The Barrier Islands Center is located on Rt. 13, on Virginia's Eastern Shore just 20 miles north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The "BIC" preserves the most complete almshouse complex extant in the United States, using its buildings to showcase the culture, history, community, and ecology of Virginia's Barrier Islands and the peoples who made them their home: Native Americans, farmers, watermen, hunting and fishing guides, storekeepers, hoteliers, and the Lighthouse and Lifesaving Service among others. The museum is situated on the historic 17 acre "almshouse farm". Though the Eastern Shore's chain of seaside barrier islands are mostly deserted now, the museum preserves the photos, artifacts, and written accounts of the fascinating stories of those who once called these island home. Local art and books available in gift shop.