2026 OGS Member Bus Tour: Discover History in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
October 12-15, 2026
Join fellow members of the Ohio Genealogical Society for a memorable four-day journey to the historic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Traveling by comfortable motorcoach from the OGS Samuel D. Isaly Library in Bellville, Ohio, this special members-only tour combines presidential history, living-history experiences, museums, and opportunities to explore the landscapes that shaped generations of American families. Staunton, Virginia will serve as our home base for three nights at the modern Tru by Hilton, where daily breakfast and convenient access to the region’s most fascinating historic sites make for a relaxing and engaging trip.
Our first evening sets the tone for the tour with a visit to the historic Blackburn Inn, where we will enjoy dinner followed by a lively Statler Brothers tribute concert. The beautifully restored inn, originally part of a historic hospital complex designed in the spirit of Thomas Jefferson’s architectural influence, offers a unique glimpse into Virginia’s past while providing a warm welcome to the Shenandoah Valley.
One of the signature highlights of the tour is our visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the mountaintop home of America’s third president. Guests will explore Jefferson’s remarkable estate and learn about the people, innovations, and complex history connected to this iconic landmark. The day continues with a behind-the-scenes visit to Taylor & Boody Organ Builders, along with stops at a historic church and cemetery that offer meaningful connections to the region’s early communities. We will also explore the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, located in the birthplace of the 28th President of the United States.
Our third day focuses on deeper cultural and historical exploration. We begin at the 29th Infantry Division Museum, which honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers from World War I to the present. After free time for lunch in charming downtown Staunton—complete with a fun scavenger hunt—we continue to one of the region’s most engaging attractions, the Frontier Culture Museum. This living-history museum recreates the farms and homes of the cultures that shaped early America, allowing visitors to experience firsthand how immigrants from Europe and Africa lived before coming to America and how their traditions adapted on the frontier. The day concludes with dinner and fellowship at Stable Craft Brewery.
Throughout the tour, travelers will enjoy a balance of structured experiences and relaxed exploration, all shared with fellow OGS members who appreciate history, genealogy, and the stories of the past. From presidential estates and frontier farms to historic cemeteries and vibrant downtown streets, this Shenandoah Valley tour offers a meaningful opportunity to experience the world our ancestors once knew.
Quad: $715.00, Triple: $755, Double: $850, Single: $1025 per person