public Events, exhibitions and Programs 2010

Historic Richmond Tours

The 2010 public tour season kicks off on March 20th with the I Know Richmond Bus Tour and runs through December 27th.

Historic Richmond Tours annually offers a diverse schedule of walking, bus and Segway tours led by trained guides and available to the general public. History Center members receive discounts an all tours except Segway tours. Private and custom tours are available by contacting the Director of Tours

The full schedule will be posted in early February at Historic Richmond Tours.

manchester: from sister city to south richmond

New Exhibition: Opens to the Public April 15th (Member Only Gallery Talk, 4-6pm)

This exhibition will focuses on photography and ephemera related to the South Richmond neighborhood of Manchester, on the 100th anniversary of its annexation by the City of Richmond in 1910.

On view through August 2010.

Admission $8. Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10am - 5pm; Sun. 12-5pm.

Waste Not, Want Not: Richmond's Great Depression

October 29, 2009 - September 2010

This exhibition demonstrates life in Richmond during the Great Depression, which lasted from October 1929 until the U.S. entered World War II. In the midst of calamity, Richmond residents joined other Americans in an explosion of political, organizational and cultural creativity. Several important local businesses, organizations and cultural institutions were established during this period. Located in the Massey Gallery (first floor), Waste Not, Want Not tells this story with objects, images, ephemera and costumes primarily from the History Center’s collection.

For a list of all current exhibitions, visit Exhibitions.

Richmond History Makers Call for Nominations

May 1st – June 30th

The Valentine Richmond History Center launched Richmond History Makers in 2005 to annually recognize, honor, and celebrate those everyday citizens and outstanding organizations that are making significant contributions to the greater Richmond region.

Nominate a History Maker now through June 30th at www.richmondhistorymakers.com. For a hard copy form, call (804) 649-0711 x322.

Past honorees include the Better Housing Coalition, Micah Initiative, M&M Ice Cream Parlor, Positive Vibe Café, Geraldine Johnson, Ann Eisenberg and more. (For a full list, visit www.richmondhistorymakers.com.)

Secret Garden Party

Thursday, May 13th
5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
$30 person/$50 per couple

Celebrate the urban garden at this progressive party in Richmond’s historic Court End neighborhood. Each garden will feature a different beverage, refreshments and entertainment. It’s like five parties for the price of one! Reservations include admission to all museums and historic homes.

The White House of the Confederacy – 1201 E. Clay Street
The John Marshall House – 818 E. Marshall Street
Monumental Church – 1224 E. Broad Street
Massey Cancer Center Healing Garden -  401 College Street
Valentine Richmond History Center, 1015 E. Clay Street

Reservations: www.historicrichmond.com by credit card or in person at any of the above locations. Guests also may pay at the door ($35 per person/$60 per couple). Guests may begin or end at any location. Guests must present photo id upon entry. Parking is available in the VCU Medical Center deck on 12th Street at Leigh, or on-street.

2nd Annual Anthem Stride Through Time 10K

Saturday, June 5th, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
$20 per person

A family-friendly, 6.2 mile walk through historic downtown Richmond, perfect for a group of friends and colleagues. Walk while you talk, and take in the sites along the way. Museums will be open for free. Live music, entertainment, costumed reenactors, antique cars and more will line the route. Kids and strollers are welcome*. This event is not timed. Walkers have four hours to complete the course. Register today!

This event is produced by Sports Backers. Registrants may opt to contribute to the official event charities: the Valentine Richmond History Center and Historic Richmond Foundation.

*Please be advised that the course is hilly and multi-surface.

6th Annual Richmond History Makers celebration

Join the History Center, its partners and peers in honoring the 2010 Richmond History Makers at a gala awards ceremony. Unique among other awards programs, the History Makers event honors unsung heroes and untold stories. Reservations are $40 and include a cocktail reception, heavy hors d’oeuvres, the awards ceremony and two free passes the History Center.

Past honorees include the Better Housing Coalition, Micah Initiative, M&M Ice Cream Parlor, Positive Vibe Café, Geraldine Johnson and Ann Eisenberg. www.richmondhistorymakers.com

Court End Christmas

Celebrate the season at a historic holiday open house. The Valentine Richmond History Center and nine peer institutions in downtown Richmond host an afternoon of free admission, music, performances, children's activities, carriage rides, gift shops, refreshments and more.

A complimentary shuttle between sites is provided between 12:15 and 4:45pm. Parking is available on-street or in the VCU Medical Center Visitor Parking deck, entrance on 12th Street at Leigh.

Participating sites include the Valentine Richmond History Center, the Museum and White House of the Confederacy, the John Marshall House, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Virginia State Capitol, St. John’s Church, the Egyptian Building, Monumental Church, the Beers House and Hunton Hall.

Free and open to the public. No reservations required. Rain or shine. Please note that some historic buildings, as well as the shuttle, are not wheelchair accessible. For information, call (804) 649-0711 x301.