures represented at the FCM, uses conclusions to design and develop educational and interpretative programs, and to train staff to deliver these programs to students and teachers on field trips, and the general public. Programs incorporate historical information with hands-on activities such as traditional arts and crafts, music, story-telling, domestic skills, gardening, and farming demonstrations. This describes the FCM's core service and product.

Special programs: The FCM offers a range of special programs that feature particular aspects of the agency mission and permit more detailed and intensive presentation. Special programs include summer camps for children, traditional arts and crafts work-shops; an annual lecture series that brings subject experts and scholars to the FCM for public presentations; a musical programs; and special tours of the FCM's outdoor exhibits.

Community outreach: The service area regularly participates in community events and programs that increase public knowledge of the traditional American life-ways and promote the Museum in the local and state community.

The FCM's Education and Extension Services service area deliver programs to the public at the agency's several outdoor exhibits. The majority of service area funds pays the salaries and benefits of full-time interpreters. Remaining funds support educational and interpretative programs and historic costuming.

Operational and Support Services coordinates, manages, and supports the operations of the FCM's other service areas.  The service area is the FCM's primary point of contact with the governor's office of education, the general assembly, the central agencies, and takes direction from and reports to the board of trustees. Operational and Support Services works to ensure agency operations are in compliance with the laws and policies of the Commonwealth, and the directives of the board of trutees. This includes developing and implementing disaster and emergency response plans and ensuring that FCM staff is trained to act appropriately during disasters and emergencies. Operational and Support Services is also responsible for developing and implement a security program for the FCM that provides a secure enviroment for the public and employees.

The authority for Operational and Support Services is derived from §23.1-3201-03 COV.  These provisions creates the FCM as a state agency, creates and empowers the board of trustees, and enumerates its responsiblities, including hiring and executive director and such assistants as necessary. The service area advances the agency mission by providing leadership, direction, and administrative and technical support to the agency's other two service areas.

Operational and Support Services establishes internal agency operations policies; manages and performs FCM budget planning, preparation, and tracking; procurement, accounting, payroll, human resources; information technology services; and safety and security for FCM staff and the public.  The service area manages visitor services, marketing and public-relations, and social media and internet communications.  Operations and Support Services also manages the FCM's physical plant, fixed assets inventory, buildings and grounds maintence and repair, and capital and maintenance reserve projects.



 

Operational and Support Services are funded from the general fund, from Maintenance Reserve, the Capital Budget, and revenues earned by the agency. Appropriated funds are expended on service area staff salaries and benefits, wages, and agency procurement, IT purchases and maintenance, capital projects, maintenance and repair of facilities and grounds, and marketing services.