Coming off his TONY nominated performance for his role in The Little Foxes, we are proud to announce that RICHARD THOMAS will be making his first ever museum appearance in Schuyler, VA to celebrate The Walton's Mountain Museum's 25th Silver Anniversary on October 20-22.
We are excited to bring you a fun and memorable weekend of events with Richard Thomas.
Keep up-to-date with details on the event through our Facebook pages:
Admissions:
Other:
Schedule
Unless noted otherwise, events are at the Walton's Mountain Museum
Friday, October 20
1:00pm - 6:00pm Richard Thomas Autograph Show (for Friends of The Waltons)
This event is EXCLUSIVELY for members of The Friends of The Waltons. You must have a current membership card to attend this autograph show. Members who attend this show will receive one autographed photograph. Additional autographs and memorabilia may be purchased at the event. There is an admission fee of $10 in advance, $15 at the door. (Links to Ticket Sales and Friends of The Waltons Membership can be found above.)
Saturday, October 21
9:00am - 3:30pm Richard Thomas Autograph Show (General Admission)
This event is open to the general public. There is an admission fee of $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Autographs and memorabilia must be purchased separately. (Link to Ticket Sales can be found above.)
7:00pm - 9:30pm Banquet Program
Tickets to the Banquet Program are very limited and must be purchased in advance. This event includes a banquet dinner, on-stage program with Richard Thomas and special guest stars, and a silent auction. Reservations can be made at the "Ticket Sales" link above.
Sunday, October 22
8:30am - 9:30am Sunday Service (At Schuyler Baptist Church)
Morning service is open to the public, but there is very limited seating in the sanctuary of the church.
10:00am - Noon Pony Cart
Ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Pony Cart Room, followed by Photo-Op sessions. Tickets to have your photograph taken with Richard Thomas and The Pony Cart are available in advance. (Link to Ticket Sales can be found above.)
11:30am - 12:30pm Lunch with the Stars (Hamner House)
Bring a picnic lunch to the front lawn of the Hamner House for a lunch with a Question/Answer session with the special guest stars. You will want to come early to this free event to get a good spot to lay out your picnic blanket.
1:00pm - 4:00pm Autograph Show with Guest Stars
This event is open to the general public. There is an admission fee of $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Autographs and memorabilia must be purchased separately. (Link to Ticket Sales can be found above.)
Hotels
The Waltons Mountain Museum 25th Silver Anniversary will take place on
October 20-22, 2017. Hotels are very limited during this time in
Charlottesville as UVA will be hosting its Homecoming Football Weekend. We
have arranged a block of rooms at the following Hotels/Inn. We suggest you
call and make your reservations as quickly as possible and please ask for
the "Waltons Museum 25th" rate.
(Note: Transportation to and from the events at the Waltons Mountain Museum
is not provided)
Kirkley Hotel in Lynchburg
2900 Candlers Mountain Rd
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434-237-6333
$129.00
The Village Inn in Lovingston
434-263-5068
$75.99
Hampton Inn in Waynesboro
540-213-9500
Friday and Saturday October 20 & 21, 2017- $229 + tax = $250.30
Sunday October 22, 2017- $129 + tax = $141.00
Residence Inn Waynesboro
44 Windigrove Drive
Waynesboro, VA 22980
Studio King Suite $259 per night plus tax
540-943-7426
Friday, October 20, 2017
1:00pm - 6:00pm Richard Thomas Autograph Show (for Friends of The Waltons)
This event is EXCLUSIVELY for members of The Friends of The Waltons. You must have a current membership card to attend this autograph show. Members who attend this show will receive one autographed photograph. Additional autographs and memorabilia may be purchased at the event. There is an admission fee of $10 in advance, $15 at the door. (Links to Ticket Sales and Friends of The Waltons Membership can be found above.)
Tickets go on sale at earlhamnerstoryteller.com on Sunday, August 6th at 9:00am Eastern time.
Saturday, October 21
9:00am - 3:30pm Richard Thomas Autograph Show (General Admission)
This event is open to the general public. There is an admission fee of $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Autographs and memorabilia must be purchased separately. (Link to Ticket Sales can be found above.)
Tickets go on sale at earlhamnerstoryteller.com on Sunday, August 6th at 9:00am Eastern time.
Friday, October 20 - Saturday, October 21
Richard Thomas Autograph and Selfie Vouchers will be available for purchase at the museum prior to meeting Richard inside. There will be one line formed prior to entering the museum, and all vouchers will be available for purchase near the front of the line ,just before you meet Richard Thomas.
Richard Thomas Photos: $15
If you purchase a Richard Thomas photograph, you will also receive a voucher for his autograph. RIchard will sign your purchased photo at no additional charge.
Richard Thomas Autograph: $15
If you bring your personal article (photo, memorabilia, book, magazine, etc.) for Richard Thomas to autograph, you will need to purchase a Richard Thomas Autograph Voucher for $15. You need one voucher for each item you want him to sign.
Richard Thomas Selfie: $10
Purchase a Richard Thomas Selfie Voucher if you want to take an individual selfie with Richard at the autograph table with your phone or camera. A volunteer will be nearby to assist you with your photo.
Richard Thomas Autograph/Selfie Combo: $25
With the combo voucher, you will receive a Richard Thomas photograph which he will autograph for you at no additional charge, and be able to take a selfie with Richard Thomas with your personal phone or camera.
NOTE: Richard Thomas will not sign any autographs outside of the Autograph Shows.
Sunday, October 22
Guest Star Autograph and Selfie Vouchers will be available for purchase at the museum prior to meeting them inside. There will be one line formed prior to entering the museum, and all vouchers will be available for purchase near the front of the line ,just before you meet the stars.
Guest Star Photos: $10
If you purchase a photograph of a guest star, you will also receive a voucher for their autograph. The star will sign your purchased photo at no additional charge.
Guest Star Autograph: $10
If you bring your personal article (photo, memorabilia, book, magazine, etc.) for the stars to autograph, you will need to purchase an Autograph Voucher for $10. You need one voucher for each signature.
Guest Star Selfie: $5
Purchase a Selfie Voucher if you want to take an individual selfie with one of the guest stars at the autograph table with your phone or camera. A volunteer will be nearby to assist you with your photo.
Guest Star Autograph/Selfie Combo: $15
With the combo voucher, you will receive a photograph which the star will autograph for you at no additional charge, and be able to take a selfie with the star with your personal phone or camera.
NOTE: Special Guest Stars will not sign any autographs outside of the Autograph Show. The Special Guest Stars will be revealed during the Saturday night "What's Your Story" banquet program as a surprise for Richard Thomas and the fans.
Saturday, October 21
7:00pm - 9:30pm Banquet Program and Program
The Banquet Dinner and Program will take place at the Walton's Mountain Museum in Schuyler, VA.
The Banquet dinner, "What's Your Story" program with Richard Thomas and Special Guests, and the winners of the Silent Auction will be announced. Dress code of 30's-40's Depression Era theme is suggested, but not required.
Tickets are $125.00 (Limited to 220 guests), and go on sale on Sunday, August 6th at 9:00am Eastern Time at earlhamnerstoryteller.com.
Sunday, October 22
10:00am - Noon Pony Cart
Ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Pony Cart Room, followed by Photo-Op sessions. Tickets to have your photograph taken with Richard Thomas and The Pony Cart are available in advance. (Link to Ticket Sales can be found above.)
The New Pony Cart Room at the Walton's Mountain Museum will be a permanent exhibit for generations of fans to enjoy, but this will be the only opportunity to see The Pony Cart up close and personal with Richard Thomas. After this event, the Pony Cart will be visible but protected.
Tickets to have your picture made with Richard Thomas and The Pony Cart are $30. These Professional pony cart photos are an opportunity for youo to be a part in making The Pony Cart Room a permanent exhibit at the museum.
Tickets go on sale at earlhamnerstoryteller.com on Sunday, August 6th at 9:00am Eastern time.
Sunday, October 22
1:00pm - 4:00pm Autograph Show with Guest Stars
This event is open to the general public. There is an admission fee of $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Autographs and memorabilia must be purchased separately. (Link to Ticket Sales can be found above.)
Guest stars will be revealed during the Saturday night "What's Your Story" Banquet/Program as a surprise for Richard Thomas and the fans.
Tickets go on sale Sunday August 6th at 9:00am Eastern Time at earlhamnerstoryteller.com.
Photos, Autographs and Selfies
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Surviving long lines:
Back in March, at The Walton's 45th Anniversary Reunion, many fans had to wait hours in line during the autograph sessions. If you plan on coming to the museum's 25th anniversary this October, there's a chance that you'll have to wait in line to see Richard Thomas. Below are a few tips that you may want to consider to lessen the pain of waiting in queue:
1) Come Friday. The autograph session on Friday is exclusively for Friends of The Waltons members. The line should be much shorter than the one on Saturday when the sessions are open to the general public.
2) Dress comfortably. Wear a hat to keep the sun off your head. Wear flat shoes or sneakers - whichever are most comfortable for you. Wear layers of clothing, even if it's warm. There's a chance that you'll be both hot and cold at various points in the line. That light sweater over a tank top or t-shirt will keep you warm if the sun goes behind a cloud and the breeze picks up. But later when you're inside the building with hundreds of people packed close by, you can take it off.
3) If bringing small children, consider a light-weight fold-up stroller to give them a place to sit. This may lessen the squirm factor. Also, talk to them several days before the weekend about waiting in line and help them pack their very own 'survival bag', with a couple small toys and snacks.
4) Bring snacks and water. This is particularly important if a member of your group has any medical issues. Carrot and celery sticks are healthy snacks that also help keep you hydrated. Rolls of Lifesavers or mints are great for dry mouth.
5) Charge up your devices before coming to the museum. You may get lucky and have good enough signal on your phone to play a game or two, check e-mail or even update your status on Facebook.
6) Make some friends. You'll be stuck for a long while near people you don't know, so try striking up a conversation. Bring along a pencil and notepad to jot down e-mail addresses so you can exchange pictures of your trip later on. Also, once you get to know everyone around you, it’s much easier to have them to hold your place if you need to make a toilet dash.
7) Stretch. Standing still for a long time can be tiring, so do a few stretches now and then.
8) Be patient. Accept the long line as evidence that lots of people are there for the same reason you are, and simply ride it out. It won't last forever.
9) Check the weather beforehand. Bring an umbrella if there's a chance for rain. Or better yet, bring an umbrella golf seat. It gives you a place to sit, doesn't take up much room, can be used as a cane and will keep you dry if it starts to rain. These can be found for about $30 on-line or in sporting goods stores.
10) Sharing is caring. The people around you may have thought of something that you didn't. They may have extra water and you may have brought extra granola bars.
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FAQ's:
Question 1:
Do I need a $10 Autograph Show Admission Ticket for each day?
Answer: Yes. Please note that the autograph show tickets will be honored only on their specific date. For example ,you cannot use your "Friday" ticket on Saturday.
Question 2:
Can I attend the Friday afternoon Autograph Show if I am not a "Friends of The Waltons" member?
Answer: No. The Friday afternoon Autograph Show is exclusively for "Friends of The Waltons" members only. Friend of The Waltons member will need to purchase the $10 autograph show ticket and present it along with your membership card to be allowed entry. Members will receive a commerative photo and enjoy shorter lines. NOTE: For those "Friends of The Waltons" members who will like to tour the museum, please make your visit before or after the reunion weekend.
Question 3:
When will we know who the "Special Guest Stars" will be?
Answer: Special Guest Stars will be introduced during the SATURDAY Night Banquet/Program as a surprise to Richard Thomas and the fans. This will be the first visit to Schuyler for some of these special guests. The Special Guest Stars Autograph Show will be on Sunday, October 22nd at the Walton's Mountain Museum from 1pm - 4pm.
Question 4:
Will there be handicap parking?
Answer: Yes. Handicap parking will be directly across the street from the Walton's Mountain Museum. Handicap permit and/or tags are required.
Question 5:
Will there be shuttle service provided from the overflow parking lot?
Answer: Yes. We will have three vans in place to shuttle our guest to and from the overflow parking lot.
Question 6:
Will there be portable toilets at the parking lots?
Answer: Yes. We will have portable toilets at the main parking lot (Schuyler Ball Field), the overflow parking lot, and at the museum. Portable toilets will be stocked with hand sanitizer.
Question 7:
Can General Admission Autograph Show tickets and Pony Cart Photo-Op tickets be purchased the same day at the door?
Answer: Yes. We strongly suggest you pre-purchase your tickets in advance so we can mail them out in time and have a good general idea of the expected crowd. General Admission Autograph Show tickets will be $15 at the door and a limited supply of Pony Cart Photo-Op tickets will be available at $30.
Question 8:
Will our tickets be mailed to us?
Answer: Yes. All tickets will be mailed out to you to prevent long "Will Call" lines at the museum. Expect tickets to be mailed out towards the end of September.
Question 9:
Will there be food trucks available as there were in March?
Answer: Yes. We will have food trucks available from Friday through Sunday on the grounds of the Walton's Mountain Museum.
Question 10:
On Sunday October 22nd, the Special Guest Stars will be having a Q&A on the front lawn of the Hamner house from 11:30-12:30. Will there be lunch available?
Answer: It is suggested that you bring your own lunch to the Special Guest Stars Q&A at the Hamner House. Foot trucks will be available at the Walton's Mountain Museum.
Question 11:
Will there be VIP seating with cast members at the Saturday night banquet at the museum?
Answer: No. There will be a limited number of General Banquet tickets available. Registration doors to the banquet will open t 6:30pm. Plese have your tickets in hand. You will be assigned a table number and your seats will be first-come first-served at your appointed table.
Question 12:
Will there be any autographs or selfies during the banquet?
Answer: No. Autographs and Selfies will be available ONLY at the autograph shows. We have a special program "What's Your Story?" with Richard Thomas for our guests that evening.
Question 13:
Will any of the main Walton family cast members be attending?
Answer: No.
Question 14:
Will there be shuttle service provided to and from hotels?
Answer: No.
Question 15:
Will Richard Thomas photos, Autograph Vouchers and Selfie Vouchers be available for purchase before the autograph show dates?
Answer: No. There will be one line into the museum. Richard Thomas photos, Autograph Vouchers and Selfie Vouchers will be available for purchase at the front of the line prior to you meeting Richard Thomas. NOTE: The Richard Thomas photos that will be available for purchase will be posted for viewing on our website to help expedite the decision making process. www.earlhamnerstoryteller.com.
Question 16:
Will there be refunds due to inclement weather, personal schedule changes, etc.?
Answer: No. Tickets are non-refundable. The anniversary celebration will take place regardless of weather. We hope everyone will enjoy the beautiful Fall Foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
Question 17:
Will children require a $10 autograph show ticket?
Answer: Yes. However, children five and under do not.
Question 18:
Will the Hamner House be available for tours during the Anniversary weekend?
Answer: Yes. The Hamner House will be open for guided tours frorm 10am-4pm all three days. Please see the representative at the front of the Hamner House for tickets. ($8 per person. Children five and under are free.)
Question 19:
Will the museum be accepting credit cards during the reunion weekend?
Answer: No. TO help expedite your shopping experience, CASH is the preferred method of payment as the museum's credit card authorization machine operates on dial-up and their Wi-Fi is very slow and limited.
Question 20:
Can I bring my well-behaved pet?
Answer: Pets are not allowed in the museum. Registered service animals are allowed. You are advised to leave your pets at home or boarding facility.