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Talk by UVa’s Gary Gallagher will examine immense impact of 1862 battles around Richmond

The lecture – entitled “More Important Than Gettysburg: The Seven Days Campaign as a Turning Point” – was co-sponsored by the Virginia Historical Society and Richmond National Battlefield Park. The discussion took place on Wednesday, July 11, at 5:30 p.m. at the Virginia Historical Society, 428 North Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23220. The event and parking are free. Dr. Gary W. Gallagher is the John L. Nau III Professor of the History of the American Civil War at the University of Virginia. (7/9/12)
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VHS Offers New Family-Friendly Event

The VHS is offering a new event for families called Children’s Corner Book Chat. For Women's History Month, the VHS welcomes author Kelly Starling Lyons for a special reading of her new children’s book Ellen’s Broom about a young girl who learns a new meaning for freedom during the time of Reconstruction. USA Today named Ellen's Broom on of four children’s books that "capture the essence of Black History Month." Lyons will read her book and talk about her writing process. Afterwards she will be available for a meet-and-greet and will sign copies of the text. Children may also participate in an activity related to the historical theme featured in the book. This event takes place on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. It is free and open to children of all ages.(2/28/12)

VHS hosts Don Stevens Jewelers Trunk Show

Join us on Thursday, February 2nd, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the VHS Museum Shop for a special, one night Don Stevens Jewelers Trunk Show. This trunk show highlights exquisite Richmond charms that are fine crafted in 14k gold or sterling silver. Such treasured Richmond and Virginia landmarks as the Maymont Italian Garden, the Miller and Rhoads Clock, and the VHS War Horse are featured as charms. The collection has captured the beauty and history of Virginia. These charms will make a timeless gift. Please join us for this evening event and wine reception with light hors d'oeuvre. Bring a friend, have a glass of wine, and look at charming icons of the Commonwealth. (1/24/12)
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Save the Date: 2011 Holiday Shoppers Fair

The annual Museum Stores of Richmond Holiday Shoppers Fair takes place Thursday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Friday, November 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The special members-only shopping preview—where museum members save an additional 10% off purchases—is Thursday, November 3 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. This year the fair takes place at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). The VHS Museum Shop, along with 15 other Richmond area museum stores, will have unique merchandise for sale. Mark your calendar and get some early holiday shopping completed while supporting local nonprofit organizations.
View PDF (10/7/11)

Virginia Historical Society Partners with American Association for State and Local History on Local Events

The American Association for State and Local History annual meeting—the premier national meeting for history professionals—takes place in Richmond on September 14-17. The VHS is excited to be a partner for the conference, which highlights current trends in the field of history museums and historic sites. Three of the keynote events at the meeting featuring nationally significant speakers are free and open to the public. (10/5/11) Learn more

VHS remembers attack on Flight 77 and Pentagon with 9/11 Display

Generally a history exhibit uses a variety of artifacts to tell a story, but for the memorial commemorating the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the VHS decided it would be more fitting to create a minimal display. The exhibit includes pieces from the Pentagon that were given to the VHS in 2002. The size and simple form of this damaged stone draws the visitor to the case, which is lined with photos of the 184 victims. Our hope is that by keeping the design simple and focused on the victims, our visitors will be able to meditate on their own memories of that day. (9/8/11) View Display

VHS to host BackStory on November 21

In May of 2010, the VHS hosted a simulated studio performance of the popular radio show BackStory, featuring the American history guys. On Monday, November 21, 2011, Peter Onuf, Edward Ayers, and Brian Balogh will be back at the society to present another edition of the show. This time, they will discuss Thanksgiving. The event, which is free of charge, will take place at 7 p.m. in the Robins Family Forum.(9/8/11)Learn more

VHS announces annual Hazel and Fulton Chauncey Lecture series

Each year the Virginia Historical Society offers three major evening lectures for our members. These events have featured public figures such as David McCullough, Ken Burns, and Sandra Day O'Connor. This year, the VHS adds the Hazel and Fulton Chauncey Lecture to the list of our annual events. The first annual Hazel and Fulton Chauncey Lecture will feature award-winning author and historian John Quarstein. On Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. Quarstein will speak about his book The Battle of the Ironclads which explores the most significant naval event of the American Civil War. This event is open to the public. (8/26/11)

VHS to host Civil War manuscript scanning event

The Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission and the Library of Virginia have partnered to create a state-wide online collection of original Civil War manuscripts that still remain in private hands. The Civil War 150 Legacy Project focuses on manuscript materials created from 1859-1867 that reflect social, political, military, business, and religious life in Virginia. Citizens are encouraged to bring original family materials to be scanned and included in the Project. Scanned materials will be made available on the Library of Virginia and Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission web site. A scanning event is scheduled for Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Virginia Historical Society. Pre-registration is required; call Caroline Legros 804-342-9652 to make an appointment. (8/31/11) (5/10/11)
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2011 & 2012 Exhibitions and Events Calendar

The Virginia Historical Society released the updated exhibitions and events calendar for 2011 and 2012. The calendar features lectures, adult education classes, Virginia House Events, gallery walks, behind the scenes tours, and childrens activities. This schedule is as of June 22, 2011. Calendar subject to change - please visit www.vahistorical.org to confirm.
Press release (6/28/11)

VHS is Hosting its Annual Fixture Sale on Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Virginia Historical Society is hosting its annual fixture sale of museum display cases and exhibition furniture on Wednesday, May 25, 2011. Hundreds of items used to house objects in collection storage and showcase artifacts in past exhibitions will be for sale at up to 90% off retail prices. (5/10/11)
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Virginia Historical Society Awards 34 Research Fellowships

Scholars Studying Environmental History of Coca-Cola, Confederate Widows, Childrearing, Slavery Photographs, Revolutionary War POWs, and Unlawful Killing during the Civil War have been awarding reseach fellowships at the VHS for 2011.(4/19/11) Press Release

"Stories at the Museum" will continue in April and May!

Celebrate National Poetry Month in April and Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month in May! "Stories at the Museum" is a FREE program and includes a group reading of a selected book and a craft activity related to the text. Wednesday afternoons at 4 pm. No reservations necessary. (3/28/11) Learn more

VHS is the new location of the start and finish line of the Anthem Stride Through Time

The third annual Anthem Stride Through Time set for Saturday, May 21 has moved its course to the historic Fan District. Participants will walk past numerous museums, historic sites and monuments, over cobblestone and brick. (3/8/11) Learn more

Virginia Historical Society Announces New Board Members

On January 19, 2011, at the first VHS board meeting of the year, President and CEO Paul Levengood welcomed three new trustees who will serve from 2011 through 2016: Thomas Allen, Gary Gore, and Carole Weinstein. (2/28/11) Press release

2011 Exhibition and Event Calendar

Check out the list of exhibitions and events taking place at the VHS in 2011. (1/20/11) Press release

VHS open Mondays beginning February 2011

Beginning Monday, February 7, 2011, the VHS will be open seven days a week. The museum and shop operating hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm. The library will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission will continue throughout the year. (1/18/11) Press release

Special events at Virginia House

Virginia House is open by appointment for house and garden tours and is offering new children's activities and special events for museum visitors.
Press release  |  View calendar of events

VHS and GCCR announce Gay Rights Research Award

On October 13, 2010, the Gay Community Center of Richmond (GCCR) honored Guy Kinman, a long-time activist for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered rights, by announcing its new partnership with the VHS. The GCCR granted the VHS money for the creation of the Guy Kinman Research Award, which will promote new historical scholarship on LGBT issues. (10/19/10)
Press release

VHS recognizes thirteen high school scholars from across the Commonwealth

On October 19, 2010, thirteen students from various high schools in Virginia were honored guests at the eighteenth-annual J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr., Lecture, and they met Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. (10/29/10) Press release

Organized Labor in Virginia explores how struggle changed the workplace

Opening Labor Day—Monday, September 6—the VHS presents a new exhibition that explores the evolution of organized labor in Virginia, from pre-union contracts and apprenticeship agreements in the early 19th century through the 1950s, when the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organization (CIO) merged in order to become even more powerful and effective in advancing conditions for working people. (8/23/10) Press release

Rockabilly music made in the Commonwealth explored in new exhibition

Virginia Rocks! The History of Rockabilly in the Commonwealth—a traveling exhibition organized by the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum of Ferrum College—looks at the more than 60 artists and bands from all over the state who cut 45 rpm rockabilly records in small recording studios and radio stations in the 1950s and early 1960s. (8/19/10) Press release

VHS is offering family-friendly activities in August

A visit to the VHS is the perfect family activity for a hot summer afternoon. Now the VHS is making a trip to the museum even more exciting with the introduction of August Afternoons. (7/27/10) Press release

VHS exhibit features bizarre, weird, and odd items from the collection

Disassembled skull bones. A hair wreath. An infant's smallpox scab. Tree fungus art. These are not items that most visitors would expect to see when visiting the VHS. Bizarre Bits: Oddities from the Collection showcases more than forty of the most unusual objects and materials in the vast VHS holdings. (6/4/10) Press release  |   Read the curator's blog about the exhibit

VHS Features New Exhibit of Associated Press Images

On display May 8 through August 1, 2010, at the VHS, Memories of World War II: Photographs from the Archives of The Associated Press features 126 black-and-white photographic prints from all theaters of the war and the home front. (4/26/10)
Press release

2010 Exhibit and Event Calendar

Check our 2010 calendar for upcoming exhibitions, events, and more! (4/19/10)
Press release

Virginia man's Cold War crisis story told in new exhibition at the VHS

Cold War Crisis: The U-2 Incident is about the life of Pound, Va., resident and Grundy High School graduate Francis Gary Powers. The exhibition tells the story of how Powers went from being a military pilot on a top secret mission to an international figure caught in the cross-fire of political conflict, military tension, and economic competition between the United States and the Soviet Union. (1/11/10) Press release

VHS is offering free admission in 2010!

In a bold move at the November 18, 2009, board meeting, the VHS trustees voted to waive admission fees next year. Effective January 2, 2010, it will not cost guests any money to visit the VHS museum or research library. (12/8/09) Press release

VHS offers free admission in honor of 225th anniversary of President Zachary Taylor's birth

President Zachary Taylor's 225th birthday is November 24, 2009. To mark the anniversary, the VHS will display never-before-seen art and printed materials from the collection pertaining to Taylor. In addition, the VHS is offering free admission to anyone named Zachary or Taylor November 24 through January 3, 2010. (11/20/09) Press release

Military education and high school memories featured in VHS exhibition

Featuring more than one hundred items, The John Marshall High School Corps of Cadets explores the history of military training as part of the education system in Virginia, focusing specifically on the John Marshall High School course and its cadet corps. (10/23/09)
Press release

Rare Copy of the Declaration of Independence Comes to Richmond

On Saturday, October 24, from 10 am to 3 pm, the Virginia Historical Society will display one of only twenty-six known original printed copies of the Declaration of Independence. (10/21/09)
Press release  |  View photographs from this event on Facebook

Exhibition on John Brown's raid now on display

As a major part of the national acknowledgement of the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid on the Federal Armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, the VHS presents the exhibition The Portent: John Brown's Raid in American Memory. (9/25/09)
Press release  |  View online exhibition

Vietnam era is focus of Open House in July

In conjunction with three exhibitions about the Vietnam War era, the VHS invites the community to attend an event filled with music, games, crafts, historical demonstrations, and much more on Saturday, July 18. (7/2/09)
Press release  |  View photographs from this event on Facebook

Ten Receive Awards from the VHS

VHS awards were presented to authors, staff members, a philanthropist, a volunteer, and a student. All have made significant contributions to research, education, and the mission of the Society. (6/22/09)
Press release

VHS will offer free admission this summer

From June 6 through August 30, the VHS will offer free admission. The society is offering complimentary admission as a way to honor military personnel who served in the Vietnam War and their families. (5/28/09)
Press release

Three new exhibitions explore the Vietnam experience

From June 6 through August 30, the VHS will offer three exhibitions about the Vietnam era: Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam Era, Marking Time: Voyage to Vietnam, and Bring Paul Home: Phyllis Galanti and Vietnam War POWs. (5/27/09) Press release
• Please share your Vietnam era experience with us

VHS receives entire Civil War drawings collection as donation

As the commonwealth prepares for the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War in 2011, the VHS has made a dramatic addition to its already impressive Civil War collection. Two decades after the VHS requested a collection of Civil War drawings by Edwin Forbes, the current owner donated the entire group. (3/31/09) Press release

Virginia House reopening and offering more special events

Virginia House reopened to the public on April 3, 2009. Virginia House, which has been closed from January through March for maintenance and improvements, will be open by appointment for house and garden tours and is offering new children's camps and special events for museum visitors. (3/23/09) Press release

Finding Lumpkin's Jail and Locating the Burial Ground for Negroes

On February 28, the VHS co-sponsored a conference about Richmond's African American history. "Hidden Things Brought to Light: Finding Lumpkin's Jail and Locating the Burial Ground for Negroes" took place at the VHS and was free and open to the public. (2/17/09)
Press release  |  Listen to the lectures

Virginia Historical Society Announces Three New Trustees

At the first 2009 VHS board meeting, President and CEO Paul A. Levengood welcomed three new trustees. Conrad M. Hall, H. Hiter Harris, III, and E. Bryson Powell, who make up the class of 2014, join the Society's twenty current trustees. (2/10/09)
Press release

African American stereotypes and self-expression studied in new exhibition

In The African American Image in Virginia, an exhibition on display at the VHS, various media are explored to show how images of blacks have changed throughout Virginia's history. (1/22/09)
Press release

Eight Receive Awards before Charlie Bryan's Last Lecture at the VHS

At its annual meeting on November 19, 2008, the VHS presented awards to eight individuals who in 2007 made significant contributions to scholarship, education, and the mission of the society. (1/14/09)
Press release

Kiwanis Club of Richmond Makes Donation to the VHS

The Richmond Kiwanis Foundation, on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Richmond, recently announced that it was increasing its grant support for the Youth Education Fund at the VHS. (1/9/09)
Press release

VHS Recognizes 2008 Blanton Scholars at Lecture by Ken Burns

Blanton Scholars were honored guests at the sixteenth-annual J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr., Lecture, and they also got to meet and discuss history with award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. (11/21/08)
Press release

Virginia Historical Society Receives Highest National Recognition

The VHS was recently notified that it has again achieved accreditation by the American Association of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition for a museum. (11/20/08)
Press release

VHS Receives Grant to Process Virginia Environmental Endowment Records

The VHS was recently awarded a $127,600 grant from the Virginia Environmental Endowment to organize, archive, and preserve records related to the VEE's role in the state's recent environmental history. (11/14/08)
Press release

Images from Virginia's Past Studied in New Exhibition

Photography in Virginia, a major photography exhibition at the VHS, presents more than 300 pictures made within the borders of Virginia from the 1840s to the present. (10/31/08)
Press release

Art and Women's History Explored in New Exhibit

A Creative Dynasty: Four Generations of Virginia Women, now on display, is a unique combination of history and art, women's and family history, and the presentation of fine arts and performance art. (8/5/08)  Press release

Free Admission to Educators in August

The VHS, the Official State Historical Society of Virginia, has declared August to be Teacher Appreciation Month. All educators at Virginia's public and private schools will be granted free admission to the history museum in August. (7/24/08)   Press release

Witchcraft, Childbirth, Suffrage, and Civility

The VHS recently launched a searchable guide on its web site that will make the stories of Virginia women more accessible to the general public. Documenting Women's Lives includes information about thousands of materials related to women's history. (6/12/08)
Press release  |  View the guide online

Paul Levengood Elected to Follow Retiring VHS Chief Charles Bryan

After a nationwide search spanning nine months, the VHS has turned within to find its leader for the future. The Society's Board of Trustees unanimously elected Dr. Paul A. Levengood to succeed longtime President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Charles F. Bryan, Jr. (5/21/08)
Press release

White Lightning, Bootleg Whiskey, and Mountain Dew

In an effort to explore the 20th century more fully, the VHS is hosting an exhibition about illegal alcohol distilling in southwest Virginia in defiance of the federal excise tax. (4/29/08) Press release

Five Heads Equal Many More Tales

In the exhibition Heads and Tales, the VHS presents rarely or never before seen oil-on-canvas portraits featuring individuals with compelling personal stories. (4/18/08)
Press release  |  Online exhibition

VHS Offers Free Admission Armed Forces Day Weekend

In honor of Armed Forces Day, the VHS is offering free admission to the museum galleries to active and retired U.S. armed forces members Friday, May 16, through Monday, May 19. (4/17/08)   Press release

Astronaut Leland Melvin Announces Launch of Website Funded by The Links

On Friday April 4, 2008, astronaut Leland Melvin will visit the VHS to help inaugurate the Society's latest web-based resource, Linking to Our Past: Documenting the African American Experience in Virginia. (3/21/08)  Press release  |  Visit the web site

The VHS Presents "Sweet Dreams: The Life and Times of Patsy Cline"

On April 4, the VHS will present a symposium that surveys the life, times, and influence of Patsy Cline, one of the most significant artists in the history of country music. (3/7/08)
Press release

The Country Gentlemen Perform at VHS

The Country Gentlemen Reunion Band performs at the VHS on Thursday, March 20 at 6 pm. Band historian Martha Adcock will explore the evolution of the band and the its influence on bluegrass music over the past fifty years. (2/29/08)  Press release

VHS President Receives Commending Resolution from General Assembly

Charles F. Bryan, Jr., President and CEO of the VHS, was presented with a commending resolution by the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, February 20, 2008. (2/22/08)  Press release  |  View media images

VHS Opens Exhibition that Brings Highway Markers to Life in the Museum

Sites and Stories: African American History in Virginia tells stories about people and events related to African American historical sites listed in the Virginia Department of Historic Resource's Guidebook to Virginia's Historical Markers (2007). (2/4/08)  Press release

Virginia Historical Society Offers New Military Membership Rates

The VHS is now offering a discounted membership rate to military personnel and their families. Active duty military service members may purchase an individual membership for $32 or a military family membership package for $55. (2/4/08)  Press release

VHS Names Teachers Institute after Claiborne Robins

During the annual trustees dinner on November 14, 2007, VHS President and CEO Charles F. Bryan, Jr., announced that beginning in 2008, the annual summer teachers institute will be called the E. Claiborne Robins, Jr., Teachers Institute. (1/17/08)  Press release

VHS Names 2007 Wyndham B. Blanton Scholars

October 25 and 26, 2007, became memorable days in the lives of eighteen high school students from across the Commonwealth. As participants in the ninth-annual Wyndham B. Blanton Scholars Forum, the students were honored guests at the fifteenth annual J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr. Lecture featuring author Cokie Roberts. (11/07/07) Press release

VHS Makes Recently Discovered Robert E. Lee Papers Available To Public

The VHS is known for its rare and nationally significant collections, but those collections recently enjoyed a major addition. VHS archivists have been inventorying and cataloging the contents of two wooden trunks containing documents collected by Mary Custis Lee, the eldest daughter of Robert E. Lee. (5/21/07) Press release  |  Media Images  |  View Push Pause video

VHS Offers Free Admission Veterans Day Weekend

In honor of Veterans Day, the Virginia Historical Society is offering free admission to active and retired Unites States armed forces members from Saturday, November 10, through Monday, November 12, 2007. Family members of military personnel may also get into the museum free of charge. (10/29/07) Press release

Fact vs. Fiction: VHS Exhibition Lee and Grant Lets You Decide

The VHS presents Lee and Grant, a new exhibition that reassesses the lives, careers, and historical impact of Civil War generals Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant. The exhibition charts the development of historical thought and popular attitudes toward these significant historical figures. (10/25/07) Press release  |  View online exhibition

100 Years or Older? Your Life Story Could Be History!

The VHS and Community Idea Stations Collaborative Project are looking for Northern Virginia residents. Thanks to a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the VHS and the Community Idea Stations (WCVE) have started work on an oral history project, Witness to a Century. (10/11/07) Press release

VHS Hosts Oliver Hill Remembrance Event

The VHS invites members of the public to attend Reflections on Oliver Hill, a panel discussion about the life and work of Civil Rights attorney Oliver W. Hill, Sr. On Sunday, October 28, 2007, from 3 p.m.–5 p.m., prominent community leaders will share their memories and experiences about the late Oliver Hill. (10/11/07) Press release  |  View program

VHS Family Day Celebrates Opening of New Exhibition

In conjunction with the opening of a new exhibition, Lee and Grant, the Virginia Historical Society invites the community to attend a free event filled with music, games, prizes, re-enactments, and much more. On Saturday, October 20, 2007, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., the VHS will host a Civil War-themed open house. (10/11/07) Press release  |  More information

2007 Teachers Institute a Success

This year's Teachers Institute, Jamestown, Québec, Santa Fe: Three North American Beginnings, took place at the VHS July 9–13. Participants interacted with leading historians, archaeologists, and ethnologists in lectures and discussions. They also worked with the VHS staff to explore teaching strategies and develop lesson plans. (9/4/07) More information

Last Weeks to View Jamestown Negro Exhibit of 1907 at the VHS

The significance of this exposition is explored 100 years later in the Virginia Historical Society's exhibition, Looking Back: The Jamestown Negro Exhibit of 1907. Open for only a few short months, just like the 300th anniversary exhibit, Looking Back is on display at the VHS until September 16, 2007. (9/4/07) Press release

Episcopal Church Celebrates 400th Anniversary in America

Since 1776, the Episcopal Church has served society as a balance point between cultural extremes. The VHS, in collaboration with the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, has produced an exhibition, The Episcopal Church in Virginia, 1607–2007, to show the important role the church played in defining values and beliefs of Virginians. (7/12/07) Press release

Virginia Historical Society Announces Changes in Personnel

The VHS is pleased to congratulate three employees on promotions within the organization and welcomes nine new faces to its evolving staff. Under the leadership of Dr. Charles F. Bryan, Jr., president and CEO, the VHS begins the summer with several personnel changes as it continues to grow. (5/21/07) Press release

Capitol Restoration and Expansion Includes First-Ever Shop

With customers like Governor Tim Kaine and former Lieutenant Governor John H. Hager, your store had better be in tip-top shape. And The Capitol Shop: A Virginia Historical Society Store did not disappoint at the Virginia Capitol Preview Gala on Monday, April 30, 2007. The Shop is operated by the VHS. (5/18/07) Press release

VHS Closes 175th Anniversary: Home for History Campaign at $57 Million

A $288,000 grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation helped the VHS exceed the goal of its $55-million 175th Anniversary: Home for History Campaign. The grant, which will be used to provide access to recently acquired manuscript collections, came just as the VHS was poised to announce the end of the capital campaign. (5/18/07) Press release | Media Images

Special Announcement from Dr. Charles F. Bryan, Jr.

Charles F. Bryan, Jr., president and CEO of the Virginia Historical Society since 1988, has recently announced that his tenure at the Society will end in December of 2008. (4/4/07)
Press release  |  Read Virginia Review article

Virginia Historical Society Takes Innovative Look at Jamestown's 400th

Opening March 17, 2007, Jamestown, Québec, Santa Fe: Three North American Beginnings examines the settling and "unsettling" of North America by the English, French, and Spanish. The exhibition will be presented in three languages and with multiple perspectives. (3/6/07) Press release

Virginia Historical Society Commemorates America's 400th Anniversary

To commemorate the the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, the VHS will present two major exhibitions in 2007: Pocahontas: Her Life and Legend and Jamestown, Québec, Santa Fe: Three North American Beginnings. The VHS is also pleased to be a statewide sponsor of America's 400th Anniversary: Jamestown 2007. More information

Students Invited to the Virginia Historical Society for College Week

The VHS launches its first-ever "college week." Visitors with a student ID will be admitted to the galleries free of charge the week of March 25–31, 2007. A special VHS career night is scheduled for Wednesday, March 28. Activities will include a free coffee bar, light refreshments, and informational booths for students interested in careers at the VHS. (2/22/07) Press release

New Exhibition Explores the Life and Legend of Pocahontas

Opening February 10, 2007, Pocahontas: Her Life and Legend examines the life and legend of one of the most beloved and famous of all Virginians. Despite the familiarity of the Pocahontas story, many questions remain today about this eye-witness to the convergence of two disparate cultures. (2/1/07) Press release

100 Years or Older? Your Life Story Could be History!

The Roaring Twenties. Prohibition. The Great Depression. World Wars. Do you remember these events? If so, the VHS may be looking for you. The VHS and the Community Idea Stations (WCVE) have announced the upcoming project, Witness to a Century. (1/18/07)
Press release

Five New Trustees on Board at Virginia Historical Society

The VHS is pleased to welcome 5 new members to its Board of Trustees: Paul B. Barringer, II, Beverley E. Dalton, Roger L. Gregory, James W. Hazel, and Thomas G. Snead, Jr. E. Claiborne Robins, Jr., president and CEO of E. C. Robins International, Inc., will continue to serve as chairman, and J. Stewart Bryan, III, will serve as vice chairman. (1/10/07) Press release

Virginia Historical Society Offers Free Days for Families and Children

Families visiting the VHS in 2007 will be in for a pleasant surprise. Effective January 2, 2007, the VHS will no longer charge admission to its award-winning galleries for children under the age of 18. The Society also recently moved its general free admission day to Sunday to allow more families to take advantage of the galleries over the weekend. (11/06/06) Press release

VHS Names 2006 Wyndham B. Blanton Scholars and Scholarship Winner

October 19 & 20, 2007, became memorable days in the lives of 20 Virginia high school students. At the eighth annual Wyndham B. Blanton Scholars Forum, students were honored guests at a lecture featuring author David McCullough. One of these students was also named recipient of the $5,000 Wyndham B. Blanton Scholarship. (11/06/06) Press release

Pierre Daura's Virginia Landscapes on Display

A new exhibition at the VHS highlights Pierre Daura's paintings of Virginia. Pierre Daura's Vision of Virginia features eighty-five works with emphasis given to Daura's paintings of the landscapes of Rockbridge County and his depictions of the people there. Also featured are his paintings of Lynchburg, where he taught art for many years. (9/12/06) Press release

New Tax Law Affects IRAs

On August 17 President Bush signed into law the Pension Protection Act of 2006 which contains a two-year IRA Charitable Rollover provision. The new legislation offers a welcome incentive to donors who want to use the money in their IRAs to make charitable gifts. (9/6/06)
More information

VHS Announces 2006 Wyndham B. Blanton Forum and Scholarship

Twenty students from across the commonwealth will be named Wyndham B. Blanton Scholars and participate in a discussion-style seminar with David McCullough on his most recent work, 1776. The students also will be honored guests at the Virginia Historical Society's 2006 J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr., Lecture, to be given by Mr. McCullough. (8/24/06) Press release

Richmond's Buried Train: Church Hill Tunnel's Locomotive 231

In 1925, a tunnel collapsed on a work train in Richmond, killing at least three men. Rather than digging out the tunnel, the railroad filled it in and sealed up the ends, entombing Locomotive 231. Today, eighty-one years later, a private effort to explore the tunnel and possibly excavate and retrieve the engine is under way. (7/12/06) More information

Governor's Statement on Virginia's Only Convicted Witch Tried by Water

On July 10, 1706, a Princess Anne County woman named Grace Sherwood was thrown from a boat into the Lynnhaven River as a test to see if she was a witch. She managed to untie herself and rise to the surface, proving to those present that she was a witch. On July 10, 2006, Gov. Tim Kaine restored Grace Sherwood's good name. (8/4/06) More information

New Wing Named to Honor Virginia Historical Society President and CEO

A dinner party honoring donors to the Society's 175th Anniversary Campaign became a special occasion in the history of the institution. Chairman of the Board E. Claiborne Robins, Jr., announced a decision made by the Board of Trustees. The Society's new wing was named in honor of President and CEO Charles F. Bryan, Jr. (7/20/06) Press release

New Exhibition at the VHS Tells Story of Virginians at Work

By focusing on ordinary people, this exhibition takes the often abstract theory behind the study of economic history and makes it viable and accessible to the visitor. Objects, photographs, oral histories, manuscripts, and multimedia stations help Virginians at Work tell the story of how people have made a living and why jobs in Virginia have changed. (7/19/06) Press release

VHS Celebrates Grand Opening of New Wing with Free Open House

As part of plans to celebrate its 175th anniversary, the Virginia Historical Society is holding an open house on Saturday, July 22, 2006, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The star attraction of this event is the new wing—a 54,000-square-foot addition begun in July 2004. Special events, activities, and musical guests are planned for throughout the day. (7/19/06) Press release

VHS Narrows Campaign Gap as Deadline Approaches

Fundraising efforts are successful as the Virginia Historical Society enters the last six months of its $55 million 175th Anniversary: Home for History Campaign. The Nunnally Charitable Lead Trust Foundation recently awarded the VHS a $500,000 grant and has been named the signature sponsor of the new Virginians at Work exhibition. (7/5/06) Press release

Virginia Historical Society Showcases 175 Years of Treasures

How did Virginia get its nickname, the "Old Dominion?" Which former slave from Richmond became governor of a West African nation? Think you know the answers? Visit the new exhibition, 175 Years of Collecting: A Virginia History Quiz, and test your Virginia history knowledge. (7/3/06) Press release | View online exhibition

The Kresge Foundation Awards VHS $1 Million Challenge Grant

In a major fundraising victory, the Virginia Historical Society was recently informed that its bid for a $1-million challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation was successful. The challenge grant was awarded to the 175th Anniversary: Home for History Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the Society's 175-year history. (5/19/06) Press release

Revolution, Bachelorhood, and Jazz—VHS Research Fellowships for 2006

More than thirty researchers from thirteen U.S. states, Canada, England, Spain, and Mexico will come to the Virginia Historical Society this summer to conduct research on topics ranging from daily life for free and enslaved blacks, archaeology in the Blue Ridge Mountains, an infamous Virginia murderess, and jazz music in Virginia. (5/19/06) Press release

VHS Salutes Military and their Families on Armed Forces Day

In acknowledgement of Armed Forces Day, the Virginia Historical Society is offering free admission to all active duty, retired, and reserve military personnel and their dependants on Saturday, May 20, 2006. This offer is extended to the galleries at the VHS and Virginia House. (5/19/06) Press release

Virginia Historical Society Covered in Quilts

A new exhibition at the VHS features quilts made in Virginia before 1900 and selected for display by a committee of the Virginia Consortium of Quilters. Quilts of the Old Dominion will feature three rotations, each displaying twenty quilts at a time: March 18 through May 31; June 1 through August 30; and September 1 through December 3. (3/16/06) Press release

New Exhibition Celebrates Architectural Legacy of Sacred Heart Cathedral

A new exhibition at the VHS celebrates the 2006 centennial anniversary of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by interpreting the cathedral's construction and the changes that have shaped it over the past 100 years. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart: A Centennial Celebration is on display March 4 through August 6, 2006. (3/2/06) Press release

African American History Finds a Safe Home at the VHS

Fueled by Alex Haley's book and popular television series, Roots, the collection and preservation of African Americana has grown steadily since the 1970s. A new exhibition, Safely Harbored: New African American Acquisitions, features a sampling of objects and documents recently acquired by the VHS. (2/9/06) Press release

The VHS Explores Virginians' Role in Shaping World Politics

In the history of U.S. foreign policy, many Virginians have represented American interests overseas. A new exhibition, Virginia's Diplomats, explores the careers of thirty-one of them, including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Marshall, John Young Mason, and Alexander W. Weddell. (2/4/06) Press release | View online exhibition

2006 Exhibition and Event Calendar

The VHS announces its 2006 calendar of exhibitions and events. Included are current, upcoming, and long-term exhibitions, lectures, gallery walks, the new "We'll See You In Class" series, and tours and events at Virginia House. (1/12/06) Press release

VHS Announces New Educational Initiative

The VHS is pleased to announce a new educational initiative, "We'll See You In Class." As part of plans to celebrate the Society's 175th anniversary in 2006, "We'll See You In Class" invites students of all ages to explore Virginia history topics with both guest and staff instructors. The inaugural class begins in February. (1/5/06) Press release

VHS Announces Four New Trustees

The VHS is pleased to announce the election of four new members to its Board of Trustees. They are Lloyd U. Noland, III; Thomas G. Slater, Jr.; William B. Thalhimer, III; and F. Blair Wimbush. E. Claiborne Robins, Jr., will serve as chairman of the board, and J. Stewart Bryan, III, will serve as vice chairman. (1/5/06) Press release

VHS Announces Changes in Personnel

The VHS is pleased to congratulate five employees on promotions within the organization and welcomes a new face to its evolving staff. Under the leadership of Dr. Charles F. Bryan, Jr., president and CEO, the society enters the new year with several staff changes as it prepares for its 175th anniversary. (1/5/06) Press release

VHS Collections Receive National Recognition

The VHS has been awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to support the housing of the society's Virginia business history collections. A second grant from the National Park Service's "Save America's Treasures" program was awarded to conserve the George Washington/Robert Dinwiddie papers. (12/9/05) Press release

Two New Exhibitions

The VHS announces the opening of two new exhibitions. The Virginia Manufactory of Arms Collection, a long-term exhibition, is currently on display. In Jefferson's Shadow: The Architecture of Thomas Blackburn opens December 10, 2005, and runs through May 28, 2006. (12/7/05) Press release

Free Admission on Sundays

Effective November 1, 2005, the VHS will offer free admission on Sundays. Galleries are open 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays, and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturdays when regular admission is $3 to $5. The library and museum shop are closed on Sundays. (10/25/05) Press release

Historic Hot Rods Displayed

Four vintage hot rods arrived at the VHS this summer. They are on display in Car Crazy, an exhibition on view through December 30, 2005. Press release

• View the slideshow to see how the cars were brought into the building.

Historic Hearse Purchased by the VHS

A 19th-century horse-drawn hearse was delivered to the VHS on June 3. It is from Richmond's A. D. Price Funeral Home, one of the oldest African American-owned businesses in Virginia. Purchased by the VHS, the hearse will be a part of the permanent exhibition Virginians at Work, scheduled to open in July 2006. (6/13/05) Slideshow

Exhibit Features Virginia's Colonial Elite

Virginia's Colonial Dynasties, an exhibit that features some of Virginia's most prominent and influential colonial families, opened February 26. Nearly 30 portraits dating from 1681 to 1757 tell us much about family life in early colonial society, how it was similar, and how it differed from modern-day life. (3/1/05) Press release | View online exhibition

Civil War Maps Available Online

400 Civil War maps from the VHS collection are available online. The project is the result of a partnership with the Library of Congress and the Library of Virginia. Included are Confederate States Engineer Corps maps and those from the diary and scrapbooks of Robert K. Sneden, a mapmaker with the United States Army of the Potomac during the war. (3/1/05) More information

175th Anniversary Campaign

The VHS is pleased to announce the 175th Anniversary Campaign, our most ambitious capital campaign ever, with a goal of $55 million. A major building expansion will include a new center for business history. The campaign will also expand education programs and collections storage. (2/23/05)

VHS Designated Official Historical Society in Virginia

The Virginia legislature has designated the Virginia Historical Society as the official state historical society in Virginia. House Joint Resolution No. 259 was passed unanimously on March 9, 2004. Speaker of the House William J. Howell (District 28) sponsored the resolution. The legislature recognized the VHS for its stewardship of artifacts and documents, its commitment to serving teachers and students, and its comprehensive exhibitions and programs. The VHS was founded in 1831 and is the oldest continuously operating cultural institution in the state. (11/30/04) Full text of House Joint Resolution No. 259

Construction Update

Construction continues at the VHS! The new wing will house the Reynolds Business History Center, a 500-seat auditorium, an education classroom, and generous storage space for collections. The four-story, 54,000-square-foot addition is expected to open in 2006. (6/23/04) Press release