The Valentine Begins 10th Year of Community Conversations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2022

Contact:
Meredith Mason, APR
Director of Public Relations & Marketing
mmason@thevalentine.org

The Valentine Begins 10th Year of Community Conversations

RICHMOND – The Valentine is launching its 10th year of community conversations known as “Controversy/History.” In the 2022-2023 series, the Valentine will revisit the most controversial, heavy-hitting topics that are still relevant today, including health, transportation, housing, education and public spaces.

“Richmond keeps growing and evolving, but many of the core problems facing our community persist throughout our history,” Director Bill Martin said. “We’re excited to bring people together again to talk through some of these issues and how we can improve life in Richmond.”

Martin will co-host the series with Richmond entrepreneur and consultant Kelli Lemon. Controversy/History will run on the first Tuesday of the month from October-February, with each event featuring a panel of experts, advocates and government representatives. Many popular speakers from past Controversy/History events will return to give updates.

The first Controversy/History on “Disease and Disparity” will take place Tuesday, October 4 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Valentine. Speakers for the kickoff event are:

  • Margo Webb, Director of Community Programs, Richmond City and Henrico County Health Districts
  • Gonzalo Bearman, Chair, VCU Division of Infectious Diseases
  • Karen Legato, Executive Director, Health Brigade

The full 2022-2023 schedule is below. As the Valentine will be under construction starting in mid-October, all other Controversy/History events will be held throughout the Richmond region. Locations will be announced in the coming weeks.

Disease & Disparity
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
The Valentine

Where Are We Going? Changes in Transportation
Tuesday, November 1, 2022 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Location TBD

The Crisis at our Doorstep: Housing in RVA
Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Location TBD

Coming Up Short: Richmond Needs Schooling
Tuesday, January 3, 2023 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Location TBD

Public Spaces: Environmental Reckoning in Richmond
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Location TBD

Controversy/History is sponsored by Wells Fargo. More information and online registration for the kickoff event is available at thevalentine.org/event/controversy-history-disease-disparity. General information about the series is available at thevalentine.org/controversyhistory.

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ABOUT THE VALENTINE

The Valentine has been collecting, preserving and interpreting Richmond’s 400-year history for over a century. Located in the heart of historic downtown, the Valentine is a place for residents and tourists to discover the diverse stories that tell the broader history of this important region.

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The Valentine Extends Thursday Hours with New Special Events & Tours

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2022

Contact:
Meredith Mason, APR
Director of Public Relations & Marketing
mmason@thevalentine.org

The Valentine Extends Thursday Hours with New Special Events & Tours

RICHMOND – Beginning September 8, the Valentine will stay open late every Thursday until 7:00 p.m. for “Extra Thursdays.” After 5:00 p.m. each Thursday, admission to the museum will be free, and each week will feature a new special event or tour.

“Everybody needs a little ‘extra,’ and we wanted to add a time each week where we can bring some extra joy to Richmonders,” said Director Bill Martin. “During Extra Thursdays, we’re going to dance in the street, open up our student field trip programs to grown-ups, and give people an extra dose of history while we’re at it. We hope Extra Thursdays will give everyone the chance to visit and have fun with us.”

In addition to free admission, all special programs during Extra Thursdays will be free to give all Richmonders the opportunity to participate. Upcoming events include:

  • Hard Hat Happy Hours – every second Thursday of the month at 5:00 p.m.
  • Silent Dance Party – September 15 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Grown-Up Field Trip – October 20 at 5:00 p.m.

The Valentine is also offering new 30-minute tours every Thursday evening. At 5:30 p.m., a staff member will lead Richmond Short Stories: a personalized deep dive into several of their favorite objects in the main gallery, “This Is Richmond, Virginia.” Tours of the 1812 Wickham House will begin at 6:00 p.m.

More information and online registration for special events are available at thevalentine.org/events.

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ABOUT THE VALENTINE

The Valentine has been collecting, preserving and interpreting Richmond’s 400-year history for over a century. Located in the heart of historic downtown, the Valentine is a place for residents and tourists to discover the diverse stories that tell the broader history of this important region.

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