Richmond History Tours 2016 Public Season
(tours are listed chronologically)
MARCH
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Reimagining Downtown and Northside: Gilpin, Highland Park, Jackson Ward, Carver, Downtown
Explore areas of the city where Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has been successful with revitalization and public housing efforts. This is the first of three bus tours sponsored by Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and will focus on downtown and Northside. Reservations required, (804) 649-0711. Tickets are $25 and $20 for members.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Reimagining Southside: Randolph, West Cary Street, Old Manchester, Blackwell
Explore areas of the city where Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has been successful with revitalization and public housing efforts. This is the second of three bus tours sponsored by Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and will focus on Southside. Reservations required, (804) 649-0711. Tickets are $25 and $20 for members.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Reimagining the East End: Church Hill North, 25th Street, Nine Mile Road, Creighton/Armstrong, Fulton
Explore areas of the city where Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has been successful with revitalization and public housing efforts. This is the third of three bus tours sponsored by Richmond Redevelopment and Housing and will focus on the East End. Reservations required, (804) 649-0711. Tickets are $25 and $20 for members.
APRIL
Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour
Offered daily Monday-Saturday from April-October and Saturdays, November 5, 12, 19, 26
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, at Cherry and Albemarle streets. Please note that this tour is 1.5 to 2 miles and involves several inclines. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.
Sunday, April 3
Monument Avenue Walking Tour 2-4 pm
Monument Avenue, the first street in the U.S. to be designated as a National Landmark by the National Park Service, is one of America’s most beautiful boulevards. Learn about the homes, residents and history of this iconic piece of Richmond’s Fan District. Meet at the Lee Monument at Allen and Monument avenues.
Saturday, April 9
Byrd Park and the Carillon Walking Tour 10 am-12 pm
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Join us as we walk the reservoir to the river discussing the history of Byrd Park, discovering the architectural gems in the Carillon neighborhood, and visiting the Pump-House, the canals, and the Washington Arch. Meet at the Columbus Monument, south end of the Boulevard. This tour will also take place on Saturday, October 18.
Sunday, April 10
Hollywood Cemetery 2-4 pm
An extended version of the daily “Highlights” tour, this longer version covers in more detail the cemetery’s unique history, landscape design, architecture, symbols, and residents. Meet at the rear of the stone structure on the left at the cemetery entrance, at Cherry and Albemarle streets. Please note that this tour is 1.5 to 2 miles and involves several inclines. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.
Saturday, April 16
Richmond Liberty Trail Walking Tour 10 am-12 pm
Walk along Richmond’s Liberty Trail that connects many of downtown Richmond’s historic sites, neighborhoods and attractions. Meet at the Valentine, 1015 East Clay Street.
Sunday, April 17
Civil War Sampler Bus Tour 1-5 pm
This tour provides a look at Richmond’s role as the capital of the Confederacy. The route includes visits to Church Hill, Shockoe Bottom, Court End, the canal area, Hollywood Cemetery and Monument Avenue and the battlefields at Gaines’ Mill, Beaver Dam Creek and Cold Harbor. Meet at the Valentine, 1015 East Clay Street. Reservations required, (804) 649-0711 ext. 301.
Saturday, April 23
Hollywood Cemetery: A Rural Garden on a Grand Scale 2-4 pm
This tour will explore the cemetery with a historical and horticultural perspective and an emphasis on the beauty of nature and the impact of the 19th century Romantic Movement. Meet at the rear of the stone structure on the left at the cemetery entrance, at Cherry and Albemarle streets. Please note that this tour is 1.5 to 2 miles and involves several inclines. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.
Sunday, April 24
Canal Boats and Cobblestones Walking Tour 2-4 pm
Explore architectural treasures and preservation efforts along the James River and the Canals. Includes Shockoe Slip, the Turning Basin and the warehouse district. Meet at the James Center Clock Tower at 10th and Cary streets.
Saturday, April 30
Director’s Tour: Highland Park 10 am-12 pm
Led by Valentine Director Bill Martin, this tour focuses on one of Richmond’s lesser known historic districts. One of the city’s original streetcar suburbs streetcar suburbs, Highland Park sits just north of downtown Richmond on the hills above Shockoe Valley and dates to the 1890’s. Meet at Boaz & Ruth, 3030 Meadowbridge Road.