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Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop Memorial Museum

Onancock, VA - EST. 1927

A Legacy Forged in
Fire & Pride

One of Virginia's last surviving Blacksmith Shops - now a museum, a National Historic Landmark, and a living testament to African American craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and community resilience. 

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Our Story

Samuel D. Outlaw
Master Blacksmith/ Wheelwright - 
Community Pillar and Activist

Born in North Carolina and trained at Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, Mr. Outlaw built his 20' x 50' blacksmith shop in Onancock in 1927. For 65 years he served waterman, farmers, and neighbors, regardless of race, becoming a cornerstone of the Eastern Shore, and a model of Black entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and self-reliance. 

DHR -FUNDED RESTORATION

Thanks to a grant from Virginia's Department of Historic Resources, the Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop is undergoing a major structural restoration, preserving its historic character for generations to come. Structural and exterior repairs, new paint and stain, all executed with fidelity to historic preservation standards. The grant reopening celebration takes place August 22, 2026 as part of the 3rd Annual Shoebox Lunch Festival. 

2026

GRAND REOPENING

DHR

VA DEPT. OF HISTORIC RESOURCES

VIEW THE FULL RESTORATION PROJECT ​→
Bringing the Shop Back to Life

MUSEUM PROGRAMMING

From educational school visits to cultural events, the Museum serves as a hub for preservation, learning, and community connection across Virginia's Eastern Shore. 

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School partnerships, class visits, and curriculum aligned to the Museum's themes of resilience, Black history, and craftsmanship. Tied to VA Standards of Learning.

Youth Education

Live demonstrations by skilled artisans, including Dale Morse of the Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing, connecting visitors to the craft tradition of Samuel D. Outlaw 

Blacksmith Demonstrations

Annual Shoebox Lunch Festival, live music, TACA performances, speaker series, and community gatherings that celebrate African American heritage on the Eastern Shore.

Cultural Events

A landmark stop on Virginia's African American heritage trail. Partnerships with the Accomack-Northampton Tourism Commission and regional visitor centers.

Heritage Tourism

PHOTO GALLERY

The Shop, The People, The Story

SDOBSMM 2nd Annual Shoebox Lunch Festiva
SDOBSMM 2nd Annual Shoebox Lunch Festiva
SDOBSMM 2nd Annual Shoebox Lunch Festiva
SDOBSMM 2nd Annual Shoebox Lunch Festiva
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VIEW FULL GALLERY

Plan Your Visit

weekly tours

   General Public Tour

A guided walkthrough of the shop, its tools, and the story of Samuel D. Outlaw. Open to individuals and families. No reservation required. Walk-ins welcome.

Schedule a Tour

   School & Group Tours

Tailored programs for school groups, civic organizations, and cultural tours. Includes hands-on history activities and docent-led discussion aligned to VA standards.

Schedule a Group Vist

Wine & Wheel Private Tour

A 90-minute private experience with Museum Director Gerald Boyd. Ideal for donors, sponsors, and heritage travelers seeking a deeper connection to the legacy.

Request a Private Tour

Curator & Board of Directors

Museum Leadership

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Gerald Boyd

MUSEUM CURATOR & FESTIVAL CURATOR

Gerald Boyd leads the Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop Memorial Museum with a deep commitment to African American heritage, cultural preservation, and community engagement on Virginia's Eastern Shore. He also serves as director of the Annual Shoebox Lunch Festival.

Clinton Strand

Vice Chairman

Ashley Pettit

Ronald Holden

Trustee

Interested in joining the board or supporting the museum's mission?

Trustee

Teresa West-Kellam

Treasurer

John Fiege

Trustee

Wesley Wooten

Trustee (Onancock Town Manager

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