The Plumb family came to Waynesboro in 1837 to open a tavern, and five generations lived in the house until 1994, when Mrs. Lois Plumb went to live with her daughter. Her husband, known as "Happy" Plumb, was known for his collection of butterflies and Native American artifacts, which are part of the permanent collection at the Plumb House Museum. Built in 1802 and 1804 during Thomas Jefferson's presidency, the house is the oldest frame dwelling in Waynesboro, was caught in the middle of the Civil War Battle of Waynesboro on March 2, 1865, and was occupied by five generations of the Plumb family. It was purchased by the City of Waynesboro in 1994, is managed and maintained by the Waynesboro Heritage Foundation, Inc., is a registered Virginia Historic Landmark and is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, and is slowly being restored to its post Civil War time period. One block from the old Presbyterian cemetery where 25 Civil War veterans are buried, it is home to a diverse collection of Civil War and Native American artifacts and hosts the annual reenactment of the Battle of Waynesboro as well as other historic and educational events.