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Banner Lecture Series

The VHS hosts a number of noontime lectures that are open to the general public. Held in the Society's Robins Family Forum, the Banner Lecture series continues to be a highlight of the VHS calendar for many people. View a list of lectures

Lectures online

Did you miss a lecture? Stream or download free audio recordings and videos of past lectures produced by the Virginia Historical Society.
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Stuart G. Christian, Jr., Lecture

The Stuart G. Christian, Jr., Lecture was named in honor of the former president of the VHS and takes place in the spring. Because "Punky" Christian was a decorated veteran of the Normandy Campaign, we have focused the series on topics from the era of World War II. Previous speakers have included Elizabeth and Michael Norman, Robert Edsel, and Mitchell Zuckoff. On May 23, 2013 Rick Atkinson will deliver a lecture entitled The Guns at Last Light: The War in Western Europe, 1944-1945.
Please Note: This year's Stuart G. Christian, Jr., Lecture is Sold Out

Purchase The Guns at Last Light: The War in Western Europe, 1944-1945.
Purchase An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943.
Purchase The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944.

Hazel and Fulton Chauncey Lecture

The inaugural Hazel and Fulton Chauncey Lecture took place on September 21, 2011. Future Chauncey Lecturers will take place in the spring. Named in honor of their parents by Edwin H. Chauncey and Warren F. Chauncey, this series focuses on topics in Virginia, southern, or Civil War history. Chauncey Lecturers have included John Y. Quarstein and Jeffry D. Wert. On June 20, 2013 Dean King will deliver a lecture entitled The Feud: The Hatfields and McCoys, the True Story. Purchase tickets for the Hazel and Fulton Chauncey Lecture.

J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr., Lecture

The J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr., Lecture is named in memory of Virginia banker J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr., and takes place in the fall. Past Wilkinson Lecturers include David McCullough, Ken Burns, Doris Kearns Goodwin, H. W. Brands, Stephen Ambrose, and Scott Berg. On October 17, 2013 Erik Larson will deliver a lecture entitled In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin.