A New Intern Explores the Original Collection of the Valentine

Ever wondered what the Valentine looked like over 100 years ago, and how it’s changed since then? I did! So I did some research into the original collection, sifting through old exhibition catalogs and photographs provided by the wonderful Archives department, and I wanted to share with you a bit of what I found! Read more

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From the Vertical Files: Sarah, The Fly Swatter

In June of 1912, the City Health Department and the Richmond Times-Dispatch sponsored a fly-killing contest, in order to raise awareness about the dangers of flies as disease carriers.  Thousands of people all over town entered, including a team of twenty-four Boy Scouts.  However, the winner was a lone swatter: fourteen-year-old Sarah Johnson of Church Hill, who racked up an astounding 689,640 kills. Read more

/Kelly Kerney

Framing Richmond

What do the following photographs have in common? Read more

/Meg Hughes

Nominations Open for 2013 Richmond History Makers

The Valentine Richmond History Center invites any community member to nominate this year’s Richmond History Makers. The ninth annual program recognizes five everyday citizens and outstanding organizations that are making largely unrecognized contributions to communities within the Greater Richmond Metropolitan area. Read more

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The Gardens are in Bloom and so are the Dresses

The week of April 20th through the 27th marks the 80th Historic Garden Week put on by the Garden Club of Virginia. The club exists to celebrate the beauty of the land, to conserve the gifts of nature, and to challenge future generations to build on this heritage. The headquarters for the Garden Club of Virginia are located right here in Richmond, in the historic Kent-Valentine House on the corner of First and Franklin Streets. During the eight days of Garden Week, the Garden Club gives over 250 home and garden tours statewide. All tour proceeds fund the restoration and preservation of Virginia’s historic gardens. The proceeds since the club’s inception in 1929 total over $14.5 million and have restored gardens at more than 50 properties. Read more

/Vera Magdeeva

2013 Richmond History Tours Season Kicks Off on April 1

 
RICHMOND – March 20, 2013 – The Valentine Richmond History Center is pleased to announce the 2013 Richmond History Tours.  The History Center offers more than 380 opportunities to explore Richmond history on foot, by bus or with your dog. Tour topics vary and include the neighborhoods, architecture, churches, movie theaters, retail districts, monuments, cemeteries, waterways and people that make the city unique. All guides are trained and certified by the History Center.

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Former First Lady of Virginia, Anne Holton

Anne Bright Holton is the wife of United States Senator and former Governor of Virginia, Tim Kaine.  She served as First Lady from 2006 to 2010.  Not only was she an Executive Mansion resident as First Lady, but also as a child during her father’s term as Governor from 1970 to 1974. Read more

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Former First Lady of Virginia, Roxane Gilmore

Roxane Gilmore was a very busy First Lady of Virginia.  Not only did she hold the demanding role of First Lady, but she was an established college professor at Randolph-Macon as well.  Not to mention, in addition to her busy schedule she had two teenage (at the time) boys and an energetic dog living under the same roof as her too. Read more

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Wedding Season at the History Center

The most popular months for weddings are from April to October, and that means that wedding season is right around the corner! The History Center serves as a great location to make your wedding day a historical event whether you are having an indoor or outdoor wedding. We are also home to over 100 wedding dresses. Read more

/Vera Magdeeva

Former First Lady of Virginia, Eddy Dalton

Eddy Dalton was First Lady during the administration of Governor Dalton.  As First Lady, Eddy Dalton wrote a cookbook in order to raise money for her project on helping those with mental retardation.  Read more

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