Bedford Museum building was built in 1895 as a Masonic Temple. This is the only example of Romanesque Revival architecture in Bedford and is impressive with its multi-colored brick, stone archways, terra cotta ornamentation and bay windows. The museum showcases Bedford's history from early native American life through the War Between the States and into the twentieth century. It is also headquarters for the Bedford Genealogical Society and library.

The Mission of the Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library is to develop and maintain files for genealogical and historical research and to collect, preserve and interpret objects of historical significance to the City of Bedford and Bedford County, Virginia.  Objects of historical significance are defined as objects that were made and / or used by inhabitants of Bedford or are deemed to have been an integral part of the lives and environs of the inhabitants of the City of Bedford and Bedford County, Virginia.  Objects of historical significance interpret and substantiate the existence and survival of inhabitants of Bedford, Virginia from prehistoric times to present.

This marvelous structure now houses many artifacts from the rich and colorful past of the Bedford area.  Most of this collection is now computerized.  One will find the following:

Each room in the museum reflects life in Bedford ranging in time from original Native Americans to the middle of the 20th Century.  These exhibits are changed often so other items from the collection can be shown.

In addition to the exhibit rooms, there is a gift shop and the Bedford Area Genealogy Library room, housing many family histories, books, some census records, newspaper clippings and other genealogical research items.  Inquire about our research assistants.