Open for Memorial DayRediscover RichmondRichmond History MakersA History of Richmond in 50 ObjectsSettlement to Streetcar SuburbsStudent Groups

Open for Memorial Day

The History Center will be open to the public on Monday, May 27 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The History Center is participating as a Blue Star Museum this year. Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America.

We are offering FREE entrance for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Restrictions may apply.

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Rediscover Richmond

The History Center Archives has thousands of two-dimensional items related to the history of Richmond. The Collection is divided into four sections: Books and Manuscripts, Ephemera, Prints and Photographs.

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Richmond History Makers

Today's events serve as tomorrow's history, yet sometimes even the most powerful success stories and hard-working individuals go unnoticed.  The Valentine Richmond History Center launched the Richmond History Makers program to recognize everyday citizens and outstanding organizations making significant contributions to the greater Richmond region. Nominations are now open through June 30, 2013.

For details, click here »

A History of Richmond in 50 Objects

 

“A History of Richmond in 50 Objects” explores the history of Richmond, Virginia, through a selection of objects from the Valentine Richmond History Center collection.  Paying homage to “A History of the World in 100 Objects,” the ground-breaking partnership of the British Museum and BBC Radio 4 in 2010 that focused on world history, this exhibition continues the dialogue in a way that is uniquely Richmond. From an 1819 imprint of John Smith’s 1624 Map of Virginia to the rainbow flag that flew at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond in 2011, “RVA 50” examines how objects contain layers of meaning that are both personal and public.

February 15 - October 20, 2013

Settlement to Streetcar Suburbs

From the first clash of European and Native American cultures, the history of Richmond parallels the story of Virginia and the nation.  Riddled with contradictions, the history of Richmond remains a complex story of human enterprise and business development. 

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Student Groups

From Capitol Square to the Canal. With guided bus and walking tours, we make it fun for students to learn the history from their own back yard.

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Collections

Collections

The largest and finest collection of primary source material for researching and interpreting the history of Richmond.

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From Twitter

 

The Valentine Richmond History Center has been collecting, preserving and interpreting Richmond, Virginia's 400-year history for more than a century. Located in the heart of historic downtown, the History Center is a place for residents and tourists to discover the diverse stories that tell the history of this important region.

Blog

blog

You can learn more about the History Center's collection through our weekly blog posts presented by our staff, volunteers and interns. Don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for our weekly Mystery Item postings as well!

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Take a Richmond History Tour!

The History Center offers more than 380 opportunities to tour historic Richmond on foot, by bus or with your dog.  Led by trained master guides, a Richmond History Tour is the best way to experience the city's rich past, present and future.

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