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76 Years of Neighborhood Tours!

The Claiborne Robins, Jr. Director of Public Programs Liz Reilly-Brown discusses the history of the Valentine’s neighborhood tours.

FIC.031797; “Carrington Row Tour”; Oct 28 1967; The Richmond Times-Dispatch

In the fall of 1942, the Valentine and historic preservation champion Mary Wingfield Scott launched a series of walking tours exploring Richmond. The Valentine had recently opened the exhibition Old Richmond Neighborhoods, a project that grew out of Scott’s efforts to document the city’s vulnerable historic neighborhoods and architecture. These early walking tours brought Richmond citizens together to explore their city, visiting areas such as Gamble’s Hill, Church Hill, Oregon Hill, Jackson Ward and Hollywood Cemetery.

Tours were among the methods utilized by Scott to spread the gospel of historic preservation. Scott educated residents about important examples of architecture and historic places in their own backyards, sites she believed were in need of saving from ongoing threats of demolition, disrepair and development.

V.85.37.4033; “Group Tours Restoration Project in Church Hill”; 1972; The Richmond Times-Dispatch

Thus, the Valentine’s tour program was born (though not always offered consistently and stewarded for a time by Historic Richmond Foundation). Today, the museum continues Scott’s work by providing Richmonders with opportunities to explore their city by foot, bus and bike, with the goal of sharing diverse stories of Richmond residents and exploring the ever-changing landscape.

In my personal experience organizing the tour program, some of the most rewarding moments have occurred spontaneously as tour takers share their own stories. On a tour of Battery Park last spring, our group discussed the shifting demographics of the neighborhood in the last seventy years, and two attendees recalled their personal experiences during school desegregation. They soon discovered that they were former elementary school classmates, one white and one black.

2018 will mark 76 years since the first Valentine walking tours, and we have many exciting things in the store for the coming season.  Favorite tours will be back, such as Hollywood Cemetery, our downtown City Center Walks and beloved areas like Church Hill, Jackson Ward and Scotts Addition. New additions to our tour program will take attendees to different parts of the city and provide new perspectives, such as a stroll along the Floodwall exploring the history of Richmond and the James River, a walk through the Broad Street Arts District, a tour and work day at Evergreen Cemetery and an exploration of Carytown’s LGBTQ+ history.

We hope that by continuing to explore our city and unearth the important stories of its residents, we honor the legacy of Mary Wingfield Scott, and the numerous people who have contributed to the diversity, culture and history of Richmond.

On behalf of the Valentine, I invite you to join us for tours, April through December. More info can be found at thevalentine.org/tours.

Liz Reilly-Brown is the Claiborne Robins, Jr. Director of Public Programs at the Valentine

Events

History of Carytown Walking Tour

Regarded as a must-see destination for Richmond visitors, Carytown is a shopping and entertainment district known for an eclectic mix of local businesses. Join us to discover the commercial history of this popular district and enjoy a behind the scenes look at a Richmond cultural anchor, the 1928 Byrd Theater.

 

“What a wonderful way to learn so much about the city, its history and architecture. If you really want to see Richmond, do a Valentine walking tour.”

 

Price: $15 Adult, $5 Valentine members, Children under 18 are free
Length: 2 hours
Parking: On Street
Meeting place: Meet at Garden Grove Brewing, 3445 West Cary Street

 

Tour Notes

  • Advanced tickets are strongly encouraged. Space is limited.
  • Valentine walking tours are typically between 1-2 miles in length. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.
  • Accessibility- People of all abilities are encouraged to join us for tours. If you have accessibility challenges or need accommodation, please let us know in advance.
  • Tours are held rain or shine. However, in extreme weather a tour may be cancelled. Call 804-649-0711 x 301 to verify the tour will take place.

Byrd Park, The Carillon and The Canals Walking Tour

Join us as we walk from 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 Christopher Columbus Monument, south end of the Boulevard.

$15 per person
$5 for Valentine Members
On-street parking.

This tour is presented as part of the Richmond History Tours program, a service of the Valentine. We offer a full schedule of walking and bus tours of city neighborhoods, waterways, parks, retail districts, historic sites and battlefields. Led by a master guide, a Richmond History Tour is the best way to experience the city’s rich past, present and future.

Byrd Park, The Carillon and The Canals Walking Tour

Join us as we walk from the reservoir to the James River, discovering the history of this unique Richmond neighborhood. We’ll discuss the history of the beloved public park, examine architectural gems in the Carillon neighborhood, visit the historic pump house, and explore the canals and the Washington Arch.

 

“Our guide was wonderful. So knowledgeable and fun. Great stories!” –August 2017

 

Price: $15 Adult, $5 Valentine members, Children under 18 are free
Length: 2 hours
Parking: On Street
Meeting place: Meet at the Columbus Monument in Byrd Park, south end of the Boulevard.

 

Tour Notes

  • Advanced tickets are strongly encouraged. Space is limited.
  • Valentine walking tours are typically between 1-2 miles in length. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.
  • Accessibility- People of all abilities are encouraged to join us for tours. If you have accessibility challenges or need accommodation, please let us know in advance.
  • Tours are held rain or shine. However, in extreme weather a tour may be cancelled. Call 804-649-0711 x 301 to verify the tour will take place.