MacCallum More Museum & Gardens
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Location
Chase City, Virginia
Address
603 Hudgins Street, Chase City, VA 23924
Setting
Six-acre historic property
Visitor hours
Listed as Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m. Confirm before visiting.
In the heart of Chase City, Virginia, MacCallum More Museum & Gardens brings together a family-built historic property, a museum focused on local and regional stories, and garden paths among woodland, flowers, fountains, and sculpture. It is a relaxed stop for visitors who enjoy moving between cultural exhibits and outdoor spaces, with the added convenience of serving as Chase City’s visitor center.[1]
The grounds grew from a garden begun by Lucy Morton Hudgins in 1929 and later expanded by her son William Henry Hudgins. Today, visitors can explore exhibits ranging from Native American artifacts and local history to rotating art displays. Hours, exhibits, and any special arrangements can change, so check the museum’s current visitor information before setting out.[2]
Plan a trip to MacCallum More Museum & Gardens
Why visit MacCallum More?
MacCallum More offers a change of pace from a conventional indoor museum visit: its galleries sit within a historic garden property, so a visit can combine exhibits with a stroll among paths, plantings, fountains, and statuary. The museum also interprets the history of Chase City and Mecklenburg County, making it a useful place to begin exploring the area.[3]
The site’s significance is recognized in the Virginia and National Registers of Historic Places as part of the MacCallum More and Hudgins House Historic District. The district includes the Hudgins family’s houses, museum, and six-acre landscape, reflecting the family’s role in the community as well as their interest in history and the arts.[4]
Start here
Begin with the museum if you want context for the people, places, and collections represented across the property. Then take time outdoors to follow the garden paths and look closely at the fountains and sculpture. The museum describes group tours as available by request; contact staff in advance if you are arranging a group visit.[5]
What to see and do
See exhibits interpreting Chase City and the wider region, alongside cultural collections and rotating displays. Check the museum’s current exhibit information before your visit.
The Arthur H. Robertson collection includes artifacts primarily from Mecklenburg County. The museum displays selected objects; other items are held on loan by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources for educational use and loans to museums.
An exhibit tells the story of the Thyne Institute, founded in 1876 and remembered for its educational legacy for African Americans in Mecklenburg County.
Take a leisurely route through woodland and garden spaces. Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources describes the property’s plantings as habitat for birds and butterflies, with seasonal blooms changing through the year.
Pause along the garden paths to see the outdoor sculpture and water features. The property’s collected works reflect the Hudgins family’s travels and interests.
History and significance
Lucy Morton Hudgins began the garden in 1929. Her son, William Henry Hudgins, later developed the grounds further, incorporating objects gathered during his travels. The family’s two houses, gardens, and museum became a lasting community contribution; the property is part of a historic district listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register in 2009 and the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.[6]
The museum’s displays connect local stories with broader histories. Its listed subjects include the Arthur H. Robertson Native American Artifact Collection, the Thyne Institute, the Mecklenburg Springs Hotel, Estes Express Lines, and changing art exhibitions. Offerings may vary, so verify what is currently on view before planning around a particular exhibit.[7]
Planning a visit
The museum lists its address as 603 Hudgins Street, Chase City, Virginia 23924. Its website currently lists hours as Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; hours and access can change for holidays, events, or other reasons, so confirm before traveling. The listed phone number is 434-372-0502.[8]
The attraction’s directions page says free street parking is available and describes paved paths through the gardens. It also says the museum and gardens are wheelchair accessible, while advising visitors who need assistance to call ahead. Contact the site directly for current details about access, tours, and any visit-specific needs.[9]
Nearby attractions
Chase City makes a practical base for exploring Mecklenburg County. MacCallum More’s staff can help visitors find local maps and information; for a broader outing, see Mecklenburg County, Virginia and Virginia's Southern Virginia.
Chase City
The small town surrounding the museum and gardens in Mecklenburg County.
Mecklenburg County
Explore more of the county’s history, communities, and outdoor destinations.
Southern Virginia
Use the regional guide to plan a wider trip through southern Virginia.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Our Story, MacCallum More Museum & Gardens. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ MacCallum More Museum & Gardens, MacCallum More Museum & Gardens. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Our Story, MacCallum More Museum & Gardens. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ MacCallum More and Hudgins House Historic District, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Explore History and Culture, MacCallum More Museum & Gardens. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ MacCallum More and Hudgins House Historic District, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Explore History and Culture, MacCallum More Museum & Gardens. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ MacCallum More Museum & Gardens, MacCallum More Museum & Gardens. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Directions to MacCallum More Museum & Gardens, MacCallum More Museum & Gardens. Retrieved 2026-10-24.