FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | July 20, 2006 |
Contact: Carol Anne Baker, Media Relations Specialist
(804) 342-9665 email:
cabaker@vahistorical.org
NEW WING NAMED TO HONOR
VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESIDENT AND CEO
Richmond, VA – A dinner party honoring donors to the Virginia Historical Society's 175th Anniversary Campaign became a special occasion in the history of the institution. In his concluding remarks for the evening, Chairman of the Board E. Claiborne Robins, Jr., announced a decision made by the Board of Trustees. The new wing—a $16 million endeavor that is part of the larger campaign—was dedicated and named in honor of Charles F. Bryan, Jr., president and CEO of the Society. Mr. Robins unveiled a large sign to reveal this closely-guarded secret. The sign read, Charles F. Bryan, Jr. This wing named in honor of his vision and leadership on the occasion of the dedication, July 19, 2006.
Dr. Bryan and his wife, Cammy, took the stage amidst thundering applause from the standing crowd of donors and past and present trustees. Bryan remarked, "Next to the day I married this beautiful woman, this is the most remarkable thing that has happened to me." He quickly used the moment to recognize his staff at the VHS, stating, "If I am good at anything, it is hiring and surrounding myself with the right people and getting out of their way. I couldn't do it without such a strong and supportive staff."
The announcement came at the end of a special dinner, featuring guest speaker Roger Mudd. The Emmy award-winning journalist and broadcaster is trustee emeritus at the Virginia Historical Society. During his remarks, he praised the VHS, headquartered on Richmond's Boulevard Avenue, for becoming such an important part of the community. "With [the Society's] education and outreach department, museum exhibitions, collections, and library, our corner of the Boulevard is unparalleled." The campaign continues with $4.1 million remaining to raise by the end of the year.
Although a private, non-profit institution, the Virginia Historical Society (VHS) is the official state historical society of Virginia. The VHS is located at 428 N. Boulevard. The Story of Virginia, An American Experience, a 10,000-square-foot exhibition with more than a thousand objects covering all of Virginia history from prehistoric times to the present, is featured in the Robins Center for Virginia History. Hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm
and Sunday 1pm–5pm (Museum Galleries only). Admission: $5/adults, $4/seniors 55+ ($2/Tuesdays–galleries only), $3/children and students, free/members. Admission to the galleries is free on Sundays. For group tour information, call (804) 342-9652. For more information, please call (804) 358-4901 or visit www.vahistorical.org.
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