FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | January 20, 2011 |
Contact: Jennifer M. Guild, Senior Officer for Public Relations and Marketing
Tel: (804) 342-9665 | Email:
jguild@vahistorical.org
2011 Exhibition and Event Calendar
(As of January 20, 2011. Calendar subject to change - please visit www.vahistorical.org to confirm)
Museum Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
Admission is free.
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS:
Bizarre Bits: Oddities from the Collection
Extended through March 27
Bizarre things have crept into the Virginia Historical Society's collections since its founding in 1831. These peculiar, perplexing, or even grotesque objects provide insight into the hopes, fears, assumptions, and practices of the past that are foreign to us today. Historical items range from the bullet that killed the first Confederate officer, nails from the part of the Capitol that collapsed in 1870, a list of knights at an 1865 Virginia joust, fungus carved with the likeness of R. E. Lee on Traveller, "Junior Partner" cigarettes in their original pack featuring an image of a child, a 6,000 year old piece of wood from the Canary Islands, and a silhouette cut by an armless Virginia woman with her mouth. Personal items include pieces of James Madison's hair, letters telling of fingernail clippings sent by a 19th century naval officer to his wife as tokens of endearment, and a smallpox scab taken from an infant in 1876.
Heads and Tales
Through December 30
This exhibition features material from the vast Virginia Historical Society portrait collection. The paintings presented tell poignant stories about five people—a woman who inspired the English poet Alexander Pope; a royal governor who was murdered by a mob; a Federalist politician struggling against the tide in Jeffersonian Virginia; a patron of the arts who made his fortune as a robber baron in the Gilded Age; and a Virginia suffragette, freethinker, and political radical. Their tales are told by analysis of components of their pictorially complex portraits.
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS:
An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia
February 4–December 30, 2011
From 1861–1865 Virginia stood at the center of a military and social revolution. How we define freedom, liberty, patriotism, and nation today is directly related to the diverse experiences of the individuals who participated in the war. Using original objects, interactive technology, and state-of-the-art audiovisual programs, this 3,000 square-foot exhibition encourages visitors to consider how a single event, separated by 150 years can influence and address the questions of today—what was gained, what was lost, what was undecided, and what was left for us to resolve? An American Turning Point is a signature program of the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission and is supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
DAYTIME BANNER LECTURES:
Daytime Banner Lectures begin at 12:00 p.m. and cost $6/adults, $5/seniors 55+, and $4/students and children under 18. Lectures are free for VHS members and to Richmond Times-Dispatch readers with a Press Pass coupon. Seating is offered on a first-come first-served basis. Reservations are not required.
February 24 "Inventing George Washington: America's Founder in Myth and Memory," Edward Lengel
March 3 "The Diary of a Public Man and Abraham Lincoln," Dan Crofts
March 10 "American City, Southern Place: Richmond on the Eve of War," Gregg Kimball
March 24 "Year of Meteors: Stephen Douglas, Abraham Lincoln, and the Election that Brought on the Civil War," Douglas R. Egerton
April 14 "The Crooked Road to Civil War," Nelson D. Lankford
April 21 "Motives of Honor, Pleasure, and Profit: Plantation Management in the Colonial Chesapeake,
1607-1763," Lorena Walsh
May 12 "Lincoln and McClellan," John C. Waugh
June 9 "George Washington's America: A Biography Through His Maps," Barnet Schecter
June 30 "The Wild Vine: A Forgotten Grape and the Untold Story of American Wine," Todd Kliman
July 14 "Facts & Legends of Sports in Richmond," Brooks Smith and Wayne Dementi
October 13 "The First Thanksgiving," Peggy DeBellis Bruce
October 27 "Civil War Medicine," Dr. Adrian Wheat
EVENING BANNER LECTURES:
Evening Banner Lectures begin at 7:00 p.m. and cost $6/adults, $5/seniors 55+, and $4/students and children under 18. Lectures are free for VHS members and to Richmond Times-Dispatch readers with a Press Pass coupon. Seating is offered on a first-come first-served basis. Reservations are not required.
March 9 "American City, Southern Place: Richmond on the Eve of War," Gregg Kimball
April 13 "The Crooked Road to Civil War," Nelson D. Lankford
October 26 "Civil War Medicine," Dr. Adrian Wheat
DAYTIME GALLERY WALKS:
Daytime gallery walks begin at 12:00 p.m. and cost $6/adults, $5/seniors 55+, and $4/students and children under 18. Walks are free for VHS members. Reservations are not required.
January 26 The Story of Virginia: The Antebellum Era, William M. S. Rasmussen
February 9 An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia, William M. S. Rasmussen
February 23 Who Freed the Slaves, Lauranett Lee
March 23 The Civil War in Virginia: Women's Lives, Lauranett Lee
April 6 The Civil War in Virginia: The Battlefront, Andrew Talkov
April 20 The Story of Virginia: Contributions of the Founding Fathers, Chris Van Tassell
May 4 The Story of Virginia: Winds of Change—The First Half of the 20th Century, William M. S. Rasmussen
June 15 The Civil War in Virginia: The Role of African Americans, Lauranett Lee
July 13 The Civil War in Virginia: The Home Front, William M. S. Rasmussen
August 3 The Civil War in Virginia: Why the Battle of Kernstown?, Andrew Talkov
September 28 The Civil War in Virginia: The Emancipation Proclamation, Lauranett Lee
October 12 The Story of Virginia: Reconstruction and Recovery, William M. S. Rasmussen
October 19 The Civil War in Virginia: Battle Flags, Rebecca Rose
November 9 Art in The Story of Virginia, William M. S. Rasmussen
December 7 The Civil War in Virginia: Did the Civil War End at Appomattox?, Paul Levengood
EVENING GALLERY WALKS:
Evening gallery walks begin at 6:00 p.m. and cost $6/adults, $5/seniors 55+, and $4/students and children under 18. Walks are free for VHS members. Reservations are not required.
March 31 An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia, Andrew Talkov
May 19 The Story of Virginia: The Civil Rights Movement, Lauranett Lee
ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES:
For more information, or to register for any adult education class, please visit www.vahistorical.org.
The Nation Explodes . . . and War Begins in 1861 March 3 and 10
This two-part lecture, taught by Brig. Gen. John W. Mountcastle (USA, Ret.), examines the dynamic changes that occurred in the year following the election of Abraham Lincoln as president of the United States in 1860. The many difficult decisions resulting from events outside Virginia in the first half of 1861 determined the course set by the government and citizens of the Old Dominion. This class takes place from 5:30–7:00 p.m. and costs $50 for VHS members and $60 for nonmembers.
Myths about George Washington March 24 and 31
Everybody knows that George Washington did not chop down the cherry tree, but there are thousands of other myths about the Founding Father that remain generally accepted today. Some myths are religious or political, while others spring from the minds of inventive charlatans like P.T. Barnum, who exploited the Washington legend to make his first fortune. The continuing power of these myths reflects our powerful desire to know George Washington not as a marble statue, but as a real man. In this class, author and historian Edward G. Lengel will explore the many ways we have employed our imaginations to make Washington come alive. This class takes place from 5:30–7:00 p.m. and costs $50 for VHS members and $60 for nonmembers.
Architecture in Detail: Identifying Architectural Styles April 7, 14, and 21
This class, taught by architectural historian Robert P. Winthrop, will discuss the identification of architectural styles with particular emphasis on Richmond and Virginia. Although Richmond participated in national architectural movements, there were local preferences and characteristics that gave it individuality and character. The class will cover national styles, but the focus will be on the regional expressions of these styles in Virginia. The class is to serve as a field guide to architectural styles, including both the general characteristics of the style and the small details that are typical of the style. This class takes place from 5:30–7:00 p.m. and costs $75 for VHS members and $85 for nonmembers.
Religion in Virginia through the Antebellum Era May 19
From the earliest days of European settlement, religion played a vital role in the lives of Virginians and the society they created. Before the Civil War, this story is best understood through three major changes in religious thought and practice in the commonwealth. The established Church of England enjoyed a commanding position before the Revolution but found its primacy beginning to be challenged even before independence. Increasingly in the decades that followed, evangelicalism grew to claim the allegiance of many Virginians, perhaps a majority. With the advent of African slavery, a growing number of black Virginians began to influence Christian practice in the state, even long before emancipation. Dr. Mark Valeri will assess the role of religion in Virginia from colonization through the antebellum era, with a special emphasis on these three key strains. This class takes place from 5:30–7:00 p.m. and costs $25 for VHS members and $30 for nonmembers.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Free Family Day Open House July 9
The Virginia Historical Society offers a day full of games, historical demonstrations, trivia, register-to-win opportunities, music, crafts, children's activities, behind-the-scenes tours, food tastings, and much more! This event takes place from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Admission and all activities are free.
CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING:
For more information, or to register for any of the children's educational programming, please contact Caroline Legros at (804) 342-9652 or clegros@vahistorical.org.
Patch Day Program for Girl Scouts February 12, March 12, April 9, and May 14
Girl Scouts have the opportunity to earn a Virginia Historical Society patch. Scouts will use replica artifacts in The Story of Virginia exhibition to learn about girls' and women's lives during each period in Virginia history. Scouts will also learn how to use primary sources for research by reviewing letters, diaries, scrapbooks, and photographs related to the history of Girl Scouts in Virginia. The Patch Day program takes place from 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and costs $5 per child.
Educational Programming for Homeschoolers
The Virginia Historical Society is offering special educator-led interactive history presentations for homeschool students. Programs begin at 3:00 p.m. and last approximately one hour. Programs cost $3 per child (there is no cost for adult chaperones) and are appropriate for children of all ages. Advance registration is required.
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Pocahontas and the Powhatan Nation February 8 & 15
Students will learn about the culture of Powhatan Indians and the various roles played by women, men, and children in their society. The use of replica artifacts helps students understand myths and truths, tools and clothing, and popular images from Pocahontas's time. Students will gain a greater understanding of Virginia's original inhabitants.
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Teaching with Photographs April 5 & 19
Using turn-of-the-century photographs, this program is designed to allow students to examine changes in Virginia's society and politics. Students will explore context clues from primary source images to develop an awareness of the changes that occurred across the commonwealth during the early 1900s.
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Westward Movement History Box March 8 & 22
This program examines the nineteenth-century movement of Virginians to the West and their contributions to settling the American frontier. Using reproductions of objects that might have been found on a settler's Conestoga wagon, students interpret the great migration from Virginia in the decades before the Civil War.
Stories at the Museum
To celebrate Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March, the Virginia Historical Society is offering special educator-led readings of African American and women's history books. Every program will include a group reading of the selected book and a craft activity related to the text. Programs take place every Wednesday in February and March at 4:00 p.m. The Stories at the Museum programs are free but advance registration is required.
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Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad February 2
By Ellen Levine, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This book recounts the true story of Henry Brown, a slave who mailed himself to freedom. As a boy, Henry goes to work in his master's tobacco factory and eventually meets and marries another slave, with whom he has three children. Henry watches as his family is sold in the slave market. Henry then enlists the help of an abolitionist doctor and mails himself in a wooden crate "to a place where there are no slaves!" He travels by horse-drawn cart, steamboat and train before his box is delivered to the Philadelphia address on March 30, 1849.
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Follow the Drinking Gourd February 9
By Jeanette Winter, Illustrated by Jeanette Winter
This picture book relates the story of an old white sailor called "Peg Leg Joe" who went from plantation to plantation in the pre-Civil War south teaching enslaved blacks a folksong that he wrote, the lyrics of which held directions for following the Underground Railroad to freedom. This story focuses on the journey of runaways who travel according to the directions of the song to reach the Ohio River, where Joe is waiting with a boat.
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Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins February 16
By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Jerome LaGarrigue
The historic story of the Greensboro, N.C., sit-ins is told from the perspective of a young African American girl. The story and the dramatic illustrations provide a realistic glimpse of the past. The reader learns what life was like for African Americans in 1960 from just prior to the sit-ins at the Woolworth's lunch counter to its ultimate integration.
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Sweet Smell of Roses February 23
By Angela Johnson, Illustrated by Eric Velasquez
This story pays tribute to the children who played a role in the civil rights movement, the brave boys and girls who—like their adult counterparts—could not resist the scent of freedom carried aloft by the winds of change. Together, text and art evoke the gumption of two spirited sisters who sneak out of their home one day to participate in a march led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The smell of roses surfaces repeatedly—as the group marches past hecklers, as Dr. King addresses the marchers, and as the girls return home to their worried mother. Readers will appreciate experiencing the event from a child's eye-view.
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Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride March 2
By Pam Muñoz Ryan, Illustrated by Brian Selznick
Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt were both a lot alike. They were outspoken, both were opinionated, and they both did what they believed in, no matter what people said. So it made perfect sense that the two women were friends. In April 1933, Eleanor was entertaining Amelia and her husband at the White House. Before dessert, the two women left to take a midnight plane ride over Washington, DC in Earhart's plane. This book is based on a true story.
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Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman March 9
By Louise Borden and Mary Kay Kroeger, Illustrated by Teresa Flavin
Texan Bessie Coleman knew from an early age that she wanted to do something special with her life. When she heard about women in France who knew how to fly airplanes, she knew what that something was. Bessie learned how to speak French and headed for France, where she trained for seven months and earned her pilot's license. She returned to the U.S. and entertained people with her skills in air shows. She became known as "Brave Bess" and was a role model for African Americans.
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You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer! March 16
By Shana Corey, Illustrated by Chelsea McLaren
Amelia Bloomer is not a proper lady. She thinks proper ladies of the 19th century are silly. They're not allowed to vote, not supposed to work, and all that fuss about clothes! Ridiculously wide hoop skirts, yards and yards of hot petticoats, and cruelly tight corsets supported by whalebone or steel made women faint at the drop of the hat. Amelia, being so very improper, sets out to revolutionize the world for women. Not only does she start her own newspaper and try to change the voting laws, she also popularizes a new fashion. This bold new garb shocks the proper ladies, but frees all others to move, digest, breathe, and think about something other than keeping from fainting (such as voting and working). Named for their best spokesperson, bloomers marked the start of a kinder, gentler approach to women's fashion—and women's rights.
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When Marian Sang March 23
By Pam Muñoz Ryan, Illustrated by Brian Selznick
Undoubtedly one of America's greatest singers, Marian Anderson was hardly known in her own country because of her race. Music schools ignored her applications and even after she began singing professionally, many venues only featured white performers. But Anderson had overwhelming success in Europe. This book explores Anderson's career and reaches its climax with a wordless, deep brown two-page spread, showing a crowd's-eye view of Anderson singing at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, an historic concert that drew an integrated audience of over 75,000.
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The Ballot Box Battle March 30
By Emily Arnold McCully
In Tenafly, New Jersey, in 1880, a young girl named Cordelia isn't interested in hearing her neighbor's stories about the fight for women's suffrage. But on election day, Cordelia prompts Mrs. Stanton to tell the heart wrenching story of her own childhood, and how it steeled her for the battles of her adult life. What happens when Cordelia and Mrs. Stanton decide to go to the polls is a turning point for Cordelia, and an inspiration to children everywhere.
VIRGINIA HOUSE EVENTS:
Virginia House, owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society, is located at 4301 Sulgrave Road in Richmond's Windsor Farms neighborhood. All Virginia House events required advance registration. For more information, or to register for any of the Virginia House events, please contact Tracy Bryan at (804) 353-4251 or tbryan@vahistorical.org.
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Spring Tea and Tour March 26 and April 2
Your visit begins with a guided tour of the great rooms of Virginia House followed by a walk through the gardens to see seasonal blooms. Your visit concludes with a special seasonal presentation while you enjoy tea and scones on the terrace. This event takes place from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and costs $14 for VHS members and $16 for nonmembers.
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Girl Scout Days at Virginia House
Girl Scouts now have the opportunity to earn badges and try-its from Virginia House. Using the unique site, Virginia House staff will help Girl Scouts fulfill various requirements. Girl Scouts will explore the gardens, wildlife, and history of Virginia House while participating in the specially designed programs. Each Girl Scout program costs $5 per child. Times and program topics vary by date. Advance registration is required.
March 12 12:30 p.m.: "Movers" Try-It | 3:00 p.m.: "Weather Watch" Badge
April 9 12:30 p.m.: "People of the World" Try-It | 3:00 p.m.: "Global Awareness" Badge
May 14 12:30 p.m.: "Art to Wear" Try-It | 3:00 p.m.: "Outdoor Creativity" Badge
June 4 12:30 p.m.: "Stitch It Together" Try-It | 3:00 p.m.: "Folk Art" Badge
September 10 12:30 p.m.: "People of the World" Try-It | 3:00 p.m.: "Local Lore" Badge
October 15 12:30 p.m.: "Stitching It Together" Try-It | 3:00 p.m.: "Global Awareness" Badge
November 5 12:30 p.m.: "Eco-Explorer" Try-It | 3:00 p.m.: "Outdoor Surroundings" Badge
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Mother's Day Tea May 8
Spend an afternoon at two famous Richmond Tudor homes! Your visit begins with a guided tour of the great rooms of Virginia House followed by a walk through the gardens to Agecroft Hall. Your visit concludes with tea on the terrace and a guided tour of the great rooms of Agecroft Hall. This event takes place from 3:00–5:00 p.m. and costs $23 for VHS members and $26 for nonmembers.
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Harvest Tea and Tour September 10
Your afternoon includes a tour of Virginia House followed by a stroll through the fall gardens. While you enjoy tea, sandwiches, and sweets on the terrace, learn how to harvest herbs and include them in your tea at home. Participants will even have a chance to sample herb-infused treats and develop their own tea blend. This event takes place from 2:00–5:00 p.m. and costs $20 for VHS members and $22 for nonmembers.
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Gingerbread Tea and Tour
Celebrate the holidays and create a new family tradition! Design and build your own gingerbread house using gingerbread pieces, snow-like frosting, gumdrops, candy canes, and other colorful treats. Cider and cookies will be served as Virginia House staff talk about holiday traditions in the Tudor home. This event costs $15 per family for VHS members and $17 per family for nonmembers.
Gingerbread Tea for Families December 3, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Gingerbread Tea for Families December 4, 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Gingerbread Tea for Adults December 7, 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Gingerbread Tea for Families with Children 5 and Under December 10, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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Holiday Tea and Tour December 8 and 9
Spend an afternoon at two famous Richmond Tudor homes! Your visit begins with a guided holiday tour of the great rooms of Agecroft Hall followed by a walk through the gardens to Virginia House. Your visit concludes with tea and a guided tour of the festively decorated Virginia House. This event takes place from 3:00–5:00 p.m. and costs $23 for VHS members and $26 for nonmembers.
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Behind the Scenes Tour
Join the staff for a behind-the-scenes look at Virginia House. Visit seldom-seen areas of the museum and enjoy a close look at the collections of Alexander and Virginia Weddell. The house, preserved much the same as it was when the Weddells resided there from 1928-1948, includes English and Spanish antiques, silk draperies, oriental carpets, and fine silver and china. After the tour, guests are welcome to visit the over eight acres of grand gardens at Virginia House. This house museum tour is free for VHS members and $6 for nonmembers.
March 23 5:30 p.m. | March 25 12:00 p.m.
June 23 5:30 p.m. | June 24 12:00 p.m.
October 20 5:30 p.m. | October 21 12:00 p.m.
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Garden Tour April 12 and September 1
Join the staff for an in-depth look at the over eight acres of grand gardens at Virginia House. It took 20 years for Virginia Weddell, working with noted landscape architect Charles Gillette, to create the picturesque gardens. From formal spring tulip displays to the naturalistic plantings, the gardens and grounds of Virginia House provide a rich tapestry of texture and color throughout the year. Today, close to 1,000 types of ornamental plants thrive throughout formal and naturalistic gardens. This event takes place from 5:00–7:00 p.m. and is free for VHS members and $6 for nonmembers.
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Jr. Ambassador Passport Travels Summer Camp July 25–29
This camp introduces participants to a variety of international cultures and customs. During the week-long educational program, campers ages 7–10 will explore the culture, food, geography, and music from countries where Alexander Weddell (Virginia House owner and resident from 1928–1948) served as a diplomat. Each day focuses on a different country, giving campers the opportunity to compare and contrast customs and traditions. At the end of the week, campers will receive a passport certificate and share what they have learned with family and staff at a special party. This camp takes place from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. daily and costs $135 per VHS member's child or grandchild and $150 for nonmembers.
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Virginia House Naturalists Summer Camp August 1–5
This camp allows children to explore the natural history and unique nature of a place. During the week-long educational program, campers ages 9–11 will learn about habitats, native plants, eco-friendly gardening, composting and recycling. At the end of the week, campers will share what they have learned with family and staff at a special party. This camp takes place from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. daily and costs $135 per VHS member's child or grandchild and $150 for nonmembers.
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Diggin' in the Dirt Summer Camp August 8–12
This camp, cosponsored with Agecroft Hall, introduces participants to a variety of educational and craft activities. During the week-long program, campers ages 6–8 learn about Virginia plants, weather and gardening. Projects include creating butterfly gardens, growing herbs, making stepping stones, learning cloud types and weather charting. The week concludes with a Mad Hatter's tea party hosted by the camp participants for family and staff, during which craft projects are presented and certificates distributed. This camp takes place from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. daily and costs $135 per VHS member's child or grandchild and $150 for nonmembers.
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Young Virginia House Naturalists
This Saturday morning program introduces young children (ages six and under) and their parents to the natural history and unique nature of a place. Children will have the opportunity to explore the Virginia House site while learning about nature. Each program includes a story, hands-on activity, and a craft. This event takes place from 9:00–11:00 a.m. and costs $5 for VHS member's child or grandchild and $7 for nonmembers.
What lives in your backyard? March 12
Trees April 9
Birds May 14
Habitats and Food June 4
Plants and their Uses July 16
Clouds and Weather August 6
Flowers September 10
Insects and Butterflies October 15
Animals in your Backyard November 5
LONG-TERM EXHIBITIONS:
The Story of Virginia, An American Experience
This 10,000-square-foot exhibition includes more than 1,000 objects and covers 16,000 years of Virginia history from prehistoric times to the present. Adult and child-friendly interactive features include a cartoon-based computer game on Virginia history, hand-held story phones with additional exhibit information, and question-and-answer games throughout.
Virginians at Work
This exhibition tells the story of how Virginians have made a living and why jobs have changed. Focusing on people rather than on abstract principles, the exhibition follows four broad categories: An Agricultural Economy (1607–1790); A Commercial Economy (1790–1865); An Industrial Economy (1865–1945); and A Service Economy (1945–2006). Hundreds of objects help explain these economic revolutions and entice visitors to explore how Virginians before us spent their working days.
Silver in Virginia
This exhibition includes over 400 pieces of silver not only produced in such major urban centers as Alexandria, Norfolk, and Richmond, but also works crafted in small towns like Dumfries, Fincastle, and Waynesboro. Also included are images of Virginia silversmiths themselves and place settings using silver and ceramics.
The Virginia Manufactory of Arms
This exhibition presents weapons made in Richmond from 1802 through 1821. Born of the anti-federalist suspicion of a national military establishment, the state manufactory supplied the Virginia militia with flintlock muskets, pistols, swords, and rifles—examples of each are on display.
Arming the Confederacy
The little-known story of the Confederacy's success in producing its own weapons is shown through objects from the Maryland-Steuart Collection, considered the world's finest collection of Confederate-made weapons and accoutrements. The collection includes more than 150 Confederate-made rifles, carbines, muskets, pistols, dirks, and more.
Four Seasons of the Confederacy: Murals by Charles Hoffbauer
French mural artist Charles Hoffbauer was commissioned by the Confederate Memorial Association to paint a series of Civil War murals, which were unveiled in January 1921. The murals follow the changing seasons and include Spring Mural, depicting Thomas Stonewall Jackson reviewing his troops in the Shenandoah Valley; Summer Mural, portraying a fictitious gathering of Confederate commanders; Autumn Mural, showing J. E. B. Stuart leading his cavalrymen on a foray through Virginia woods; and the series ends with the Winter Mural, illustrating the misery of an artillery battery in retreat through the snow, its equipment shattered and its men on the verge of exhaustion.
Making the Murals: Studies by Charles Hoffbauer
(note mural exhibition information above) Charles Hoffbauer, who later worked in the animation department at Walt Disney Studios, left hundreds of pastel, watercolor, oil, and pencil sketches on paper and canvas, as well as photographs and the clay models that he used to create his famous murals, Four Seasons of the Confederacy. This exhibition shows the techniques Hoffbauer used to produce the large-scale paintings that progress through the seasons of spring to winter, from the opening years of the Civil War to its close.
Solving History's Mysteries: A History Discovery Lab
This interactive exhibition, co-organized by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, offers a broad variety of hands-on activities and focuses on the process of discovery, how we learn, and the important role historic architecture and archaeology play in defining our communities and culture.
For more than 178 years, the Virginia Historical Society (VHS) has been the steward of our state—and often
national—history. Headquartered at 428 North Boulevard in Richmond, the VHS features award-winning exhibitions that
are entertaining and educational for visitors of all ages. Although designated the Official State Historical Society, the VHS
is a privately funded non-profit organization that relies on contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations
to sustain its operations. Hours: Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Admission is free. For group
tour information, call (804) 342-9652. For more information, call (804) 358-4901 or visit www.vahistorical.org.
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