Richmond History Tours 2012 Season Kicks Off April 1


RICHMOND – March 5, 2012 –
The Valentine Richmond History Center is pleased to announce the 2012 Richmond History Tours season formerly referred to as Historic Richmond Tours.  The name was changed this year to align the program with the History Center’s name.  The History Center offers more than 370 opportunities to explore Richmond history on foot or by bus. 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.

“Our tour program provides everyone the opportunity to learn more about Richmond’s unique and rich history.  Everyone gets a chance to walk around an area that we may not typically visit in our everyday lives and that is an adventure in itself,” said Bill Martin, History Center Director.

Richmond History Tours are a healthy, educational and cost-effective activity for people of all ages. Thanks to generous support from Bon Secours and the Hollywood Cemetery Foundation, tours remain at the same low cost in 2012. Walking tours are $10 ($5 for History members), and bus tours are $25 ($20 for History Center members). Discounts and promotions will regularly appear in Style Weekly and a Groupon promotion will be offered in mid-March.  Discounts do not apply to any bus, History Hounds, Director’s or Holiday Glitter tours.

New in 2012 are unique walking tours of historic Hollywood Cemetery, one of Richmond’s major tourist attractions and a place rich in history and legend.  Offered five times this year, the special tours include:

  • History Hounds Explore Hollywood Cemetery
  • Hollywood Cemetery: The Civil War
  • Hollywood Cemetery: The Women of Hollywood Cemetery
  • Hollywood Cemetery: Symbolism and Monument Styles
  • Hollywood Cemetery: A Rural Garden on a Grand Scale

These themed tours will offer more in-depth information than the regularly scheduled Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery tours and the Sunday Tours of Hollywood Cemetery.

Additional new tours include Director’s Tours led by Martin of Broad Street: Arts and Cultural District along with the return of the 25th Street to Nine Mile Road tour.  The History Hounds series returns this year, in partnership with the Richmond SPCA, with a new walk of Monument Avenue. Dogs are welcome!

In celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the construction of the Wickham House, the History Center will offer a new tour titled Richmond in 1812 which will give a glimpse of what life was like in the city at that time.  Two newly revamped tours feature historical areas that have found a new purpose — Main Street Recycled and Richmond’s Recycled Neighborhood.

City Center walking tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday from May 1 to Oct. 31 in partnership with the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (RMCVB).  They will depart from the Visitor’s Center located at 405 N. 3rd Street. The  tour explores E. Broad and Grace streets in downtown.  In addition, tours return to Church Hill, Jackson Ward, Shockoe Bottom, The Museum District, The Fan, Carver, Monroe Ward, Byrd Park, Manchester and more.

Featured bus tours include African American Heritage, Jewish History and the Lesbian/Gay History tours.  The Civil War Sampler tour will be offered in conjunction with this year’s Civil War & Emancipation day on April 14 and the fall version will focus on The Seven Days Battles.  Free for all veterans, the Historic Cemeteries tour will commemorate Memorial Day with visits to Richmond’s historic cemeteries.  The popular I Know Richmond Bus tour will give an overview of Richmond’s history including a tour of the Capitol and is offered twice this season.

The schedule below includes all public tours in 2012. Unless otherwise stated, walking tours are $10 ($5 for History Center members) and bus tours are $25 ($20 for History Center members). Starting points vary. Some tours require reservations, which can be made at RichmondHistoryTours.com or by calling (804) 649-0711 x301.

Private group tours, step-on guide service and foreign language interpretation also are available by prior arrangement through the tour department: tours@richmondhistorycenter.com or (804) 649-0711 x319.

Printed copies of the 2012 tour brochure, as well as images relevant to each tour’s content (free to media), are available by contacting (804) 649-0711 x322, pr@richmondhistorycenter.com.

The Valentine Richmond History Center offers Richmond History Tours as part of its ongoing commitment to the revitalization of Richmond’s downtown. By encouraging residents and visitors to explore and learn about city neighborhoods and districts, the History Center advances respect for Richmond’s past, promotes ownership of its present and fosters interest in its future

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RICHMOND HISTORY TOURS 2012 PUBLIC SEASON
(listed chronologically)

April 1        Manchester (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Located south of the James River, Manchester was once a major port city and for three years was the county seat of Chesterfield. Incorporated into Richmond in 1910, Manchester enjoyed a mid-century retail heyday and is now recapturing its roots. Learn how the term “Dogtown” became associated with Southside and experience the varied architecture of Old Manchester. Meet at Bankuet Place, 1129 Hull Street.

April 2        Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery (10-11:30am)  WALKING TOUR
Monday – Saturday, April 2 – October 31
Learn about the cemetery’s history, artwork, symbolism and famous residents, including two U.S. Presidents, writer Ellen Glasgow, Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Generals George Pickett and J.E.B. Stuart. Meet at the rear of the stone structure on the left at the cemetery entrance, Cherry and Albemarle streets.

April 8        Hollywood Cemetery (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
An extension of the daily “Highlights” tour, this version covers in more detail the cemetery’s unique history, landscape design, architecture, symbols and residents. Meet at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets.

April 14        Monroe Ward (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
From the early 1880’s through Reconstruction, Monroe Ward was considered one of Richmond’s most elegant neighborhoods. Stroll past these historic buildings that have been lovingly preserved and “recycled” for the 21st century. Meet outside the Commonwealth Club at 401 W. Franklin Street.

April 14        Civil War Sampler (1-5pm)  BUS TOUR
A comprehensive look at the unique role Richmond played as the Capital of the Confederacy. Includes Church Hill, Shockoe Bottom, Court End, the canal area, Hollywood Cemetery and Monument Avenue, and the battlefields at Gaines’ Mill and Cold Harbor. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301.  Meet at the History Center.

April 15        Monument Avenue  (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
The first street in the U.S. to be designated as a National Landmark by the National Park Service, Monument Avenue is one of America’s most beautiful boulevards. Learn about the diverse architectural styles of its grand homes, its famous residents and renowned architects. Meet at the Lee Monument at Allen and Monument avenues.

April 22        The Alleys and Parks of the Fan  (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
The branching avenues that give the Fan its characteristic fan shape form several triangular green spaces, including Harrison Street Park, Lombardy Park and Monroe Park. Stroll through these, as well as some of the landscaped alleys and hidden gardens of the Fan. Meet at Meadow Park, at the intersection of Meadow, Park and Stuart avenues.

April 28        History Hounds Explore Church Hill (10am-12pm)  WALKING TOUR
Dogs are invited to join their owners for this walking tour of Church Hill, in partnership with the SPCA. Dogs must have current shots, mix well with others and remain on a leash. Owners are responsible for water and cleaning up after their dogs. Space is limited. Reservations: (804) 649-0711 x301. Meet at Patrick Henry Park across from St. John’s Church, E. Broad and 24th streets.

April 29        NEW! Main Street Recycled (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
This historic business district long known for its 19th and 20th century ironfronts and high rises, is now being viewed by developers as an opportunity for urban residential growth. The tour focuses on the history of the area, the architectural styles and ornamentation of these buildings and their adaptive reuse for the 21st century. Meet at the corner of 14th & Main streets.

Don’t forget about our Hollywood Cemetery (Mon-Sat.) and City Center (Tues.-Sat.) walking tours.

May 1        City Center Walks (10:30am-12pm)  WALKING TOUR
Tuesday-Saturday, May 1-October 31
The History Center is pleased to partner with Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau to present a walking tour of E. Broad and Grace streets in downtown Richmond, including the CenterStage complex, the National, the Virginia State Capitol and the former Miller & Rhoads building, now converted into a hotel and condominiums. Meet at the Richmond Visitor Center, 405 N. 3rd Street.

May 6        Jackson Ward (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Known as the “birthplace of Black Capitalism,” Jackson Ward is rich in African American history and culture and boasts the largest collection of pre-Civil War homes in the city. Tour includes the Maggie L. Walker Historic Site, the A.D. Price Funeral Home and the Dill House. Meet at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center, 00 Clay Street, between 1st and Adams.

May 13        Hollywood Cemetery (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
An extension of the daily “Highlights” tour, this version covers in more detail the cemetery’s unique history, landscape design, architecture, symbols and residents. Meet at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets.

May 19        History Hounds Explore Hollywood Cemetery (10am-12pm)  WALKING TOUR
Dogs are invited to join their owners for this walking tour of Hollywood Cemetery, in partnership with the SPCA.  Dogs must have current shots, mix well with others and remain on a leash. Owners are responsible for water and cleaning up after their dogs. Space is limited. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301. Meet outside the cemetery gates at Cherry and Albemarle streets.

May 20        Downtown Churches (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Each of the four historic churches on this tour has a fascinating story, distinctive architecture and generations of parishioners. Visit Centenary Methodist, St. Peter’s Catholic, St. Paul’s Episcopal and Second Presbyterian. Meet at Second Presbyterian Church, on 5th Street between Franklin and Main.

May 26        Canal Boats and Cobblestones (6-7:30pm)  WALKING TOUR
Explore architectural treasures and preservation efforts along the James River and the Canals, which were developed in the 1840’s to bypass river rapids. Includes Shockoe Slip, the Turning Basin and the warehouse district. Meet at the James Center Clock Tower at 10th and Cary streets.

May 27        NEW! Richmond in 1812 (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
To mark the 200th anniversary of the History Center’s Wickham House, join us for a look at Richmond in 1812.  For a small town it was a cosmopolitan city, a trading center with a diverse population. We’ll explore the cultural, political, social and religious aspects of this complex city and end with a tour of the Wickham House. Meet at the History Center.

May 28        Historic Cemeteries Tour (10am-1pm) Free for all veterans!  BUS TOUR
Commemorate Memorial Day with a tour of Richmond’s historic cemeteries, including the Old Negro Burial Ground, St. John’s Church, Shockoe, Hebrew, Woodland and Hollywood Cemeteries. Learn about their layout, evolution as parks, artwork and notable tenants. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301. Meet at the History Center.

Don’t forget about our Hollywood Cemetery (Mon-Sat.) and City Center (Tues.-Sat.) walking tours.

June 2        NEW! Director’s Tour: Broad St. Arts & Cultural District (10am-12pm)  WALKING TOUR
Broad Street has been the center of arts and cultural activity.  Today, contemporary art galleries, theaters, historic homes, museums, and libraries form the core of the new cultural district. Tour includes the proposed site of the Institute for Contemporary Art, the newly named November Theater, Virginia’s historic Capitol and the White House of the Confederacy.  Led by History Center Director Bill Martin. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301 Meet at the History Center.

June 3        Carytown and the Byrd Theatre, Revisited (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
From buffalo trail to streetcar suburb, Carytown’s fascinating story is the focus of this tour as you explore this “mile of style”. Includes Cary Court Shopping Center, restored to its 1930’s art deco splendor, and a “behind the scenes” tour of the Byrd Theatre (1928), one of the few active movie palaces in the country. Meet at Premiere Costumes, 3339 W. Cary Street.

June 9        Richmond’s African American Heritage (1-4pm)  BUS TOUR
Examine the impact of the slave trade, explore the role of urban slaves and free blacks, and revisit the Jim Crow era. Discuss the importance of Maggie Walker, Oliver Hill and Douglas Wilder. Includes a trip through Jackson Ward, a visit to the Maggie L. Walker Historic Site, and stops at the Lumpkin’s Jail site and Capitol Square to view the Civil Rights Memorial. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301.  Meet at the History Center.

June 10        Hollywood Cemetery (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
An extension of the daily “Highlights” tour, this version covers in more detail the cemetery’s unique history, landscape design, architecture, symbols and residents. Meet at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets.

June 14         Monument Avenue (6-7:30pm)  WALKING TOUR
The first street in the U.S. to be designated as a National Landmark by the National Park Service, Monument Avenue is one of America’s most beautiful boulevards. Learn about the diverse architectural styles of its grand homes, its famous residents and renowned architects. Meet at the Lee Monument at Allen and Monument avenues.

June 16        History Hounds Explore Ginter Park (10 am-12 pm)  WALKING TOUR
Dogs are invited to join their owners for this walking tour of Richmond’s Ginter Park neighborhood.  Dogs must have current shots, mix well with others and remain on a leash. Owners are responsible for water and cleaning up after their dogs. Space is limited. Reservations: (804) 649-0711 x301. Meet on the southwest corner of Brook Road and
Westwood Avenue.

June 17        Church Hill (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Examine 19th century architecture and modern revitalization efforts in Richmond’s oldest intact neighborhood. Developed by Major William Mayo, Church Hill is home to St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry made his famous speech, and the city’s largest number of antebellum structures. Meet at Patrick Henry Park across from St. John’s Church, E. Broad and 24th streets.

June 23        NEW! Hollywood Cemetery: The Civil War (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
From the Pyramid to the gravesite of Jefferson Davis, high above the James River, Hollywood Cemetery is the final resting place for thousands of Confederates. Come visit the graves of such notables as J. E. B. Stuart, George Pickett, Fitzhugh Lee, Jefferson Davis and many others whose stories continue to capture our imagination 150 years after the Civil War began. Meet at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets.

June 24        Canal Boats and Cobblestones (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Explore architectural treasures and preservation efforts along the James River and the Canals, which were developed in the 1840’s to bypass river rapids. Includes Shockoe Slip, the Turning Basin and the warehouse district. Meet at the James Center Clock Tower at 10th and Cary streets.
Don’t forget about our Hollywood Cemetery (Mon-Sat.) and City Center (Tues.-Sat.) walking tours.

July 1        Capitol Square: Jefferson, Washington and Spielberg (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Designed by John Notman in 1850, Capitol Square is home to the Virginia State Capitol, the Executive Mansion, the Bell Tower, the Civil Rights Memorial and a number of monuments dedicated to Virginians who helped shape our nation’s history, including George Mason, Thomas Jefferson and Harry F. Byrd. A State Capitol tour is included. Meet at Capitol Square’s 9th and Grace street gate.

July 4        I Know Richmond: The Bus Tour (10am-1pm)  BUS TOUR
An overview of the history of Richmond, including Court End, the James River and the Fall Line, Church Hill, Jackson Ward, the Fan and Monument Avenue. Tour drives by St. John’s Church, Hollywood Cemetery, Main Street Station, the Jefferson Hotel and the Museum and White House of the Confederacy. Tour the State Capitol, walk Capitol Square and see the Civil Rights Memorial. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301.  Meet at the History Center.

July 8        Hollywood Cemetery (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
An extension of the daily “Highlights” tour, this version covers in more detail the cemetery’s unique history, landscape design, architecture, symbols and residents. Meet at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets.

July 15        The Fan (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Named for its distinctive shape, the fashionable Fan District boasts beautifully restored homes, churches, schools and businesses that all thrive in this community today. Learn about the luminaries who have called it home and the architectural details that make it unique and timeless. Tour begins at the West Franklin Preservation Zone. Meet your guide at 700 W. Franklin Street.

July 21        NEW! Hollywood Cemetery: The Women of Hollywood (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Explore the significant role that women’s groups played in Hollywood Cemetery’s history from the Civil War to the present. Stops include gravesites of female residents who led independent lives as educators, authors, preservationists, suffragists, humanitarians or as the power behind the scenes of famous men. Meet at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets.

July 22        Carver (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
First settled by Jewish and German trades people, Carver became a vibrant African American neighborhood in the early 1900’s and today is a mix of students, singles, young families and elderly residents. The walk passes schools, churches, businesses and examples of Greek Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne style architecture. Meet near the flagpole at Maggie Walker Governor’s School, 1000 N. Lombardy Street (at W. Leigh).

July 29        NEW! Main St. Recycled (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
This historic business district long known for its 19th and 20th century ironfronts and high rises, is now being viewed by developers as an opportunity for urban residential growth. The tour focuses on the history of the area, the architectural styles and ornamentation of these buildings and their adaptive reuse for the 21st century. Meet at the corner of 14th & Main streets.

Don’t forget about our Hollywood Cemetery (Mon-Sat.) and City Center (Tues.-Sat.) walking tours.

Aug.  4        Director’s Tour: 25th St. to Nine Mile Rd. (10am-12pm)  WALKING TOUR
From the oldest retail building in Richmond to its newest restaurants and urban gardens, this tour will discover one of the city’s most significant neighborhoods. The Robinson Theater, Leigh Street Baptist Church, and Fourth Baptist Church are among the historic landmarks along the route.  Led by History Center Director Bill Martin.  Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301. Meet at Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital, 1500 N. 28th Street.

Aug. 5        Shockoe Bottom (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Now an entertainment and residential district, Shockoe Bottom once served as Richmond’s commercial and transportation hub, as well as one of the country’s busiest slave markets. Explore Main Street Station, the Farmer’s Market, Tobacco Row and current revitalization efforts. Meet at Main and 17th streets.

Aug. 12        Hollywood Cemetery (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
An extension of the daily “Highlights” tour, this version covers in more detail the cemetery’s unique history, landscape design, architecture, symbols and residents. Meet at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets.

Aug. 19        NEW! Richmond’s Recycled Neighborhood (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
In the early 1900’s as the German population of Jackson Ward moved westward, they settled in an area that was once home to Richmond College. Over the years this residential neighborhood expanded to include the commercial district on Broad St., now home for many VCU students. Meet at the corner of Grace and Lombardy streets.

Aug. 25        NEW! Hollywood Cemetery: Symbolism and Monument Styles (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
If cemeteries could talk, what could they tell you about those buried there? Learn to interpret the spiritual, occupational, vegetal and fraternal signs and symbols found on Hollywood’s headstones and ironworks. Discover the historical origins of the many monument styles including cradle stones, pyramids, pier stones, mausoleums and reliquaries. Meet at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets.

Aug. 26        Ginter Park (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Walk through Ginter Park, a stately north Richmond neighborhood planned by Lewis Ginter that has been called home to many of the city’s political and social elite. Meet on the southwest corner of Brook Road and Westwood Avenue.

Don’t forget about our Hollywood Cemetery (Mon-Sat.) and City Center (Tues.-Sat.) walking tours.

Sept. 2        NEW! Richmond in 1812 (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
To mark the 200th anniversary of the History Center’s Wickham House, join us for a look at Richmond in 1812.  For a small town it was a cosmopolitan city, a trading center with a diverse population. We’ll explore the cultural, political, social and religious aspects of this complex city and end with a tour of the Wickham House. Meet at the History Center.

Sept. 9        Jewish History in Richmond (1-4pm)  BUS TOUR
Visit the neighborhoods and commercial districts that figure prominently in the history of Richmond’s Jewish population. Includes Shockoe Bottom, Shockoe Cemetery, the East End and a tour of the Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301.  Meet at the History Center.

Sept. 9        Hollywood Cemetery (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
An extension of the daily “Highlights” tour, this version covers in more detail the cemetery’s unique history, landscape design, architecture, symbols and residents. Meet at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets.

Sept. 13        City Center Walk (6-7:30pm)  WALKING TOUR
The past meets the future in this walking tour of Richmond’s dynamic downtown where Washington, Jefferson and Davis share the spotlight with the State Capitol; the VCU medical campus, the Court End neighborhood and the revitalized Grace St. corridor.  Meet at the corner of Broad and 5th streets, in front of the Hilton Garden Inn.

Sept. 15        History Hounds Explore The Fan (10am-12pm)  WALKING TOUR
Dogs are invited to join their owners for this walking tour of The Fan, in partnership with the SPCA. Dogs must have current shots, mix well with others and remain on a leash. Owners are responsible for water and cleaning up after their dogs. Space is limited. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301. Meet at 700 W. Franklin Street.

Sept. 16        The Museum District  (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
The founding of the Confederate soldiers home initiated the residential development of the area known today as the Museum District. Home to the Virginia Historical Society, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, schools, businesses, churches and residences, this area played an important role in the westward expansion of the city. Meet at the northeast corner of Grove Avenue and Sheppard Street.

Sept. 22        Richmond’s Lesbian and Gay History (1-4pm)  BUS TOUR
This tour will kick-off Richmond’s Pride Week.  Beth Marschak, co-author of Images of America: Lesbian and Gay Richmond, explores the people and events that have shaped the gay and lesbian community, such as women who passed as men to serve in the military, the literary and café society of the 1920’s-40’s, and the rise of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights movement. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301.  Meet at the History Center.

Sept. 23        Canal Boats and Cobblestones (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Explore architectural treasures and preservation efforts along the James River and the Canals, which were developed in the 1840’s to bypass river rapids. Includes Shockoe Slip, the Turning Basin and the warehouse district. Meet at the James Center Clock Tower at 10th and Cary streets.

Sept. 29        NEW! Hollywood Cemetery: A Rural Garden on a Grand Scale  (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Discover the park like setting and the natural tranquility of this rural-style cemetery and see why some call it “A garden of people, their loves, their faith, their dreams”. This tour will explore the cemetery from a historical and horticultural perspective with an emphasis on the beauty of Nature and the impact the Romantic Movement had on 19th century culture. Meet at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets.

Sept. 30        Carytown and the Byrd Theatre, Revisited (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
From buffalo trail to streetcar suburb, Carytown’s fascinating story is the focus of this tour as you explore this “mile of style”. Includes Cary Court Shopping Center, restored to its 1930’s art deco splendor, and a “behind the scenes” tour of the Byrd Theatre (1928), one of the few active movie palaces in the country. Meet at Premiere Costumes, 3339 W. Cary Street.

Don’t forget about our Hollywood Cemetery (Mon-Sat.) and City Center (Tues.-Sat.) walking tours.

Oct. 6        Church Hill (6-7:30pm)  WALKING TOUR
Examine 19th century architecture and modern revitalization efforts in Richmond’s oldest intact neighborhood. Developed by Major William Mayo, Church Hill is home to St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry made his famous speech, and the city’s largest number of antebellum structures. Meet at Patrick Henry Park across from St. John’s Church, E. Broad and 24th streets.

Oct. 7        Scott’s Addition (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Named for General Winfield Scott, this early 20th century commercial and industrial area contains the best selection of Art Deco and Moderne commercial architecture. The area was once the home of the Richmond City Stables and the Mooers Field baseball stadium. The area today is renewing itself as a business, residential and entertainment district. Meet at the Southwest corner of Boulevard and Norfolk Street, across Boulevard from Movieland.

Oct. 14        Hollywood Cemetery (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
An extension of the daily “Highlights” tour, this version covers in more detail the cemetery’s unique history, landscape design, architecture, symbols and residents. Meet at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets.

Oct. 20        NEW! History Hounds Explore Monument Ave. (10am-12pm)  WALKING TOUR
Dogs are invited to join their owners for this walking tour of Monument Ave., in partnership with the SPCA. Dogs must have current shots, mix well with others and remain on a leash. Owners are responsible for water and cleaning up after their dogs. Space is limited. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301. Meet at the Lee Monument at Allen and Monument avenues.

Oct. 20          NEW! The 1862 Peninsula Campaign-Central Virginia (1-5pm)  BUS TOUR
To mark the 150th anniversary of the 1862 Peninsula Campaign which culminated in the Seven Days battles near Richmond, join us for a tour of the Dabbs House, Lee’s headquarters during the campaign, and visits to several battlefields including Beaver Dam Creek, Gaines’ Mill, Glendale (Frayser’s Farm) and Malvern Hill. Reservations: (804) 649-0711 x301. Meet at the Dabbs House, 3812 Nine Mile Road.

Oct. 21          Oregon Hill (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Settled by Irish and Welsh ironworkers in the 1840’s, Oregon Hill is one of the oldest intact neighborhoods in Richmond and continues to thrive as a tight-knit, working class neighborhood. Includes a visit to St. Andrew’s Church and School. Meet at Laurel and Idlewood streets.

Oct. 27          NEW! Hollywood Cemetery: The Civil War (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
From the Pyramid to the gravesite of Jefferson Davis, high above the James River, Hollywood Cemetery is the final resting place for thousands of Confederates. Come visit the graves of such notables as J. E. B. Stuart, George Pickett, Fitzhugh Lee, Jefferson Davis and many others whose stories continue to capture our imagination 150 years after the Civil War began. Meet at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets.

Oct. 28        NEW! Byrd Park & The Carillon Neighborhood (2-4pm)  WALKING TOUR
Dogwood Dell, The Carillon, Arts in the Park, Shields Lake, and the Pump House are all familiar aspects of historic Byrd Park.  Join us for a walking tour of the park and the adjacent Carillon neighborhood. Meet at the Christopher Columbus statue at the southern end of The Boulevard.

Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24  Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery (10-11:30am)  WALKING TOURS
Learn about the cemetery’s history, artwork, symbolism and famous residents, including two U.S. Presidents, writer Ellen Glasgow, Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Generals George Pickett and J.E.B. Stuart. Meet at the rear of the stone structure on the left at the cemetery entrance, Cherry and Albemarle streets.

Nov. 4, 11, 18    Hollywood Cemetery (2-4pm)  WALKING TOURS
An extension of the daily “Highlights” tour, this version covers in more detail the cemetery’s unique history, landscape design, architecture, symbols and residents. Meet at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets.

Nov. 24        I Know Richmond: The Bus Tour (1-4pm)  BUS TOUR
An overview of the history of Richmond, including Court End, the James River and the Fall Line, Church Hill, Jackson Ward, the Fan and Monument Avenue. Tour drives by St. John’s Church, Hollywood Cemetery, Main Street Station, the Jefferson Hotel and the Museum and White House of the Confederacy. Tour the State Capitol, walk Capitol Square and see the Civil Rights Memorial. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301.  Meet at the History Center.

Dec. 26 & 27    Holiday Glitter: Monument Avenue After Dark (6-7:30pm)  WALKING TOUR
Our most popular walking tour! Enjoy the lights and glitter of Monument Avenue while it’s decked out for the holidays. This early evening stroll combines history with a touch of glitz! Dress for the weather, and bring a flashlight. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301. Meet at the Lee Monument at Allen and Monument avenues.

For more information on any tour, please RichmondHistoryTours.com or call (804) 649-0711 option 4.

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