If you’re looking for unique things to do in Waynesboro VA, the Russell Museum certainly fits the bill, and makes for an informative stop after visiting the Swannanoa mansion.
This Virginia museum is home to the University of Science and Philosophy (USP), which was founded by Walter and Lao Russell in 1948 and was based at Swannanoa until their lease ended in 1998.
The museum features countless works of art by the Russells (including sculptures, paintings, drawings and more), as well as various letters of correspondence with their myriad famous friends.
According to their site, the University was formed “to give to the world The Message of the Divine Iliad, by Walter Russell, a scientific explanation of God’s ways and processes in the construction of His universe, and the message of a Living Philosophy, by Lao Russell, for illuminating man’s Cosmic way of Life in his long journey of life from the dark to God’s Light.”
We honestly weren’t sure what to make of the USP stuff. But it was fascinating to see Walter Russell’s artwork, which included remarkable sculptures commissioned by famous friends such as Franklin D Roosevelt, Mark Twain, and Thomas Edison.
His busts, paintings, wood carvings, and illustrations were truly exceptional, and you can only imagine how spectacular the Swannanoa palace must have looked when his art filled its halls. –by Bret Love; all photos by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett
Repost permission given by:
Bret Love & Mary GabbettFounders
Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide
Original Story Here.
This Virginia museum is home to the University of Science and Philosophy (USP), which was founded by Walter and Lao Russell in 1948 and was based at Swannanoa until their lease ended in 1998.
The museum features countless works of art by the Russells (including sculptures, paintings, drawings and more), as well as various letters of correspondence with their myriad famous friends.
According to their site, the University was formed “to give to the world The Message of the Divine Iliad, by Walter Russell, a scientific explanation of God’s ways and processes in the construction of His universe, and the message of a Living Philosophy, by Lao Russell, for illuminating man’s Cosmic way of Life in his long journey of life from the dark to God’s Light.”
We honestly weren’t sure what to make of the USP stuff. But it was fascinating to see Walter Russell’s artwork, which included remarkable sculptures commissioned by famous friends such as Franklin D Roosevelt, Mark Twain, and Thomas Edison.
His busts, paintings, wood carvings, and illustrations were truly exceptional, and you can only imagine how spectacular the Swannanoa palace must have looked when his art filled its halls. –by Bret Love; all photos by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett
Repost permission given by:
Bret Love & Mary GabbettFounders
Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide
Original Story Here.