Plan your Visit

In April 2007, Ferrum College Professor of Mathematics Anthony “Tony” Giesen donated his extraordinary collection of American brilliant cut glass to the College. Many of these exquisite hand-cut works are on exhibit at the College in the Anthony Giesen Gallery of American brilliant cut glass located in Franklin Hall.

Giesen’s collection, amassed over a 50-year period, includes a number of select rarities and represents examples of the world-renowned artistry of the American Brilliant period, circa 1876-1916. Many of the nearly 300 pieces in the collection are complete with the maker’s signature, adding to the overall value. Representative pieces of the total collection will be rotated for this continually changing but permanent exhibit. Among higher education institutions, only Texas A&M has a similar collection on display. However, those who view Giesen’s collection will find it to be not only larger, but also unique.

Giesen taught for nearly 50 years at Ferrum College, becoming the College’s longest-serving faculty member. He decided to donate the collection to the College as a way to “give back.” He said the gallery would give people an opportunity to see this elegant and unparalleled art form firsthand. “I want everyone to see the pieces up close,” Giesen said. “Pictures don’t do them justice; it’s something you have to see up close to really appreciate.” He hoped that not only would students, faculty, staff, and community members come to the gallery, but other collectors as well. He expected that many collectors would find pieces on display in the gallery that they, themselves, have never been able to find.

Laker Magazine Article: Let It Shine
Obituary for Tony Giesen, 2022
Roanoke Times Article: Cut glass collection lets Ferrum College professor sparkle

Anthony Giesen Gallery of American Brilliant Cut Glass Visitor Information:

Cost: Free

Hours of Operation: Open every day during normal college operating hours

Address: Ferrum College, Franklin Hall, 445 Ferrum Mountain Rd., Ferrum, VA 24088

Please call (540) 365-4201 for information.

The E. Taylor Greer Gallery in the Stanley Library hosts student art shows, works from college art collections, and special library activities.

In April 2023, the lower level of Schoolfield Hall was renovated and dedicated as the Rex Stephenson Theatre. Archival displays include murals, artifacts, and photo albums down the stairwell as well as display cases on the landing, at the bottom of the stairs, and in the lower-level lobby. A Jack Tale wall in the lobby displays the logo of the Jack Tale Players and “The House that Jack Built.” R. Rex Stephenson’s publications and photos from the history of the programs he created at Ferrum College are exhibited, including the Jack Tale Players (1975-present) and the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre (1979-2012, 2023-present).

Enter the ground-floor side door to the elevator lobby to view these exhibits beginning at the top of the stairs next to the elevator.

Productions of the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre and other performances are held in Sale Theatre on the third floor and the Rex Stephenson Theatre in the lower level. Bulletin boards in the elevator lobby and Sale Theatre lobby usually display photos and background information from current and recent productions. In Fall 2025, photos from the first hundred years of Schoolfield Hall and the first 50 years of the Jack Tale Players are displayed.

For access to digital archives on theatre and music productions at Ferrum College, contact Dr. Tina Hanlon, thanlon@ferrum.edu, or Stanley Library, stanleylibrary@ferrum.edu.

Obituary for Rex Stephenson, 2025
Cardinal News article on legacy of Rex Stephenson
WVPB’s Inside Appalachia story on legacy of Rex Stephenson
Ferrum College Article on Centenary of Schoolfield Hall, 2025

Visitor Information:

Cost: Free

Hours of Operation: Open every day during normal college operating hours of academic semesters. Classes, rehearsals, or performances may restrict access to the Rex Stephenson Theatre and its lobby.

Address: Ferrum College, Schoolfield Hall, 200 Wiley Dr., Ferrum, VA 24088

Please call (540) 365-4355 for information.