The History Center is Open During Renovations

Today marks the first day on site for our contractors Kjellstrom and Lee as we begin the renovations at the History Center. Over the next year, we will be transforming our existing museum buildings to create new galleries, education center, gift shop, lobby, and special events spaces.

We are excited (and a little anxious) as we create a great place for the next generation of Richmonders to discover their history. While our galleries and gift shop may be closed, the Wickham House and archives remain open and our school and adult programs continue. We would not be at this important moment without our incredible staff and volunteers who have worked over the last several years to coordinate the complex details of relocating our collections and exhibitions and refocusing our education programs. For the contractor to begin the work required that the main and basement floors be completely emptied. Objects from the exhibitions are now safely tucked back in storage, the education materials have been relocated to provide easy access for our teachers, and the remaining gift shop inventory is packed and awaiting the opening of the new shop next fall. We have even moved the reception area for our visitors into the Davis House.

We would also not be here without the unwavering support of our trustees and donors for this campaign. This project is a bold statement of their commitment to preserving Richmond’s history and to the continuing revitalization of downtown.

So….let the hammers begin. Each Monday until renovations end in October, I will be posting quick updates and a few photos on our renovation progress and on the ongoing programs of the History Center. We hope that you will join us in this journey.

Today’s photos are of the last few objects being removed from the galleries and a message from those that “left their mark” at the recent Richmond History Makers Celebration that happened on October 15, 2013.

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.

Making Mark