The Alleghany Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center

The Alleghany Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center The Alleghany Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center (“Discovery Center”)

This Memorial Day, We Remember.At the Discovery Center, we celebrate the stories that shape our nation and our community...
05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, We Remember.

At the Discovery Center, we celebrate the stories that shape our nation and our community. Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Their courage, dedication, and selflessness helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. As we reflect on our nation's history, we remember those whose service and sacrifice became part of that story.

This Memorial Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to remember our fallen heroes and the families who continue to honor their legacy.

From all of us at the Discovery Center, we wish you a safe, meaningful, and reflective Memorial Day.

❤️🤍💙

Discover, Explore, Create!Looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? Make plans to visit the Alleghany H...
05/20/2026

Discover, Explore, Create!

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? Make plans to visit the Alleghany Highlands Industrial Heritage & Technology Discovery Center in downtown Covington!

At the Discovery Center, learning comes to life through hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences that let kids touch, explore, experiment, and discover how science, technology, engineering, and local industry have shaped the Alleghany Highlands. From manufacturing and papermaking to energy, communications, forestry, and more, every visit is an opportunity to learn something new while having fun.

This isn't a "look but don't touch" museum. It's a place where curious minds can explore how things work, uncover the stories behind the products we use every day, and see how our region's rich history connects to the future. Whether your child dreams of becoming an engineer, scientist, inventor, or simply loves figuring out how things work, there's something here to spark their imagination.

📍 Located at 227 N. Maple Avenue in Covington
⚙️ Interactive exhibits
🧠 Hands-on learning
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun for families, students, and lifelong learners

Come spend the day discovering the past, engaging with the present, and preparing for the future at the Discovery Center!

Learn more at https://discoverycenterva.org

Looking for a fun and educational summer opportunity for local students?NC State Paper Science & Engineering will be hos...
05/20/2026

Looking for a fun and educational summer opportunity for local students?

NC State Paper Science & Engineering will be hosting a FREE 3-day summer camp, Earth-Wise: Resources for the Future, right here in the Alleghany Highlands!

Students will explore natural resources through hands-on activities, including paper making, an egg-drop competition, waste and water treatment demonstrations, and more.

📍 Alleghany Highlands Industrial Heritage & Technology Discovery Center
📅 June 30 – July 2
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM daily
👥 Open to rising 8th–12th graders
⚠️ Limited to 15 students — first come, first served!

This is a great opportunity for students interested in science, engineering, sustainability, and hands-on learning experiences.

Register at https://forms.gle/Ye8rESce6b8Hmpgo9

Welcome 2026 – A New Chapter for the SocietyThe birth of our nation was officially recognized on July 4, 1776, and the c...
01/12/2026

Welcome 2026 – A New Chapter for the Society

The birth of our nation was officially recognized on July 4, 1776, and the celebration of its 250th Anniversary has been underway for more than a year. The Alleghany Historical Society is only 70 years old but it has been instrumental in the preservation of the heritage of the Alleghany Highlands. The settlement of our area began in 1746 and its citizens have been active participants in the events which have shaped our nation from that date forward. Our history is being told by the contents in the buildings pictured above.

With the restoration and opening of the restored C&O Passenger Depot in 2007, the Society worked with the City of Covington to create a museum of local history. The creation of the Alleghany Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center began when the Society purchased the Rooklin-Nettleton Building in 2016. The restoration of that 17,000 square foot commercial building began under the direction of a retired engineer, Gordon Specht. Another retired engineer, Mike Wade, worked on the creation of exhibits and hands-on displays.

The full story of the depot and Discovery Center has not been completed but it needs to be noted that the efforts of the Alleghany Historical Society were key to their development. The credit goes to a group of dedicated volunteers and the countless hours spent on securing funding from grants, organizations, and individuals. In many activities, the Society worked in cooperation and partnership with the C&O Railway Historical Society and the Alleghany Highlands Genealogical Society.

Throughout the Highlands, passionate individuals have contributed time and money to the numerous projects involving historic preservation; the Historic Masonic Theatre, Green Pastures Recreation Area in Longdale, the Farm at Glen Haven, the C&O Railway Heritage Center, the Oakland Church, MeneFer and the Low Moor Iron Company store, the Historic Wrightsville. Museum, Locomotive 701, the Falling Spring Falls wayside, Humpback Bridge, the Jacob Persinger House, and Milton Hall. Apologies for omitting other sites and noted examples of historic preservation.

The limited resources of the Society have dictated a new direction and emphasis on historic preservation. The City of Covington recognizes the tremendous assets of the Depot and the Discovery Center as economic benefits to recreation and cultural attractions. The Society has accepted an offer from the city for purchase and operation of the Discovery Center. The city will also assume responsibility for the operations at the depot. The Society will continue to provide volunteers and act as a resource in an advisory role. Our archives will continue to be located at the depot and Discovery Center.

The board and active membership of the Society is very enthusiastic about this new partnership with the city. There will be a continued need for funding to support the many initiatives and activities of the Society. The celebration of the 250th Anniversary of our country will be among those activities. Your support and active participation are encouraged and appreciated.

Address

Covington, VA
24426

Opening Hours

Tuesday 12pm - 4pm
Wednesday 12pm - 4pm
Thursday 12pm - 4pm
Friday 12pm - 4pm

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