Virginia Museum of History & Culture is a State Treasure

Learn about how Virginia’s story is America’s story at the reimagined Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Explore the natural & socioeconomic forces that converged in Virginia through the short film “Imagine Virginia” in the new VMHC Orientation Theater.

Photo credit: Virginia Museum of History & Culture / Facebook

The museum offers outstanding exhibits. When Lindsay Garrison recently visited with her family they enjoyed exhibits full of interesting artifacts, interactive galleries and gorgeous works of art.

– – – –

In the Landscapes of Virginia, they marveled at the beauty of our state. Of course we all know Virginia has beautiful mountains, bodies of water and presidential estates; but, the breathtaking gallery truly brings it all to life. To further engage children, consider working through the activities via the VMHC Educator Resource page. Using the activities from the site, you can discuss the five regions of Virginia, its climate and further the experience by writing a short story based on the landscape.

Journey to Freedom display at Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Next, Garrison and her family visited Partners in History, a visual of the phenomenal collaboration between The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Impressive artifacts, like Oliver Hill’s desk, used throughout his tenure as a Civil Rights attorney. You can imagine Hill sitting at this very desk working, and eventually succeeding in dismantling segregation. The desk is “normal” with no bells and whistles; an important representation that to make a big difference, it’s the will and heart, not material items. Other highlights are learning about Carroll W. Anderson, Sr., and viewing majorette costumes from Maggie L. Walker High School.

Oliver Hill’s desk at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

The Story of Virginia is the most comprehensive exhibition to see. Spanning over 16,000 years of Virginia history and more than 500 artifacts, maps and letters; this exhibit requires time and attention on behalf of the patron. The exhibit focuses on all the people throughout Virginia’s history, a collective story.

Artifact from the Story of Virginia exhibit at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

If you were raised or grew up in Virginia, this exhibit will “wow” you. Garrison said seeimg her children sitting on a street car that their own great-grandfather would have sat on as a student at University of Richmond was incredibly moving. Interactive exhibits include: post-electricity benefits, Journey to Freedom and a geographical timeline of Virginia.

Gus Garrison checks out a streetcar at the Story of Virginia exhibit at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

During the Garrison family’s 2 hour visit, they said they gained such a greater understanding of the Commonwealth’s history and contributions to American History. They said that seeing Virginia through the lives of so many unique, strong individuals truly made them reflect further on the history.

Tips: Tickets are required. Purchase in advance for a designated time slot. The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard Richmond, VA 23220) is open daily; 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Free parking in the lot off Kensington Avenue. More information at www.VirginiaHistory.org – tel: (804) 340-1800

Richmond on the Cheap contributor Lindsay Garrison is a Richmond, Virginia based mom to two young children. A graduate from Chesterfield Schools and Randolph-Macon College, Lindsay is proud to call Richmond home. In the years prior to planning activities and outings with her own children, she was a French teacher. During her tenure she earned accolades for her creative teaching style and ability to connect with her students. Lindsay now applies the skills she learned when she was planning student trips to France, to her own family adventures.