Nawakwa Scouting Museum

Article By: Carl Whitaker, Museum Adviser

There is a treasure hidden in plain sight at the Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation in Goochland, Virginia. Anyone who has gone to Camp T. Brady Saunders or has camped overnight in Camp Douglas Fleet has driven right by this little gem. Upon entering the Reservation, turn left. The first building you see is the Nawakwa Scouting Museum, operated by the Nawakwa Lodge of the Order of the Arrow (OA).

The Nawakwa Scouting museum has an extensive collection of Scouting and OA memorabilia including patches, books, uniforms and much more. The collections include Nawakwa Lodge items such as pocket flaps, event patches, neckerchiefs, and more. The collections in the Nawakwa Scouting Museum have been acquired through direct donations or purchased with funds from the sale of donated memorabilia.

Volunteers staff the Nawakwa Scouting Museum which is open by appointment. It is also open during OA lodge events and, depending on volunteer availability, at council events held at the camp. Want to come and experience the museum? Contact us via email at Museum@Nawakwa.org.

The Nawakwa Museum is always looking for volunteers interested in helping to make the museum available more often. You don’t have to be a Nawakwa Lodge member, but you do need to be registered with the Heart of Virginia Council. If you are interested in joining our team, contact us at Museum@Nawakwa.org.