Isle of Wight County Museum
Discover the world's oldest ham and peanut, plus interactive exhibits on local history in this charming Virginia museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Isle of Wight County Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the world's oldest ham and peanut, plus interactive exhibits on local history in this charming Virginia museum.
"A fun, small museum stop with wild and random things inside and equally wild and random informative blurbs!"
🎯 Don't Miss the Hams!
See the world's oldest ham and peanut – a truly unique and quirky historical exhibit.
👨👩👧👦 Kids' Scavenger Hunt
Ask for the scavenger hunt to make the museum visit extra fun and educational for children.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 180 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World's Oldest Ham
Behold the legendary cured ham, a true testament to preservation and a quirky piece of local history.
World's Oldest Peanut
Discover the 1890 peanut, another fascinating artifact showcasing the region's agricultural heritage.
Interactive History Exhibits
Explore engaging displays covering local history, from Native American heritage to recent times.
Kid's Scavenger Hunt
A fun, interactive challenge that makes learning about local history exciting for younger visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Miss the Hams!
Plan for Interactive Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
TIL P. D. Gwaltney Jr. had a pet ham (insured with today's equivalent of $77,000, and collar attached) which he showed off publicly. It is considered to be the oldest ham in the world ("born" in 1902). It can be seen at the Isle of Wight County Museum in Virginia with the world's largest ham.
I can see the world's oldest AND largest hams under one roof?! How have I not heard of this national treasure before?!
🎯 Don't Miss the Hams!
See the world's oldest ham and peanut – a truly unique and quirky historical exhibit.
👨👩👧👦 Kids' Scavenger Hunt
Ask for the scavenger hunt to make the museum visit extra fun and educational for children.
💰 Inexpensive Admission
Enjoy a wealth of history and interactive fun for a surprisingly low admission fee.
🅿️ Convenient Parking
Ample parking is available right on the side of the museum building.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Don't Miss the Hams!
See the world's oldest ham and peanut – a truly unique and quirky historical exhibit.
👨👩👧👦 Kids' Scavenger Hunt
Ask for the scavenger hunt to make the museum visit extra fun and educational for children.
💰 Inexpensive Admission
Enjoy a wealth of history and interactive fun for a surprisingly low admission fee.
🅿️ Convenient Parking
Ample parking is available right on the side of the museum building.
🛍️ Gift Shop Finds
Grab a souvenir or a unique item from the gift shop after your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Isle of Wight County Museum for its unique historical artifacts, particularly the world's oldest ham and peanut, and its engaging, interactive exhibits. The low admission price and friendly staff contribute to a highly positive and educational experience for all ages.
"This is a great museum, especially for onky $4. Starts off with a warm welcome from the admissions/gift shop cashier. She was knowledgeable and helped me get a couple of smushed pennies from the smashed penny machine located in the back of the 1st floor basement. Museum has the world's oldest cured ham and peanut. The exhibits cover the history of the local area from the original native people to the recent past. Parking is available on the side of the building. Make sure you do the scavenger hunt as you go through the museum."
Bert
"It’s a beautiful town, and you can really feel the enthusiasm of the locals in welcoming visitors. It has everything you need for a lovely morning or afternoon: a few bars, a few restaurants, a delicious bakery, a picturesque main street, an Inn that looks magnificent from the outside, and a museum that has a bit of everything, with a charming lady who greets you warmly.
Whether you're visiting with kids or adults, it’s a delightful place to explore."
EUGE P
"Awesome local county museum showcasing the world's oldest ham and peanut! Very well put together high quality displays and great layout with tons of fun information. Well worth a visit. Kids can dig for shark teeth and keep it! Ask for the scavager hunt if you have kids there. Museum staff were very friendly and helpful."
david zhu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Smithfield, Virginia. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on the side of the building. If you're exploring the charming town, it's also a pleasant walk from many local shops and restaurants.
Yes, there is convenient parking available directly on the side of the Isle of Wight County Museum building, making it easy to access.
Absolutely! The Isle of Wight County Museum is a perfect addition to a day trip to Smithfield, VA. It's centrally located near shops and restaurants, making it easy to combine with other activities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the museum is surprisingly inexpensive, making it a great value for the amount of history and interactive exhibits offered. The exact cost is very reasonable, often around $4, making it an affordable stop.
The museum generally operates during standard daytime hours, typically Tuesday through Saturday. It's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead for the most current hours of operation, especially around holidays.
For most visits, booking tickets in advance is not necessary. You can typically purchase admission upon arrival at the museum's admissions/gift shop.
The museum is generally accessible, with exhibits spread across different floors. The main floor is easily navigable, and staff are usually helpful in assisting visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum's star attractions are the world's oldest cured ham and the world's oldest peanut, both unique historical artifacts. Beyond these, you'll find interactive exhibits detailing the local history from Native American times to the present.
Yes, the museum is very family-friendly! They offer a scavenger hunt that kids can do as they explore the exhibits, and sometimes even opportunities to dig for shark teeth.
The museum provides a comprehensive look at the history of Isle of Wight County and Smithfield, Virginia. Exhibits cover Native American heritage, colonial times, agricultural history, and more recent local developments.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the museum, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions or ask a staff member.
While the museum is famous for the 'world's oldest ham,' there's also a display related to the 'world's largest ham' which refers to the scale of ham production and history in the region, often associated with the Gwaltney company.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, the museum itself does not have a restaurant. However, it is located in the heart of Smithfield, which offers a variety of charming local bars, restaurants, and a delicious bakery nearby.
Smithfield is renowned for its ham, so you'll find many places offering delicious pork dishes. You can also find classic American fare and local specialties in the town's eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
The most unique photo opportunities are with the world's oldest ham and peanut. The well-presented exhibits also offer visually interesting shots of local history artifacts.
Yes, visitors are generally permitted to take photos of the exhibits, including the historic hams and peanuts, for personal use.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit