The SMA Museum may be in a very inconspicuous location, but the history is absolutely rich. Located on the north area of the Mary Baldwin College campus, next to the Kable building, is the SMA Museum with an intriguing story to tell. Brocky and Arlene Nicely, a lifetime couple dedicate their time to preserving the museum’s intricate history.
The Lexington natives started their connection to SMA fairly early in their lives. Growing up right across from each other, these lovebirds eventually became high school sweethearts while Brocky attended SMA. In 1968, he proposed to Arlene, and was drafted for two years in Germany as a military police officer. Now, Staunton residents and retired Robert E. Lee High School employees are treasured members of the SMA Alumni Association.
Thousands of items are catalogued in the museum and the Nicelys’ are the ones to thank. Every day is a chance to make SMA better for the public. Mr. Nicely would like for patrons to come into SMA and see a new display each time they visit. Entering the museum, one cannot help but feel as though they are stepping straight into history, especially for SMA alumni. For Brocky, the most satisfying thing about his job is “Watching the guys come through the door (into the museum). Men in their 70s become 16 again, their eyes want to take it all in. Visits that were supposed to last 15 minutes turn into two hours” (Kablegram-Leader).
The SMA museum is located at Mary Baldwin, however the SMA Alumni Association maintains the museum. The association helps to raise money in order to provide support for VWIL and the museum collections. If you would like more information about the museum and its location please call the number (540) 885-1309. Please stop by on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday between 1-4 pm or call to schedule an appointment to visit the SMA museum.
– Story by Alexandrea Edwards
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