Clay Street Unveiled

For almost 50 years guests entered the Valentine through a set of double doors in the middle of our Clay Street block.  During renovations in the 1970’s the main entrance was moved from the row houses to the Branford Cecil House where it remains today.  For the first time in over 25 years the beautiful doors of this earlier entrance were revealed this week.  We now have a hint of the dramatic changes that our visitors will find in our new galleries.

With the original windows and doors reopened, a direct visual link between the street and the activities in the Stettinius Community Galleries is created.  This is more than a physical change to our building.  It is a reflection of our vision of providing an open and inviting place to discover the history of our region.  Our renovations are more than beautiful new spaces and exhibitions, it is our vision of the Valentine’s role in Richmond’s future.

Please join us for a Hard Hat Happy Hour and see Clay Street like no one has ever seen it on Wednesdays from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. You can RSVP online to schedule a time to stop by.

If you would like to help keep us calm and hammering on, you can support the History Center on our secure donation page at   /give.