Let’s Talk Dirt.
This week contractors dug trenches for new plumbing in the lower level of the History Center.
Since 1902 the Valentine has been providing educational experiences for Richmond students. For most of these 100 years, kids have been building small clay pots as a part of our Powhatan Indians school program. Believe it or not, one of our larger budget items has always been for our large annual supply of red clay. Over the years I am certain that tons of clay has been used to support this program.
Well….we can now slash our education budget (not really).
In putting in the new water lines to support the new Sara D. November Education Center and our new restrooms, we found beautiful red clay and lots of it. Trenches are being carefully hand dug through the floors in preparation for the water pipes and drains.
As the initial demolition phase comes to a close, we are beginning to see hints of the new spaces that will support and sustain our long engagement with the public schools. We should not be surprised that our programs and our buildings are both built on foundations of the red clay soils of the South…the soils that have always supported all of us.
Are you curious about the progress of our renovation? Please join us for one of our Hard Hat Happy Hours that occur every Wednesday from 4:30-6:00 p.m. You can contact me for more information or RSVP online and let me know you’ll be coming 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
A student proudly shows off her clay pot.
Trenches are being dug and new plumbing is being installed in the Sara D. November Education Center and for the new restrooms. (Photo by Burl Rollet, Richmond BizSense).
-Bill Martin, Director
