Old Farm Day’s legacy lives on at Pleasant Grove Park
Tucked among the rolling hills of Fluvanna County’s Pleasant Grove Park lies a hidden gem—the Farm Heritage Museum. More than just a collection of old tools and tractors, it’s a heartfelt tribute to the county’s agricultural roots and a labor of love for lifelong resident Don Payne, who has created an experience that is both educational and deeply human.
A Passion Rooted in the Soil
For Don, preserving Fluvanna’s rural history is personal. “How do you know all this?” a young visitor once asked. Don smiled and replied, “I lived it.”
The museum, an initiative of the Fluvanna County Historical Society, officially opened in 2019, born from the long-running success of Old Farm Day—an event that celebrated the county’s farming heritage for over 20 years. Thanks to the vision of John May, one of Old Farm Day’s founders, and his extensive collection of horse-drawn equipment and blacksmith tools, the foundation for the museum was set. Over the years, proceeds from the event were carefully set aside to make the museum a reality.
When Old Farm Day was permanently canceled following two years of pandemic-related shutdowns, the museum took center stage as the new hub for celebrating local history.
A Collection with Roots in the Community
Since its founding, the museum has expanded thanks to the tireless efforts of Don Payne and the Historical Society. In addition to the incredible trove of artifacts from John May, many items have come directly from Don’s family, his local connections, and his lifelong experiences growing up and working in Fluvanna.
The museum features realistic displays that tell stories beyond the objects themselves. A blacksmith’s shop. A vintage McCormick reaper. Apple cider presses. Old-time hair clippers—“It was more like pinching than cutting,” Don laughs. Each exhibit reflects a time when self-sufficiency wasn’t a choice, but a way of life. 
“You didn’t just go out and buy something,” Don said. “You made it.”
The museum follows that same philosophy. “You build exhibits off of what you have,” Don explained, pointing to a display that began with an old mounted owl in need of a new home. It evolved into the exhibit “Hawks, Owls, and Chicken Predators,” a lesson on the importance of the shotgun in farm life.
Some artifacts have even found their way back home. Don tells the story of a Hercules hit-and-miss engine, which he had gifted to a friend when it stopped working. More than 20 years later, after the man’s death, his son called Don and asked if he’d want the engine back.
“I know the perfect place for it,” he responded. The engine now holds a special spot alongside an area full of other historical engines, tractors, and machines, a symbol of the museum’s evolving, living legacy.
A Broader Story of the Land
The museum also features a large collection of arrowheads and other items from Fluvanna’s earlier inhabitants– the Monacan people. Barry and Kathy Krevansky have found many of the items right inside of Pleasant Grove Park where the museum is located.
Open seven days a week for self-guided tours, visitors also have the option to book a personal tour with Don himself. Those lucky enough to meet Don are treated to stories that bring the artifacts—and the past—to life with humor and heart.
Interest in the museum continues to grow. From 2023 to 2024, annual visitation increased by 41%, from 1,428 to over 2,000 guests. It is fast becoming a must-see stop for locals and travelers alike. School field trips, special events like Carysbrook Dairy Day, and interactive exhibits during Pleasant Grove’s festivals, make it an ideal destination for families.
More Than a Museum
While the museum is a highlight, it’s only one part of what makes Pleasant Grove a special experience. Spanning over more than 1,000 acres, the park offers more than 20 miles of trails, Rivanna River access, a spacious dog park, and more. It’s a great place for mountain biking, hiking, and birdwatching– a place where history and nature meet.
Events at Pleasant Grove—from the June 1 Virginia Mountain Biking Marathon State Championship Race to the August Fluvanna County Fair to summer-long Groovin’ at the Grove concerts series—provide the perfect opportunity to explore the museum while enjoying all the park has to offer. It’s not uncommon for visitors to stumble upon the museum during a weekend festival, only to find themselves lost in stories of corn shucking traditions or the ingenuity of rural life.
Preserving the Past, Looking to the Future
With hopes for expansion—including a large open building to house farm machinery—Don Payne isn’t finished yet. His tribute to African-American farmers, including some of the 32 free Black farmers recorded as living in Fluvanna in 1860, shows a commitment to telling the full story of the land and the people who worked it.
“It’s been a real passion,” Don said. And thanks to his dedication, visitors today—and for generations to come—can experience the grit, creativity, and community spirit that built Fluvanna.
So next time you’re planning a weekend adventure, make Pleasant Grove Park your destination. Wander its trails, enjoy its events, and step inside the Fluvanna Farm Heritage Museum, where Don Payne and the Fluvanna County Historical Society keep the past alive, one story at a time.
Learn more about visiting the Farm Heritage Museum.