New Stair Lift at Glencoe

A new stairlift made possible by a special grant from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture has enabled Glencoe Mansion to move forward in increasing its accessibility for visitors. This welcome addition removes a previous barrier to accessing the top floor of the site and now makes the facility’s three floors more accessible to a much larger segment of the population. The stairlift purchase comes from a fund supported by the Dominion Energy corporation.

Recently, technicians from Independent Lifestyles of Madison Heights, Va., installed the new equipment on stairs between the second and third floors. “The project, which has been in the works for more than year, is the answer to one of our long-time wishes for the museum’s operation,” according to Scott Gardner, executive director. “We are excited about the ability to fully broadcast that the facility is accessible for individuals of diverse physical needs,” he added.

Located in the historic 1875 residence of Gen. Gabriel C. and Nannie Radford Wharton, the facility has developed into a dynamic community museum that preserves the history and culture of the region. Today the museum provides a 3-in-1 experience with the Period Residence, History Exhibits and Art Gallery, with each portion occupying a floor. “We’re proud of our site and its history, but a 150-year-old building does have limitations, and now more people can enjoy it than ever before,” adds Gardner.

A bequest from the estate of Dr. Ron Kolenbrander, a past board member of the Radford Heritage Foundation and volunteer at Glencoe, provided matching funds for the grant. Dr. Kolenbrander, who had mobility issues, was one of the museum’s most active members and worked on such important projects as the Gov. John Dalton exhibit and oral history interviews with World War II and Vietnam veterans. Kolenbrander was a professor emeritus at Radford University.

Glencoe Mansion, Museum & Gallery is one of 14 organizations that received a 2023 grant from the Richmond museum. In addition to improved physical accessibility, monies will assist in the development of an exhibit, “Building a New Life,” which will take visitors through the history of the post-Civil War Reconstruction period, especially as it relates to the African-American experience in Southwest Virginia. A portion of the $30,000 grant also will go towards preservation efforts to ensure that Glencoe and its contents are protected for generations to come.

Glencoe Mansion, which has free admission, is also available for group tours. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday, from 1 PM to 4 PM.