Shenandoah Germanic Heritage Museum

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Toms Brook, VA
Shenandoah Germanic Heritage Museum

SGHM is dedicated to public understanding of Germanic Heritage of the Shenandoah Valley. We• exhib

05/21/2026

The workday scheduled for Saturday, May 23 has been cancelled due to the rain. It will be too wet to do the outside work that had been planned.

05/17/2026

Another workday is planned for Saturday, May 23 to continue the clean up around the George Hottel chimney, foundation, and Spring House.

04/28/2026

Thanks to the eight volunteers who cleaned the area around the spring box and removed accumulated silt from the spring box which was built in 1913. Clean water is once again flowing into the dairy trough in the Summer Kitchen.

04/18/2026

April 25, Saturday...another workday is scheduled and you are invited to participate. We hope to remove accumulated silt from the spring box near the Keller House, clean out the spring house in the Hottel meadow, and remove debris from the south end of the Mill House. Please bring waterproof boots for the "water" areas! We had great particpation at the March workday. Let's match it in April!

04/03/2026

A foundation on the mountain above the Keller House has been a source of speculation for many years. We know that their son, Henry, built the present house that we all love so much... so where did George and Anna Barbara Hottel Keller live when they first came into this area from Pennsylvania. We like to think that this is the foundation of their home. Unfortunately, we will probably never know for sure.
Six of us worked all morning clearing briars, brambles and small trees from the ruins. Sadly, many of the stones have fallen into what appears to have been the cellar in the time since some of us had visited the site a number of years ago.
The first picture is the foundation facing north. There is evidence of steps going into the foundation. The second is facing south where a large chimney may have been located.
What would we do without our wonderful tractor! We plan to return soon the continue the clean up.

03/06/2026

Reconnect with your Heritage

WORKDAY March 28, April 25 & May 23

9 AM - ?

Your ancestors’ homes are in need of grooming. Please join us for a day of fellowship and work at 11523 Back Rd, Toms Brook.

Needs at the Keller House: cleaning out flower beds, cleaning out the spring box (if warm), cleaning inside the house, removing small trees and shrubs from the ice house foundation and around the Mill House.

Needs at the Hottel chimney, foundation and Spring House: cleaning up debris that has collected.

What to bring: gloves, waterproof boots, clippers, chain saws or whatever you are good at!

RSVP to Melissa Wright (call or text 540-325-8853)

09/09/2025

OPEN HOUSE SEPT 6
On Saturday the property was open to the public from 10 am to 2 pm for guided tours, lunch from the outdoor bake oven, and various craft demonstrations. On previous workdays the house had been prepped for the event.
At 6 AM the fire was lit in the outdoor bake oven (4-6 hrs required to achieve the proper temperature for baking). By late morning biscuits, “hobo” packs (hamburger, onions, potatoes, and carrots), and cookies were in the oven. Once baked, the food was laid out on a table in the kitchen for everyone to enjoy.
Spinners and knitters brought their wheels and needles and a local vasket maker demonstrated her skills. Delicious honey from the hives on Hottel Keller property, handmade textile items, and handcrafted baskets were for sale.
The event was well-attended and tours of the Keller House, Loom House, and Summer Kitchen took place throughout the day. Thanks to all who participated!

08/12/2025

The Shenandoah Germanic Heritage Museum will host an Open House on Saturday, September 6th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 11523 Back Road Toms Brook. Learn about historic spinning, weaving, knitting or bring a project to join the fun. Guided tours will be given at 10:30, 11:30 and 1:00. Bring your own lunch. The museum’s out-door baking oven will be in operation with bread coming out midday. Samples will be available. Donations welcomed.

07/13/2025

JULY 12 WORKDAY -- Many thanks to (1) June Hockman and Cheryl Hottle who worked inside the Keller House to organize materials for the Annual Meeting display and (2) Barbara Adamson, Vicki Mongold, Fred Germond, Michelle O'Connor, Jacob Fravel and his cousin Bryan who operated w**d eaters, rakes, clippers and the brush hog at the George Hottel chimney and foundation. The first three pictures show the site before starting and the last one shows some of the results of the hard work.

07/01/2025

July 12: A workday is planned to start getting ready for the Annual Meeting on August 1 & 2. The George Hottel chimney and foundation need some serious cleanup. We can't seem to stay ahead of the vegetation! Please joi us at 8:30 am or whenever you can get there.

05/12/2025

WORKDAY SCHEDULE
The property needs a lot of attention and will welcome your help. We have scheduled two Saturdays -- JUNE 14 and JULY 12 -- to get things accomplished that are beyond the capabilities of the "faithful 5" who come nearly every Wednesday. Please remember the museum property as you schedule your summer activities. Tasks await both young and old! 8:30 AM until you need to leave.

A third workday has been planned for Wednesday, JULY 30, which is two days before the Annual Meeting. The property will need spiffing up for visitors! 8:30 AM until ?

Hope to see you then!

Address

11523 Back Road
Toms Brook, VA
22660

Website

http://www.hottelkeller.org/museum.php

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