StudioAmmons

07/28/2026

So in case you aren't versed in mill terminology (most aren't) the hurst frame is what holds all the mill gearing and shafts and such that turn the stones. It's a frame that must be heavy enough (with stones and gears turning) to stay in place without being fastened in any way to the actual building structure. Most mill buildings were in a constant state of rebuilding and repair (especially masonry ones) due to the continual movement and vibration caused by the milling equipment so even the floor (attached to the hurst frame) where the miller might stand to oversee the stones was separated from the building floors. Here are our drawings showing how the hurst frame will sit in the "gear pit" of the building (the "wheel" pit is on the outside where the waterwheel will be turning). You can see where the hurst frame is floating free from the side walls and adjacent building floor by a couple of inches to allow for it to shake and rattle and clunk.

07/28/2026

FRONTIER CULTURE MILL UPDATE - so instead of just a dry fit, the decision was made to put the entire house frame together and then crane it into the building as one frame. Ben Hassett and the Rockbridge timber frame folks are wrapping the frame assembly up today and we’re hoping to boom it in on Monday along with the big seal beams for the start of the upper building framing next week.

07/27/2026

Frontier Culture Museum Mill Update - Dry-fit of the hurst frame is starting on-site and we should have the hurst frame and sill beams installed this week. Stone work is underway so things are looking less like a walk-out basement now. More to come soon!

06/25/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MAP4n5Dt6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

06/19/2026

06/05/2026

A new adventure

Welcome to the Museum of West Warm Springs and Meeting House.

We are a community museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, culture, and stories of Bath County's African American families and communities, told on their own terms.

Our home will be the restored John Wesley ME Church at 212 West Warm Springs Drive — a building that has stood at the center of community life here for generations. The Museum and Meeting House will give families and community members a place to return to for reunions, celebrations, and events — a place to come home to.

We are just getting started. On Friday, June 19th, join us at 11:00am for a Juneteenth Groundbreaking as restoration of the John Wesley ME Church begins. There will be a short program, groundbreaking ceremony, and refreshments.
All are welcome.

Follow this page for updates as the museum takes shape.