Discovery Center Offers Historical and Interactive Experiences for Children
| By Jennifer Bailey
Staff Writer |
Covington, VA (Apr. 2, 2026) — The Discovery Center — officially named the Alleghany Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center — is located at 227 N. Maple in Covington, and is a remarkable blend of history and hands-on learning. The Journal paid a visit there recently to speak with Dr. Paul Linkenhoker, who was kind enough to take us on a guided tour of the building and speak to us about the many exhibits inside the free museum. Linkenhoker is, as described by receptionist Angie Jones, the "visionary" behind the unique local attraction.
Upon setting foot into the entryway, visitors are met with several distinctive inventions which are not available anywhere else in the world! This is because local electric engineer, Mike Wade, designed and built them exclusively for the Discovery Center. They include an infinity mirror, a "magnetic forces" device, a machine that enables the viewer to become the source of electricity by spinning a wheel and making bulbs light up, and, our personal favorite, the Meccanoid XL 2.0, a cute little robot who can dance, do karate, tell jokes, move around, and take a walk with you. All of which are done by voice command.
There is also what is called a linotype machine sitting in the front room. A linotype machine, no longer used, was invented by a man named Ottmar Mergenthaler in 1884, which has been considered revolutionary in terms of printing. Visitors can also view an original typewriter, telephone, and Singer sewing machine. These are merely items one can interact with on the first floor entryway. There are two other buildings intertwined, including an upstairs area for additional learning and interacting.
In those remaining areas include, but are not limited to: a 3D map, diorama, replica of a mine shaft, historical photos, a hands-on display of the elements needed to form iron ore, train sets, a water display, a digger that children can use to move rocks, and so much more.
Apart from the history inside, there's also a rich history within the building itself. "Where we're standing in the entry hall, and the next hall over, was one building built in 1899," said Dr. Paul Linkenhoker. "In 1909, the Nettleton Lumber Company and construction company built the building where the last two halls are, and they were separate buildings, and none of these buildings had doors between them because this was a store. The next room was a store. Each of these were storefronts. They didn't connect to one another."
Linkenhoker continued, "In 1916, the Nettleton Company had gotten this building and put a second floor in. The 1909 building already had a second floor."
Following years of neglect and water damage, the plaster on the walls began to crumble to the point to where they had to be removed. What was discovered underneath was the original brick structure which was left exposed because it was both less expensive and it added an industrial feel to the building.
The Alleghany Historical Society got involved in 2016, obtaining the building through grants and contributions. Since then, several renovations and improvements have been made to restore the historic building back to her former glory, while simultaneously updating her and bringing her into the 21st century.
Following several grants and donors, including a $1.2 million dollar grant from the Alleghany Foundation and a $390,000 grant from the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Discovery Center finally opened for business in 2022.
Today—and it was made official on January 1, 2026—the Discovery Center is owned by the City of Covington. They operate on limited hours from 12:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, and can be reached at 540-962-8007. They are open for self-guided tours, have a small gift shop up front, and offers "opportunities for meetings, social gatherings, club meetings, and special events." |  | Dr. Paul Linkenhoker and Angie Jones recently gave the Journal a guided tour through the Discovery Center; a place Linkenhoker says encourages hands-on interaction with the exhibits.
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|  | This interactive robot, known as Meccanoid, can dance, tell jokes, and even do karate.
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|  | This child-size digger invites the kids to hop on and move some rocks around.
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