The museum is housed in the former Bank of Smithfield - first chartered in 1891. The original bank on this spot burned in 1912, and a new building was erected in 1913. The exterior is comprised of Marvilla marble and Indiana limestone. The building itself is an artifact with wonderful early 20th century classical revival details including a Tiffany-style stained glass dome. In 1977, the Bank of Smithfield built a new brick colonial building next door - now the Bank of Southside Virginia - and the museum moved to this building the following year. Featured exhibits at the museum include prehistoric fossils, Native American and colonial artifacts and a country store.
