2015 Holiday Events at the Valentine
This media release includes information on the exhibition “Edith Shelton’s Richmond”, the 29th Annual Court End Christmas and the Holiday Glitter: Monument Avenue After Dark Walking Tours.
EDITH SHELTON’S RICHMOND
The Valentine opens its next exhibition, Edith Shelton’s Richmond, on Friday, Dec. 4 in the museum’s Lower Level. The exhibition will be on view through Sunday, May 8, 2016.
The Edith K. Shelton Slide Collection, which consists of more than 3,000 35mm color slides, provides a glimpse into Richmond’s older neighborhoods, often ones that have since changed dramatically with road construction and redevelopment projects. Miss Shelton favored Richmond’s downtown districts and focused particularly on the Jackson Ward and Carver neighborhoods during the 1950s.
Edith Keesee Shelton (1898-1989) was born in Richmond, Va., to Edith Morton Keesee and W. Penick Shelton, a banker. She attended Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Va., graduating in 1918 with a degree in Latin. She began working for the University of Richmond about 1927, where she continued to work as a cashier in the Treasurer’s Department until her retirement in 1969. After her mother’s death in 1950, Miss Shelton apparently lived alone until her death in 1989.
A grant from the Universal Leaf Foundation supported digitization of the Edith K.Shelton Slide Collection, which is now viewable through the Valentine’s online database at thevalentine.org.
Laura Carr, Museum Technician, curated the exhibition.
29th ANNUAL COURT END CHRISTMAS
EVENT
Ten historic downtown sites host a free holiday open house, featuring guided tours, living history and reenactments, gift shop discounts, children’s activities, refreshments, carriage rides, music, and special guest appearances. 2015 participating sites include the Valentine and the 1812 John Wickham House, the John Marshall House, the Virginia State Capitol, Virginia’s Executive Mansion, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Museum and White House of the Confederacy, Monumental Church, the Egyptian Building, the Beers House and St. John’s Church.
WHEN
Sunday, December 13
12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
WHERE
Downtown historic sites (see above). Complimentary shuttle will run between sites.
COST
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Complimentary shuttle provided between sites. Refreshments are either complimentary or for purchase, depending upon venue.
SPONSORS
CWD Kids, VCU Health System, Richmond Family Magazine and Richmond Association of Realtors
PARKING
VCU Hospital’s Visitors’ Parking Deck at Leigh & 12th Streets, or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (entrance on 8th Street between Grace and Franklin)
INFORMATION
(804) 649-0711 ext. 301
info@thevalentine.org
CourtEndChristmas.com
HOLIDAY GLITTER TOURS: MONUMENT AVENUE WALKING TOUR
EVENT
History meets elegance on this leisurely walking tour, which begins at the Lee Monument and heads west on one of the country’s most famous avenues, past beautifully decorated historic homes. Bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes.
WHEN
Wednesday, December 23
Saturday, December 26
Sunday, December 27
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE
Tour begins at the Robert E. Lee Monument at Allen Street and Monument Avenue.
COST
$15 Adults
$5 Valentine Members and children ages 12 and under
Reservations are required: (804) 649-0711 ext. 301 (Charge by phone)
Reserve early. These tours will sell out!
