FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | June 23, 2004 |
Contact: Carol Anne Baker, Media Relations Specialist
(804) 342-9665 email:
cabaker@vahistorical.org
VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY BREAKS NEW GROUND FOR OLD BUSINESS
Public Invited to July 1 Groundbreaking Event at 2:00 p.m.
Richmond, VA–The Virginia Historical Society will officially break ground on a four-story, 54,000-square-foot
addition on Thursday, July 1, at 2:00 p.m. The new wing will house the Reynolds Business History Center, a facility dedicated solely to the history of business, commerce, and enterprise in Virginia and featuring a long-term exhibition on Virginians at work. It is the first of its kind in the state.
The new wing will also include a state-of-the-art classroom, a 500-seat auditorium, and much needed
storage space for the society's collection of burgeoning business records from companies such as Thalhimers, James River
Corporation, Reynolds Metals Company, A. H. Robins, Best Products, Lane Furniture Company,
and Signet Bank. The classroom will enhance the historical society's ability to meet the needs of
students, teachers, and scholars. The auditorium, equipped with the latest in presentation technology,
will be able to better accommodate the capacity crowds attending historical society programs. Currently,
overflow seating is required at each event.
"For the past several decades, the Virginia Historical Society has experienced a significant growth in its business
collections. As the largest repository of Virginia business records in the state, the historical society has the
opportunity to interpret this compelling history," comments Dr. Bryan. "More importantly, we are providing
a safe and secure place for the preservation and conservation of Virginia's business records," he adds.
The new wing is part of a $55-million capital and endowment campaign that will also expand
educational outreach and support all operations and related programs. To date more than half of
these funds have been raised.
The Virginia Historical Society 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 Mondays. 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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