Walton’s Mountain Museum in Schuyler

“Good night, John Boy”— the phrase that every American came to know from watching television in the 1970s and 1980s.

America grew to love the wholesome, honest family that Earl Hamner wrote about in his book, “The Homecoming”. The book was ultimately based on the stories and life of Hamner’s own family, and the show became an icon of an America that used to be, the life of a Virginia family during the Great Depression.

Even now, thanks to channels like ABC Family and Hallmark, a new generation of viewers appreciates the stories of family trials and togetherness.

Walton’s Mountain Museum is located in the mountains of Schuyler, in Nelson County, Virginia. The views alone are spectacular, particularly in the fall, and worth the drive. The museum makes its home in the building that housed both the Schuyler elementary school and the Schuyler high school at different points in time; it now also serves as a community center.

Earl Hamner’s boyhood residence sits right across the street. Visitors can catch a 30-minute film that explains some of the history of the Waltons (both the show and the actual family the show was based on).

Guests can see the actual replicas of Ma Walton’s kitchen, John Boy’s room, the Walton’s family living room, and even a “recipe machine room” that houses an actual moon shining still. Interested folks can find out more about the women the Baldwin sisters were based on, and learn about their moon shining activity in Nelson County.

The Walton’s Mountain Museum also houses a host of original manuscripts from The Waltons, as well as other manuscripts from Earl Hamner. In addition, a version of Ike Godsey’s store is located on the premises.

This is as close to stepping back into time via a time machine as many of us will get – you will really feel like you jumped into an old timey country general store. This part of the museum also acts as the gift shop, and you can even have a postcard sent out stamped “Walton’s Mountain, Virginia” as a souvenir.

If you are a fan of the Walton’s, this is a must-see museum for you.