Doing Good

Which Richmond non-profit was located for many years across from the future site of the Science Museum of Virginia?

The Virginia Home for Incurables
c. 1900
Cook Collection 593

In 1894, Mary Tinsley Greenhow, who as a teenager was paralyzed during a horse riding accident, founded this organization for disabled Richmonders needing life-long care. This photograph shows the Home’s second site on W. Broad Street at Robinson. It moved to its present location on Hampton Street in Byrd Park in 1930. In 1963, the name shortened to The Virginia Home. Today, Virginia residents at least 18 ages of age with an irreversible physical disability can apply for residence.  The Virginia Home provides nursing and medical care, therapy, counseling services, job and recreational opportunities to its residents.

See more images of Richmond social service organizations in our upcoming photography exhibition Richmond Comes Together: Images of Community Outreach, opening on April 19.

Meg Hughes
Director of Collections & Interpretations
Valentine Richmond History Center