About Us
The Walter Cecil Rawls Library and Museum was first envisioned in 1952 by Walter Cecil Rawls, a St. Louis businessman and native of Southampton County. In searching for a suitable site, Mr. Rawls enlisted the aid of his boyhood friend, Junius W. Pulley who suggested the Courtland location. Both Mr. Rawls, an inventor and amateur artist, and Mr. Pulley desired that the library would include a museum to house artifacts of the county and collections of art.
The library-museum opened to the public on June 15, 1958. The first exhibit in the gallery was assembled by the Rev. C.W. Gibson, minister of Courtland Methodist Church. The exhibit featured artwork by local artists and a display of Civil War memorabilia.
In 1966, F.D. Cossitt, noted art critic, sculptor and art historian, became museum curator. Mrs. E. F. Reese III chaired the Arts Committee of the library board which was headed by J.M. Camp, Jr. At the time the museum was organized as an affiliate of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. In 1980 the museum /art division became a separate non-profit entity known as Rawls Museum Arts, Inc. Its objective was to expand cultural outreach by offering more programs, art classes for young and old, exhibits, trips to the Virginia Museum and opportunity to acquaint regional residents with the many facets of art. Under the auspices of RMA in 1984, a group of working artists formed the Blackwater Artistís League.
In December 1999, RMA celebrated the opening of a new gallery. The building houses the Main gallery, the Francis Gallery which includes a Children’s Gallery, the Artworks Gift Shop, storage space, and offices. It also houses an extensive permanent collection of art.
RMA continues to offer programs to the citizens of the City of Franklin, and the counties of Southampton, Sussex, Surry and Isle of Wight. Visiting curators, lecturers, jurors, artists, performers and educators facilitate programs and exhibitions that are as diversified as the subjects, media, artworks, and lessons they present.
It is hoped that the entity that is now Rawls Museum Arts would have been pleasing to Mr. Rawls and his dream.
Per Katherine Futrell’s Book – The First Thirty Years of Walter Cecil Rawls Library and Museum – 1958-1988. As said by Junius W Pulley – “Some of us have labored hard during the past few years to enrich the lives of Southamptonians of this and future generations through this institution. Education is not limited to knowledge received from books or schools. It comes from experiences, observation, association with others, etc.; in fact from all the five senses of man, and is obtained throughout life. We must become educated if we are to survive as a nation, since education is the strongest weapon of a democracy – it is our arsenal of power – and when it is flavored with the generosity and tolerance of the kind and generous Nazarene we cannot fail.”
Museum Gift Shop
The Rawls Museum Arts gift shop is a vibrant extension of the Museum’s mission, showcasing and supporting the work of local and regional artists. Visitors can browse a carefully curated selection of original artwork, handmade crafts, jewelry, and unique gifts—each piece reflecting the creativity and talent of our community.
By purchasing from the gift shop, patrons not only take home a meaningful piece of art but also directly support local artists and the Museum’s ongoing programs. As a charming stop for travelers, the shop also enhances cultural tourism in the region. According to Americans for the Arts, cultural tourists tend to spend more and stay longer than other travelers, making art-centered destinations like RMA valuable contributors to the local economy (Americans for the Arts, 2016). Whether you’re a collector, a visitor, or a supporter of the arts, the RMA gift shop offers something memorable for everyone.
The gift shop is open Tue – Fri, 10am – 4pm and Sat, 10am – 2pm.
Looking for a gift, but can’t make it in? Give the gift of a RMA Gift Card! Gift cards can be redeemed for memberships, class fees, summer camp tuition, gallery purchases, and any items in the gift shop!
Board of Directors
Museum Staff
