Controversy/History Returns for 11th Year with a Focus on the Future

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2023

Contact:
Christina Swanson, MA
Director of PR & Marketing
cswanson@thevalentine.org

Controversy/History Returns for 11th Year with a Focus on the Future

RICHMOND, VA – Envision the future with the Valentine, during the 11th year of community conversations known as Controversy/History. Returning Thursday, October 5, 2023, this year’s series promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the legacy of the Lost Cause and dive into how Richmond can move beyond the myth towards a brighter future.

In January of 2024, the Valentine will open a new exhibition, “Sculpting History,” which explores the myth of the Lose Cause through the lens of power. In this season of Controversy/History, speakers will explore the future of the big themes introduced in this exhibition – education, violence, politics, religion, and media – and consider the ideas and institutions of the past that still shape the Richmond community today.

The series will be co-hosted by Valentine Director Bill Martin, Kelli Lemon (of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Virginia Video Network), and “Sculpting History” co-curator Josh Epperson. Each event will feature a diverse panel of thought leaders carefully selected to address the specific subject matter. Attendees can look forward to interactive discussions, lively debates, and the chance to have their voices heard in the conversations that matter most to our community’s past, present, and future.

“Given that our present has been profoundly influenced by the past, we want to ask how we can purposefully shape the world of tomorrow,” said Director Bill Martin, “This series is an amazing opportunity for the community to really explore how we can build a future for Richmond that creates greater opportunity for all.”

2023/2024 Controversy/History Schedule:

Thursday, October 5, 2023, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Beyond the Book: Educating the Future

Thursday, November 2, 2023, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Beyond Law & Order: Building Community

Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Beyond Politics: Voicing Our Ideas

Tuesday, January 9, 2024, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Faith & Beyond: Finding Our Moral Compass

Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Beyond the Information Age: Supporting Truth-Based Media

Controversy/History is sponsored by Altria, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo.

These events are free and open to the public. More information can be found online at: thevalentine.org/controversyhistory

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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. thevalentine.org

About Kelli Lemon: Kelli Lemon is passionate about how people “LIVE” Richmond, Virginia. Through Like The Fruit LLC, Kelli socially connects people through food, sports, arts and education. She owns social cafe and coffee shop, Urban Hang Suite, located in the historic Jackson Ward and Art’s districts of Richmond. Kelli is the Director of Digital Programming for Virginia Video Network and represents Richmond Time Dispatch online as its public face.

About Josh Epperson: Josh Epperson is an exhibition writer, idea generator, and storyteller. For over a decade, Josh has told stories for corporate bands, cultural institutions and art-focused non-profits. Human narrative and plain-spoken language have been the backbone of Josh’s approach. His voice and style have most recently been applied to national exhibitions with The Smithsonian Institution, The Institute of Contemporary Art at VCU, the Valentine Museum, and businesses across the United States.

 

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“An Unfinished Museum: 125 Years of the Valentine” Showcases the Museum’s Dedication to Evolving with the Richmond Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2023

Contact:
Christina Swanson, MA
Director of PR & Marketing
cswanson@thevalentine.org

An Unfinished Museum: 125 Years of the Valentine Showcases the Museum’s Dedication to Evolving with the Richmond Community

RICHMOND, VA – On Friday, June 30th, 2023, the Valentine will open its newest exhibition, An Unfinished Museum: 125 Years of the Valentine. This captivating showcase, featuring photography from the museum’s collection, invites visitors to delve into the rich history of the Valentine and its ever-evolving role in serving the dynamic needs of the Richmond community.

In 1930, Laura Bragg, the acting Director of the Valentine, expressed her dismay at plans to delay the reopening of the 30-year-old Valentine Museum following a major reorganization and expansion. Bragg wrote to then-President Granville Valentine, stating, “A finished museum is a dead one,” and urged that the museum open as planned that October. Inspired by her forward-thinking vision, An Unfinished Museum pays homage to Bragg’s profound insight, reflecting the Valentine’s dedication to adaptability and growth throughout its history.

“Over the decades, the Valentine has adapted its collecting and programming to address the needs of the Richmond community. To remain vital, museums must be living institutions that change with the times – the Valentine has done this time and time again over its history,” says Meg Hughes, Deputy Director of Collections and the curator for this exhibition.

The opening of An Unfinished Museum also marks the beginning of a series of events that celebrate the Valentine’s 125th anniversary year. This includes the completion of an expansion project that adds new collection storage and public access spaces, the opening of an innovative exhibition in the Edward Valentine Studio, and a 125th Gala in Spring of 2024.

“Our 125th anniversary year is not only a celebration of our past accomplishments but also an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to preserving and sharing Richmond’s history for generations to come,” says Valentine Director, Bill Martin, “Together, we honor the past, embrace the present, and envision an exciting future for the Valentine.”

An Unfinished Museum will run from June 30, 2023 – September 2, 2024. The Valentine offers free admission every Thursday and, in honor of An Unfinished Museum, will also offer free admission on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

For more information about this exhibition, including ticketing and visiting hours, please visit the Valentine’s website at thevalentine.org or call, 804.649.0711.

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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. thevalentine.org

 

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Dominion Energy Gallery Unveiled at the Valentine Along With New Additions to the “This Is Richmond, Virginia” Exhibition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2023

Contact:
Christina Swanson, MA
Director of PR & Marketing
cswanson@thevalentine.org

Dominion Energy Gallery Unveiled at the Valentine Along With New Additions to the This Is Richmond, Virginia Exhibition

 

RICHMOND, VA – The Valentine’s first-floor public gallery space now has an official name! The Dominion Energy Gallery honors the company’s ongoing support of the Valentine’s mission and is a testament to Dominion’s dedication to enriching the cultural fabric of the Richmond region.

“Dominion Energy is a part of Richmond’s past, present and future,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. “We’re proud to support the Valentine in its mission to tell the Richmond story.”

The Dominion Energy Gallery houses the Valentine’s permanent exhibition, This Is Richmond, Virginia, which explores Richmond’s vibrant history and highlights diverse stories and experiences. This dynamic exhibition has been rotating in new objects from the Valentine’s collection since it opened in 2014, keeping the content timely and fresh for new and repeat visitors alike.

The brand new additions to this exhibition include Tom Wolfe’s typewriter, the Heilig-Meyers furniture company “MacSaver” sign featuring the firm’s Scottish mascot, and a brightly colored pantsuit worn in the 1970s by Elizabeth Bunnell Bauder when she was the vice president of Thalhimers Department Store.

These objects join other icons of Richmond’s historical narrative including a portrait of John Marshall from 1824 by John Wesley Jarvis, a barber chair from Robinson’s Barber Shop, and Edward Valentine’s Jefferson Davis statue, currently on loan from the Black History Museum of Virginia.

“We are deeply grateful to Dominion Energy for their continued partnership and support,” said Bill Martin, the Valentine’s Director. “This collaboration embodies our shared commitment to fostering a rich, vibrant community and telling great Richmond Stories™.”

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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. thevalentine.org

About the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation: About 7 million customers in 16 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE:D). Through its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy contributed $45 million in 2022 to community causes. The Foundation supports nonprofit causes that meet basic human needs, protect the environment, promote education, and encourage community vitality. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.

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“Sign Spotting” Exhibition at the Valentine Showcases Richmond’s Rich History of Signage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2023

Contact:
Christina Swanson, MA
Director of PR & Marketing
cswanson@thevalentine.org

Sign Spotting Exhibition at the Valentine Showcases Richmond’s Rich History of Signage

RICHMOND, VA – The Valentine is delighted to unveil its newest exhibition, Sign Spotting, on Thursday, May 25, 2023, inviting visitors to embark on a captivating journey through Richmond’s vibrant history of signage. From vintage neon signs, to public facility signs, and even local advocacy signs, this exhibition delves into the ways Richmond signage has informed, advertised, and persuaded.

Sign Spotting offers a unique opportunity to explore the visual and cultural significance of signs as a reflection of Richmond’s evolving identity.  The exhibition features many new acquisitions to the collection, including signs from Robin Inn, Ignatius Hats, and Overnite Transportation – iconic Richmond businesses with great stories to tell. At the same time, Sign Spotting shares thought-provoking public facility signs from the Jim Crow era, which serve as reminders of Richmond’s complex history.

“I hope that after visitors tour Sign Spotting, they will appreciate the history of signage in Richmond and consider how today’s signs are made and what message they are communicating,” says Christina Vida, the Elise H. Wright Curator of General Collections.

The Valentine welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds to immerse themselves in the Sign Spotting exhibition, engaging with the diverse stories behind each sign. From design enthusiasts and history buffs to those intrigued by the power of visual communication, there is something for everyone to discover and appreciate!

“Signs are more than just practical tools. They are windows into our collective past, narrating stories, sparking memories, and shaping our shared experiences,” says Director, Bill Martin, “Sign Spotting brings these stories to life, celebrating the rich tapestry of Richmond’s signage and its profound impact on our community.”

The Valentine has also partnered with Virginia Voice to create an audio description tour for Sign Spotting that caters to visitors who are blind or vision-impaired.

“We are thrilled to partner with the team at Virginia Voice, who are leaders in creating audio content and experiences for people who are blind or have low vision,” says E. Claiborne Robins, Jr. Director of Public Programs, Liz Reilly-Brown, “In doing so, we’re continuing our work of making Richmond history accessible to more people in our region.”

Sign Spotting will run from May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2024. The Valentine offers free admission to the museum every Thursday and, in honor of Sign Spotting, will offer free admission to the museum on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

For more information about the Sign Spotting exhibition, including ticketing and visiting hours, please visit the Valentine’s website at thevalentine.org or call, 804.649.0711.

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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. thevalentine.org

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The Valentine Welcomes Michelle Magner, Deputy Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League, for Life, Liberty & Happiness Lecture on May 16, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2023

Contact:
Christina Swanson, MA
Director of PR & Marketing
cswanson@thevalentine.org

The Valentine Welcomes Michelle Magner, Deputy Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League, for Life, Liberty & Happiness Lecture on May 16, 2023

 

RICHMOND, VA – The Valentine and the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond are pleased to announce the final installment of the 2022-2023 season of the Life, Liberty & Happiness lecture series, taking place on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The featured speaker will be Michelle Magner, Deputy Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

As a globally recognized leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism, and battling bigotry since 1913, the ADL has been at the forefront of promoting democracy and fostering a just and inclusive society for all.

Michelle Magner will delve into the rich history of the ADL and shed light on the concerning rise of antisemitism, hate speech, and extremism in America today.

The event will be held at the Valentine First Freedom Center, located on the same corner where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom in 1777. The center aims to educate and engage diverse audiences about the freedom of conscience as first proclaimed in this revolutionary document, and its relevance in our lives today.

“We are thrilled to have Michelle Magner as our distinguished speaker for the next installment of the Life, Liberty & Happiness lecture series,” says Bill Martin, Director of the Valentine Museum. “Her expertise and insights into the ADL’s important work will undoubtedly contribute to a thought-provoking and enlightening lecture on the challenges we face in promoting tolerance and understanding in our society.”

The Life, Liberty & Happiness lecture series aims to highlight scholars whose work contributes to a greater of understanding of the meaning of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” in our modern times. Through engaging discussions and thought-provoking presentations, the series fosters an environment for reflection and encourages meaningful dialogue on the values that underpin our society.

This lecture is free and open to the public, but registration is required as space is limited. More information about this lecture and the link to register can be found at: thevalentine.org/event/life-liberty-happiness-3

The Valentine First Freedom Center is located at 14 S. 14th Street, Richmond, VA, 29219.

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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. thevalentine.org

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The Valentine Celebrates Construction Milestone with Topping Out Ceremony on April 27th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2023

Contact:
Christina Swanson, MA
Director of PR & Marketing
cswanson@thevalentine.org

The Valentine Celebrates Construction Milestone with Topping Out Ceremony on April 27th

RICHMOND – The Valentine museum is pleased to announce it will be hosting a Topping Out Ceremony on Thursday, April 27th at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate the completion of the structural framework for The Valentine Moment Campaign construction.

The Topping Out Ceremony marks a significant milestone in the expansion project which will add new collections storage, public spaces for research, and staff offices, allowing the museum to increase accessibility to the collection and better tell Richmond Stories™.

The ceremony will take place at the construction site of the new addition and will be attended by museum staff, board members, campaign donors, and the construction team who have worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition. Opening remarks will begin at 2:00 p.m. with the final beam placement starting at 2:15 p.m.

“Watching this beam go up will be an exciting moment for us,” said Director Bill Martin. “This project represents a significant investment in the museum’s future and our commitment to serving the Richmond community.”

The Topping Out Ceremony is a long-standing tradition in the construction industry, signifying the placement of the final beam or highest point of a building. It is often marked by the placement of a tree or an American flag on top of the beam or structure.

The Valentine’s construction is slated to be completed by fall of 2023, with the new public spaces opening in early 2024.

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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. Located in Shockoe Slip at the site where the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was signed in 1786, the Valentine First Freedom Center is dedicated to exploring the past, present and future of religious freedom in America.

 

 

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Richmond History Tours Return for 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2023

Contact:
Christina Swanson, MA
Director of PR & Marketing
cswanson@thevalentine.org

Richmond History Tours Return for 2023

RICHMOND- The Valentine is excited to announce the 2023 Richmond History Tour season! Attendees will explore neighborhoods and historic sites across Richmond, learning little-known stories that have shaped our community. For 23 years, the Valentine’s expert guides have helped residents and visitors learn about important historic sites, discover off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, and engage with diverse stories that define Richmond.

“The Valentine is offering a great lineup of tours this season,” says Director, Bill Martin, “New walking tours and the return of our well-known bus tours provide great opportunities to learn new stories. There is no better way to experience Richmond’s history.”

The public season kicks off on Saturday, April 8th from 10:00 – 11:30 am, with our Court End Walking Tour. Attendees will learn about one of Richmond’s oldest neighborhoods, Court End, and explore the incredible story of the 1811 Richmond Theater Fire which is brought to life in local author Rachel Beanland’s new work of historical fiction, “The House is on Fire.”

Walking tours are scheduled for Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays between April and October.

The walking tours offered in 2023 include:
• Origin Stories: Court End
• Murals of Jackson Ward
• Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery
• History of Church Hill
• Figures of Freedom (Shockoe Bottom & Downtown)
• Ballot Battle: Richmond Suffrage (Downtown)
• Barton Heights: Northside
• Shockoe Hill Cemeteries
• Manchester (starting in Summer)
• Scotts Addition (starting in Summer)
• Carytown (starting in Summer)
• Monument Avenue: Origins and Reverberations Augmented Reality (starting in
Summer)

This year, we are thrilled about the return of the program’s popular Richmond city bus tours, expanding both the stories we can tell and the accessibility of tours. The season’s
first bus tour will explore historic cemeteries of Richmond on Memorial Day.

Valentine Members also receive access to Director’s Tours, the first of which will feature the Scott’s Addition neighborhood, led by Valentine Director Bill Martin. The full tour schedule can be found at https://thevalentine.org/events/.

Walking tours are $20 for adults, $10 for Valentine Members and free for children under 18. Bus tours are $50 for non-members, $40 for Valentine Members. Private groups and self-guided tours are also available through The Valentine’s website.

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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. Located in Shockoe Slip at the site where the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was signed in 1786, the Valentine First Freedom Center is dedicated to exploring the past, present and future of religious freedom in America.

 

 

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The Valentine Hosts 5th Annual Religious Freedom Day Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2023

Contact:
Emaline Kayer-Solomon
Public Relations & Marketing
ekayer-solomon@thevalentine.org 

The Valentine Hosts 5th Annual Religious Freedom Day Celebration

RICHMOND- The Valentine and Valentine First Freedom Center are excited to announce the 5th annual celebration of Religious Freedom Day on Tuesday, January 17th at 6:00 p.m. as part of the new lecture series Life, Liberty & Happiness: New Perspectives on Founding Ideas. In anniversary of the signing of the Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom, the Valentine welcomes museum guests, local religious leaders, and members of the public for a discussion of the legacy of religious liberty and what “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” means today.

Remarks will be provided by Dr. Sabrina Dent DMin, Director of the Center for Faith, Justice and Reconciliation – a theological tank and education organization that provides advancing justice issues. A lifelong advocate for human rights and social justice, Dr. Dent addresses the complexities of religious freedom, religion and public policy, race, religion, and American Life.

Life, Liberty & Happiness

Tuesday, January 17, 2023 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

The Valentine, 1015 E. Clay Street Richmond, VA

 

“Life, Liberty & Happiness: New Perspectives on Founding Ideas” is a lecture series that explores the evolution and contemporary relevance of America’s founding philosophies and highlights scholars whose work contributes to reinterpreting what “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” means today.

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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. Located in Shockoe Slip at the site where the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was signed in 1786, the Valentine First Freedom Center is dedicated to exploring the past, present and future of religious freedom in America.

 

 

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The Valentine Continues 10th Year of Community Conversations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 28, 2022

Contact:
Emaline Kayer-Solomon
Public Relations & Marketing
ekayer-solomon@thevalentine.org

The Valentine Continues 10th Year of Community Conversations

RICHMOND -The Valentine is proud to present the final two conversations of the 10th annual community conversations of “Controversy/History.” In the 2022-2023 series, the Valentine has revisited the most controversial, heavy-hitting topics in the Richmond Region, including health, transportation, and housing. The Valentine’s final two conversations will delve into two fundamental topics impacting Richmond today:  Education and the Environment and our Health.

The upcoming Controversy/History on “Coming Up Short: Richmond Needs Schooling” will take place Tuesday, January 3 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at The Len. Speakers for the event are:

  • Genevieve Siegel-Hawley, Associate Professor, Department of Educational Leadership
  • Amy Wentz, Director of Outreach and Engagement, The Commonwealth Institute
  • Christal Corey, Franklin Military Academy Teacher, Richmond Public Schools Top 5 Teacher for 2022

The final Controversy/History on “Environment Reckoning in Richmond” will take place Tuesday, February 7 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at The Science Museum of Virginia. Speakers for the event are:

  • Jeremy Hoffman, The Science Museum of Virginia
  • Speaker from Richmond City Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities

The remaining 2022-2023 schedule is below. As the Valentine will be under construction, Controversy/History events will be held throughout the Richmond region.

Coming Up Short: Richmond Needs Schooling
Tuesday, January 3, 2023 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.
The Len | 15 N 17th Street Richmond, Virginia

Public Spaces: Environmental Reckoning in Richmond
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.
The Science Museum of Virginia | 2500 W Broad Street Richmond, Virginia

Controversy/History is sponsored by Wells Fargo. More information and online registration for events is available at https://thevalentine.org/events. 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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