What’s in your closet?

Everyone likes to call us Richmond’s attic, and with over 1.6 million objects in our collection, that is probably a good name.

Cabinets Shelves

Everyone likes to call us Richmond’s attic, and with over 1.6 million objects in our collection, that is probably a good name. Our hope is that through our new programming such as our Community Conversations and exhibitions in the Stettinius Community Galleries that people will refer to us as Richmond‘s living room.

For many staff, the new closets are the most exciting part of our renovation.

For our public programs department, there is a new custom-designed space just for our educational outreach materials. Within the next few weeks, our “programs in boxes” will be moved from the Davis House to their new quarters in the Sara D. November Education Center. Cabinets and closets in the new Education Center are just waiting for supplies of clay and other materials used on-site by our teachers to fill their shelves.

For our visitors, we will have new lockers for purses and backpacks and new coatracks.

Small closets have been tucked next to the Stettinius Community Galleries for chairs and tables. A utility closet has even been created for cleaning supplies complete with a sink.

For the curators, a new holding area on the loading dock will allow for the review of objects before they are relocated into collections storage. Currently, the loading dock is stuffed with inventory for the new Valentine Store.

Richmond’s new living room is being finished so that lots of company can come in starting in a few short weeks and, just like home, we are happy to have great closets to hide the junk (not really) from our visitors.

signature

Bill Martin, Director
The Valentine

P.S. Join today and be part of the grand opening week celebrations (Oct 20-24). A donation of $250+ secures your spot at the special Wednesday night Grand Reopening Celebration.
P.S.S. Don’t forget to order our new limited edition t-shirt via Bonfire Funds by October 6th! A portion of the sale supports our mission.

   

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RVA50 Object 47 “Morning Suit, 1985”

Morning Suit, 1985

Worn by The Honorable L. Douglas Wilder
After Six (manufacturer); The Groom’s Corner (retailer)
Polyester, gabardine, wool
V.86.12.01- .05, .07 Read more

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Made in RVA

With our focus on Richmond, we wondered if we if could create a special museum store of products made within a 20 mile radius of the Valentine.

With our focus on Richmond, we wondered if we if could create a special museum store of products made within a 20 mile radius of the Valentine.

We have discovered over the last several months as we began the process of selecting merchandise that this was going to be a real challenge – just not the challenge that we thought!

The real challenge did not lie in finding enough items created by local artists and craftsmen but in deciding what to include from the many innovative products that are being made right here in the Richmond area.

From unique handmade pottery to various handcarved wooden items, the new Valentine Store will be the perfect place to find uniquely Richmond items.

You will be able to select that card and gift for every occasion from wedding presents to accents for your own home.

You will be able to select a card or gift for any occasion. From wedding presents to accents for your own home, let the Valentine Store be your new one-stop-shop for unique gifts.

The new Valentine is all Richmond. From our architects and contractors, to our exhibition designers and the artists featured in our museum store; we want everyone who comes through our doors to understand not only the history of our city, but the diverse array of creative talents that continue to shape our future.

Wood RVA

Martin signature

Bill Martin, Director
The Valentine 

P.S. Join today and be part of the grand opening week celebrations (Oct 20-24). A donation of $250+ secures your spot at the special Wednesday night Grand Reopening Celebration.
P.S.S. Members receive 10% off at the Valentine Store!

  

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The Valentine Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant for Tourism Marketing

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that the Valentine received $5,000 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation Marketing Leverage Program grant fund. In total VTC awarded more than $852,000 for 46 tourism marketing projects across the state to help increase visitation and revenue for Virginia’s localities through tourism. Read more

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Our Third Trimester

Progress is really moving quickly!

We are in our third trimester!

We are cranky.
           We’re not sleeping.
                      We want this to be done!
Progress is really moving quickly!

The new carpet and paint are finished in the Nathalie and Philip W. Klaus Lobby.  Now we are waiting for the new display cases for the Valentine Store and our new reception desk.

Klaus Lobby Klaus Lobby 2
The new cabinets, lighting, and rubber tile have been installed in the Sara D. November Education Center.
November Center November Education Center
Nancy Beck completed painting the 1856 Map of Richmond and we put a final protective finish on the floors.
Finished Nancy Beck
And the tile work is complete in the new restrooms.
Bathroom Tile Bathroom
As you can see it’s going to be a beautiful baby!
As you all know by now, our due date is the week of October 20!
Martin Signature
Bill Martin, Director
The Valentine 
 
P.S. In lieu of baby shower gifts, please make sure you donate to the Valentine during The Amazing Raise which starts at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17 and concludes at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18. Thank you!
Amazing Raise

 

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RVA50 Object 46 “Ella Gordon Valentine Miniature Collection, circa 1985”

Ella Gordon Valentine Miniature Collection, circa 1985
Cabinet:  David M. Tyler
Mahogany
V.93.120.02 and .03 Read more

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It’s not easy being green…

…especially if you are one of the staircases at the Valentine.

 Green Staircase Green walls

It’s not easy being green…

…especially if you are one of the staircases at the Valentine.

From the 1950’s muted colonial revival green in our staircase leading to the archives and the education center to 1970’s lime green in our fire escape, it seems that there is always an unfortunate shade of green to greet you.

With the renovations this is soon to change. Not only will these spaces get a fresh coat (probably 4 coats) of white paint but climate control will also be added.

Researchers, visitors and students will find bright and comfortable connectors between our exhibition floors and our education and curatorial spaces.

A simple change in color can alter our perception of a place. Sorry, Kermit.

 

Bill Martin, Director

P.S. Join today and be part of the grand opening week celebrations (Oct 20-24). A donation of $250+ secures your spot at the special Wednesday night party.

   

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RVA50 Object 45 “Pantsuit, c. 1971”

Pantsuit, c. 1971
Worn by Elizabeth B. Bauder
Kimberly (manufacturer); Thalhimers (retailer)
Wool
V.98.75.05 Read more

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I’m Floored!

After years of being hidden under carpet, beautiful hardwood floors are beginning to emerge.

Stern Meeting Room November Education Center floor

After years of being hidden under carpet, beautiful hardwood floors are beginning to emerge.

On the main floor, we now have one level surface that will flow easily from one gallery to the next.  Many of you may remember a small bump that tripped many visitors.

The newly refinished floors create one uninterrupted suite of galleries that allows for maximum flexibility.  Of course, there is also the great hand-painted map of the city!

On the lower level, the new durable rubber floor has been installed in the Sara D. November Education Center.

Also on the lower level, we uncovered hardwood floors that are waiting to be refinished.

In our new multi-purpose room, we have installed a brand new hardwood floor. I predict a lot of happy brides will dance their first dance in this wonderful space.

In just 50 days, these floors will be greeting their first visitors!

Bill Martin, Director

P.S. Join today and be part of the grand opening week celebrations (Oct 20-24). A donation of $250+ secures your spot at the special Wednesday night party.

   

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