RVA50 Object 26 “Sword, circa 1861”

Sword, circa 1861
Unmarked
Steel, brass, iron
V.69.884a,b Read more

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Making Connections

Click on the link to read Week 25’s edition of our renovations blog!

It’s getting fun now. There are people everywhere!

Pipes for the new fire suppression system, ductwork for heating and air conditioning, metal conduit full of electrical wire, stacks of drywall, door frames, and doors fill the spaces.

It’s remarkable the way our folks at Kjellstrom + Lee coordinate all of our sub-contractors as they shape our new galleries. Each element of the mechanical infrastructure must be precisely placed within the constraints of the exisiting building.

While all of these intricate systems will soon disappear behind the walls, we are depending on these hidden connections of pipes and wires to support all of the activities and exhibitions that we are planning.

In many ways this phase of construction is a reflection of the work we hope to do in our community and in these new spaces.

          • Can we actually bring together the complex and interdependent elements of our history and build a new narrative that connects us in new ways?
          • What are the hidden stories that have held our community together that can guide us today?

Making these connections will ensure the sustainability of the Valentine and of our region. 

Are you curious about our progress? Join us for a Hard Hat Happy Hour happening everyWednesday from 4:30-6:00 p.m. You can contact me for more information or RSVP online and let me know you’ll be coming by. 

If you would like to help keep us calm and hammering on, you can support the History Center on our secure donation page at /give.
 
Bill Martin, Director
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RVA50 Object 25 “Flogger, circa 1855”

Flogger, circa 1855
Richmond, Virginia
Wood, leather, iron
V.51.35 Read more

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Pulling it back together.

We are now at the midpoint of our renovation.

Pictured above:

  • The new entrances to the restrooms
  • The new air handling unit in the Education Center
  • Making your mark on history at last year’s Richmond History Markers Celebration
  • The old exhibition label being covered up again by new framework
For the first time since our renovation began we are beginning to have a real notion of the new spaces that we are creating.
  • Walls are going up in our expanded and accessible restrooms.
  • There are hints of the Education Center with its large storage area for supplies.
  • Large spaces have been carved out for the new mechanical systems that are being installed throughout the building.
  • The old plywood ceilings (yes, the ceilings throughout the building have always been plywood!) have been removed and are being replaced with fresh sheetrock for a finished appearance.

Remember all of the generations of messages (graffiti and old exhibition labels) that were found behind the old walls?  These reminders of the building’s past are joining your messages from last year’s Richmond History Makers Celebration.

It is hard to believe that we are now at the midpoint of our renovation.  Our series of opening events are scheduled for the week of October 20.

While the last six months have been about pulling it apart, it’s now time to bring it back together.

Are you curious about our progress? Join us for a Hard Hat Happy Hour happening every Wednesday from 4:30-6:00 p.m. You can contact me for more information or RSVP online and let me know you’ll be coming by.

If you would like to help keep us calm and hammering on, you can support the History Center on our secure donation page at /give.

Bill Martin, Director 

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RVA50 Object 24 “Aunt Betsy, 1857″

“Aunt Betsy,” 1857

Oil on board
Francis Blackwell Mayer (1827-1899)
V.2010.11.01 Read more

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The Valentine Richmond History Center & 1812 John Wickham House Ranks 46th in Virginia’s Favorite Architecture Poll

 

The Valentine Richmond History Center and the 1812 John Wickham House are both featured in an exhibition of the top 100 structures at the Virginia Center for Architecture in Richmond Read more

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Spring Fever!

There’s nothing better than a spring day in Richmond!

The Valentine Garden and a boxed lunch from Sally Bell’s Kitchen.

Amidst the clamor of the renovation, the Valentine Garden located in the courtyard of the 1812 John Wickham House remains a refuge for visitors to our neighborhood and for the patients and medical staff at VCU Medical Center.

We often talk about our historic buildings and significant collections, but I think we forget that one of the Valentine’s most important assets is this amazing green space in the heart of Court End.

When we think about what are the key elements of the Richmond experience, it is not only about our history and architecture, but it is also the remarkable landscapes of our gardens, parks, and cemeteries.  They are as important to maintain and preserve as our great buildings.

I cannot think of a more quintessential Richmond experience than our garden…a Sally Bell’s chocolate cupcake, the smell of boxwoods, the shade of a giant magnolia, the view of the Wickham House portico and even the sound of an ambulance siren.

The Valentine Garden is one of Richmond’s most important urban spaces.

Our challenge is to create unique experiences throughout our new facilities that help us pause and reflect on the power of this place that we call home.

There’s nothing better than a spring day in Richmond!

Are you curious about our progress? Join us for one of our Hard Hat Happy Hours that occur every Wednesday from 4:30-6:00pm. You can contact me for more information or RSVP online and let me know you’ll be coming by.

If you would like to help keep us calm and hammering on, you can support the History Center on our secure donation page at  /give.

Bill Martin, Director

 

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RVA50 Object 23 “Martha Crane Heath and Jennie Wilson Heath, circa 1850”

Martha Crane Heath and Jennie Wilson Heath, circa 1850

Unidentified Artist
Oil on Canvas
V.56.94.01 Read more

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Richmond Liberty Trail To Get A New Coat of Paint

The Richmond Liberty Trail is getting freshened up for spring. Nearly 30 volunteers from Capital One will hit the streets of downtown Richmond armed with spray paint and stencils Friday, April 4. In addition, an interactive mobile map is now available for the Richmond Liberty Trail at www.RVALibertyTrail.com. Read more

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