Waynesboro Campus

Project Summary

The Virginia Museum of Natural History seeks to establish a natural science interpretation facility in Downtown Waynesboro near the South Entrance to the Shenandoah National Park.

Download the VMNH Waynesboro Design Synopsis here (PDF)!

A feasibility study was conducted which demonstrated that the Virginia Museum of Natural History could operate a 17,000 square foot facility while running a profit based on admission income, memberships, and an annual fundraising campaign run by the VMNH Foundation. In doing so, the museum projects to attract about 65,000 visitors, including approximately 40,000 tourists utilizing Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway located three miles away. This project will drive visitation to the Downtown where they will purchase goods and services. The proposed facility will not only be an educational asset, it will be an economic driver for a city that is currently reinventing itself.

Feasibility Study

Chmura Analytics estimated that in its first five years of operation, annual revenues will average $334,654. Expenses for the same period will average $250,026. Net operating income will be $84,628 per year.

Revenues are based on attendance of 65,582 per year drawn principally from residents in Augusta and surrounding counties, visitors to Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, and motorists traveling Interstates 64 and 81.

Download the Feasibility Study (PDF)

Economic Impacts

Construction: $10.4 million – 108 jobs
Annual Operation: $500,000 - 10 jobs
Annual Visitor Spending: $1.8 million – 20 jobs
Annual Tax Revenue: Local - $23,608, State - $49,576

Master Plan

The museum partnered with Quatrefoil Associates to develop a Master Plan for a proposed natural science interpretive facility to be located in Downtown Waynesboro, Virginia.  This Master Plan explores the biodiversity and natural conditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley region. This multifaceted story spans millions of years, from the geological and hydrological forces that created the unique landscape to the regional habitats where plants, animals and people flourish today. This is the foundation of the exhibitions – the stories of nature over time – stories that provide a deepened sense of appreciation for the local surroundings.

Download the Master Plan (PDF)

VMNH Waynesboro Contributors

Thank you to the below donors who have contributed to the development of the future Virginia Museum of Natural History natural science interpretive facility in Downtown Waynesboro, Virginia since 2014. (Donor list updated 8/9/22.)

$50,000 and above
William & Mary Jane Henika

$40,000- $49,999
Waynesboro Economic Development

$20,000 - $29,999
William H. G. Stevenson, III

$10,000-$19,999
Ann & Gary Peltier

$5,000 - $9,999
Mather’s Construction
Harold & Marilyn Nash
Westhills LTD, Realtors

$2,500 – $4,999
Dr. Thomas Benzing

$1000 – $2,499
Mason & Anne Hulen
Rudolph Jobs
Jake & Deborah Kleinschuster
Carl A. Rosberg

$100 - $999
BG William W. Alexander, Jr. (VA)
American of Virginia, Inc.
Kimberly Arehart
Christine Baggerly
Katherine Beard
Blue Mountain, LLC
J. Thomas Brown, Jr.
Martin Buehler
Jasper Burns
The Centre for Shopping, LP
Jean B. Chandler, Inc.
Robin Crowder
Dr. Sandra Curry
Jean Custin
Cynthia Davis
William Dent
Jean Droughman
Brian Edwards
DuBose Egleston, Jr.
J. B. Ferguson
James Gillespie
Lucille Gresham
Kenneth Hearst
Gregory E. Hitchin
Lesley K. Hock
Samuel H. & Melissa Hostetter
Sara S. Howlett
James C. Hyson
P. Ann Kaupp
Kline’s Dairy Bar
Jenna Konizer
Vera & Gary Lichtenstein
Randolph C. Mannesmith
Alvin Marks
Carolyn A. Morris
David & Mary Morris
Lori Patkin
Dana Quillen
John & Judith Roller
John Ross
Rotary Club of Waynesboro
M. Kevin Ryan
Weldon & Phyllis Scrogham
Severs Construction, LLC
Douglas & Mary Shoemaker
R. Gene Smith
Teague Properties, LLC
Valley Group, Inc.
Wilson F. Vellines, Jr.
Michael & Anne Vest
D. Cabell Vest
James C. Wilson

$1 - $99
Anonymous
The ARTS Club
Roger Bryant
Kay Burnett
William & Dorothy Buchanan
Bettie H. Compton
Faye Cooper
Sara Doherty
June & Warren Elliott
David Geiger
Bill and Kyle Hausrath
Doris Hammer Hulvey
Kathryn W. Johnson
Stephen King
Philip & Paula Klann
Tesi Lamb
Lisa London
John & Betty Lowdermilk
Linda McEnery
Kathy & Jon Miller
Margaret Mullis
Oryx Designs, Inc.
Len Poulin
Rose Cliff Garden Club
Clifton E. Scott
Donald C. Sharretts
Edward & Jacenta Tutwiler
Waynesboro Heritage Foundation
Martha Wood