RVA50 Object 35 “Suffrage Bandolier, 1913”
Suffrage Bandolier, 1913
Worn by Lila Meade Valentine
Woven cotton
V.75.139.01 Read more
Archive for month: June, 2014
Renovation by the Numbers
275 Recessed Can Lights, 200 Track Lights ….
275 Recessed Can Lights
200 Track Lights
106 Smoke Detectors
24 Exit Signs
12 Thermostats
5 Radiators
3 Exhaust Fans
1 Renovated Museum
Rendering of the front of the History Center along Clay Street
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
RVA50 Object 34 “Vase, 1902”
Vase, 1902
Glasfabrik Johann Loetz Witwe, Austria
Glass, silver
V.61.46 Read more
This is Richmond, Virginia
The final designs for the new “This is Richmond, Virginia” exhibition are now complete. While this is a major accomplishment, I think that there is a bigger challenge with the project.
Curators Meg Hughes and David Voelkel work together on label copy for the upcoming “This is Richmond, Virginia” exhibition.
The final designs for the new “This is Richmond, Virginia” exhibition are now complete. While this is a major accomplishment, I think that there is a bigger challenge with the project. This exhibition will build a new narrative of the city’s history as told by over 300 objects from our collections. Imagine trying to concisely and clearly tell the history of the region in a relatively small gallery.
What objects would you pick among the 1.6 million in our collections of photographs, costume and textiles, and decorative arts that would best represent this complex history?
Our curators Meg Hughes and David Voelkel have now completed this list and are creating the text panels and labels that will pull all of this together. Below are just a few of the objects that we have chosen to feature. We can wait to share this new exhibition with you this fall!
The above collage includes: Monumental Church Painting by Margaret May Dashiell, Old Chief Smokum Statue, Gabriel Prosser Scratchboard, Mitchell & Tyler Sugar Bowl
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. 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.
Bill Martin, Director
RVA50 Object 33 “Hand Fan, 1985”
Hand Fan, 1985
Maggie Lena Walker National Historic Site
Paper, wood
FIC.025418 Read more
Open Wide
We said we wanted to open up the Valentine and connect with the street…but we may have gone just a little too far.
We said we wanted to open up the Valentine and connect with the street…but we may have gone just a little too far.
There has never been this much natural light and fresh air flooding the building.
Windows from the 1970’s addition were removed this week to make way for new windows that will not only provide views into the galleries but also reduce the levels of harmful UV light.
Everything is safely secured each evening by our friends at Kjellstrom and Lee, but it is a little disturbing to see this giant opening in the side of building.
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
RVA50 Object 32 “Address To The People Of Richmond, 1889″
“Address To The People Of Richmond,” 1889
Broadside
X.48.95.20 Read more
What’s Next?
While our updates have focused on the physical improvements to our Clay Street home, the reality is that we could have perfect buildings…and be perfectly irrelevant.
While our updates have focused on the physical improvements to our Clay Street home, the reality is that we could have perfect buildings…and be perfectly irrelevant. Ultimately, our vision is to create accessible and engaging experiences with Richmond history that transform our lives and our region. It is about using the collections and historic buildings in creative ways that will secure a relevant and sustainable future for the Valentine.
Over the last year, staff, board and volunteers have worked together to develop a new strategic plan that will inform the use of our new spaces and, more importantly, our evolving engagement in the community.
Click here to review our new Strategic Plan.
Take a look and let me know what you think.
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
About Us
The Valentine is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
The Valentine is a BBB Accredited Charity and meets the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
