Meadow Farm Museum & Crump Park

Richmond Times-Dispatch Archives

Published: September 1, 2008

Slideshow
See Meadow Farm Museum, Crump Park and RF&P Park

Meadow Farm Museum: See the restored 1860 living historical 150-acre farm of Dr. John Mosby Sheppard. The grounds include a farmhouse, farm outbuildings, animals, a working farm and an orientation center.

The Sheppards received a land grant in 1713 after paying their passage from England to America.  They were entitled to about 200 acres of land. The family acquired another 200 acres from another settler to complete the farm.

Visitors will see the Meadow Farm staff in 1860s period clothing as they go about the business on the farm. The majority of the programs are on the weekend when the park expects the most visitors, said Anna Truong, site manager for Meadow Farm Museum.

Most of the programs are geared for ages 5 and up, but Meadow Farm often entertains large school field trips. Children can learn about farm life through demonstrations, discussions and practice their animal noises and knowledge. Visitors cannot feed the animals, but can watch the staff up close as they carry out their chores on the farm.

“Usually little ones five and older can manage the walking tour and understand the programs,“ said Truong, adding that the animals are the most popular attraction at the farm, especially for families.

“We have a small location but a wide-open space and people can get up close to many animals—many that they wouldn’t see in the city,“ Truong said.

The farm and parkland was donated to Henrico County in 1975 by Elizabeth Adam Crump, wife of the late Adjutant General of Virginia, Sheppard Crump. Meadow Farm is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Special events happen year-round. In April, the Museum offers “Sheep to Shawl.“ Late Spring brings the Civil War Encampment and Battle Reenactment. July 4th is always known for the Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration. Civil War Days usually takes place in early September. October hosts the Harvest Festival, a Celebration of Rural Life and December is known for its Yuletide festivities.

“The whole park is great,“ Truong said.  “Within the Crump Park, there is so much space and there’s hiking and the playgrounds ... and all the ball fields [at RF&P Park]. So much to see, all in one location.“

Info: Hours, Visitors center, Tuesday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Farmhouse open Saturday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Last tour, 3:30 p.m. Grounds open dawn to dusk daily. The park is free. Call: 501-5520.
[Credit: www.co.henrico.va.us]

Crump Park and RF&P Park, 3400 Mountain Road in Glen Allen in western Henrico County. The park has a picnic areas, a large, shaded playground, hiking trails, wetlands and a fishing pond.

Slideshow
See Meadow Farm Museum, Crump Park and RF&P Park

RF&P Park opened in 1995 and is situated on 53.5 acres. The park’s main feature is Glen Allen Stadium for Babe Ruth baseball, which opened in 2007. It also features three other baseball fields, three softball fields, two football fields, batting cages and tennis courts. There are also many rail cars with displays and historical information on the old Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac train line throughout the park.

Info: 501-7275 or co.henrico.va.us/rec/

Directions: From I-64 or I-95, take I-295 to the Staples Mill Road south exit. At the first stoplight, turn left on Mountain Road. Go about a mile (you will pass Glen Allen Elementary School) to the entrance to Crump Park on the left. Meadow Farm Museum has a parking area in front of the farm entrance—follow the signs. Follow the road through Crump Park to the entrance of RF&P Park and continue on that road back to Glen Allen Stadium. You will pass the park’s softball complex and football field before getting to the stadium.