The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, housed in the former home of Civil War quartermaster William T. Sutherlin, serves a dual role as both an historical house museum and an art museum. Furnished with many original Sutherlin pieces, the mansion is a designated Virginia historic landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.

For one week, 3-10 April 1865, Major and Mrs. Sutherlin opened their home to Jefferson Davis and the Confederate government. The Confederate President occupied a bedroom upstairs, now restored. In this house, he wrote his final proclamation to the Confederacy on April 4. While in Danville, President Davis and his cabinet received word that General Robert E. Lee had surrendered at nearby Appomattox. Largely because of the events documented in this house during the Confederacy's dying days, Danville has become known as the "Last Capitol of the Confederacy."

The museum offers tours of the historic home, a permanent Civil War display and revolving art exhibits. An annual Victorian Mourning Exhibition commemorates the death of Major Sutherlin in August. This year's premiere art exhibition will feature South Arts' Tradition/Innovation: American Masterpieces of Southern Craft & Traditional Art. Art classes for all ages and a Civil War camp are offered during the summer. There is a small admission fee. The Museum is closed on Mondays and on July 4.

Visit us at www.danvillemuseum.org