2008 richmond history makers celebration, october 21st RICHMOND, VA— The Valentine Richmond History Center celebrates the 2008 Richmond History Makers: Geraldine Johnson, director, St. James’s Children’s Center; Dr. John Moeser, senior fellow, Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, University of Richmond;  Better Housing Coalition (T.K. Somanath, executive director); Positive Vibe Café (Max and Garth Larcen); and Alexander Lebenstein, advocate, Schools Without Racism. The 4th Annual Richmond History Makers Program pays tribute to everyday citizens and outstanding organizations that make significant contributions to the greater Richmond region. The 2008 program is presented by Dominion. Visit the History Makers web site.

new photography exhibition chronicles history of firefighting in richmond RICHMOND, VA—Stop, Drop and Roll: Firefighting in 20th Century Richmond is a collection of images and archival objects related to public safety, firefighters and fire disasters in 20th century Richmond. The exhibition opens on October 3, 2008, in the Stern Gallery at the Valentine Richmond History Center and will run through March 31, 2009. See the complete release. (70KB)

valentine richmond history center galleries open free to the public during 2008-2009 first fridays season RICHMOND, VA—The galleries of the Valentine Richmond History Center will be open to the public during each First Fridays Artwalk throughout the 2008-2009 season. In keeping with its mission to support the cultural life of downtown Richmond, the History Center will waive its regular $10 admission on the first Friday of each month, September 2008 through June 2009, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

BRAVES HISTORY LIVE ON IN MUSEUM: VALENTINE rICHMOND HISTORY CENTER TO HOUSE BRAVES MEMORABILIA RICHMOND, VA—Even after the Braves leave the field for the final time on September 1, 2008, fans will be able to remember the teams which gave life to baseball in Richmond. Vintage and contemporary posters, uniforms, score sheets, imagery and equipment will tell the story of the team, the field and the fans over the past years to future generations. See the complete release. (37 KB)

Valentine Richmond History Center Extends Complimentary Membership Offer RICHMOND, VA—Residents of Richmond City, Henrico or Chesterfield Counties who purchase a Court End Passport ($10) at the Valentine Richmond History Center between today and August 31st may opt for a complimentary History Center membership, valid through the end of 2008. An annual individual membership normally costs $45, but the History Center is waiving the fee to residents of these localities in appreciation of their support of its programs. See the complete release (164 KB)

Valentine Richmond History Center Announces Complimentary Membership to Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield Residents - April 23, 2008 RICHMOND—Residents of Richmond City, Henrico or Chesterfield Counties who visit the Valentine Richmond History Center between today and June 30th may opt for a complimentary History Center membership, valid through the end of 2008. An annual individual membership normally costs $45, but the History Center is offering free memberships to residents of these localities in appreciation of their support of its mission and programs. See the complete release (121 KB).

Battle for the City: The Politics of Race 1950s-1970s - March 15, 2008 RICHMOND, VA– The Valentine Richmond History Center takes a candid look at mid-20th century Richmond with Battle for the City: the Politics of Race 1950s-1970s, a new exhibition opening April 4, 2008. With stunning imagery and artifacts, the History Center revisits citywide conflicts over integration, civil rights, urban planning, transportation, and political representation, the outcomes of which affected Richmond’s physical and social landscape. See complete release and images (483 KB).

The Black History Museum Joins Court End Passport - February 28, 2008 RICHMOND—As of March 1, 2008, the purchase of a Court End Passport, the existing joint ticket that allows visitors one-pass access to the Valentine Richmond History Center, the Wickham House, the John Marshall House, and Monumental Church, will include admission to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. This new partnership is generously underwritten by Dominion and expires February 28, 2009. See complete release (111 KB).

Liberty Lectures: A New Series Presented by the Valentine Richmond History Center and St. John’s Church Foundation - February 13, 2008 A new partnership between two downtown historic sites, the Liberty Lecture Series invites Revolution-era scholars to discuss key issues related to the founding of the nation in the very place where Patrick Henry made a stand for freedom more than 200 years ago. The inaugural Liberty Lecture occurred in October 2008 and featured Peter Wallenstein, Virginia Tech professor and Virginia historian. The March 5, 2008, installment welcomes Dr. Woody Holton, University of Richmond professor and author of Unruly Americans and the Origin of the Constitution, a finalist for the National Book Award. On October 1, 2008, the series welcomes Ed Ayers, president of University of Richmond. See complete advisory (52 KB).

HISTORIC RICHMOND TOURS 2008 SCHEDULE - January 3, 2008
City Center Walks, Harry Kollatz, and Lesbian & Gay History Join History Hounds, Holiday Glitter and Hollywood Cemetery for the 2008 season. See complete release (56 KB).

local author celebrates bottomley architecture - November 1, 2007
Richmond, VA,– Richmond resident Susan Hume Frazer presents a slide show based on her new book about William Lawrence Bottomley, a New York architect who designed 185 homes, including 20 in Richmond. The Architecture of William Lawrence Bottomley (2007, Acanthus) takes a detailed look at the majestic ceilings, dramatic staircases, and intricate craftsmanship that set apart a “Bottomley” house. See complete release (87 KB)

valentine richmond history center and the university of richmond partner to honor 2007 richmond history makers - October 10, 2007
Richmond, VA,– The Valentine Richmond History Center is pleased to welcome the University of Richmond as a partner in the 2007 Richmond History Makers Celebration on October 23rd. University President Edward L. Ayers, one of the nation’s leading scholars on the history of the American South, will join the downtown community as it pays tribute to everyday citizens and outstanding organizations that make significant contributions to the greater Richmond region. See complete release (87 KB)

valentine richmond history center celebrates 2007 richmond history makers - October 3, 2007
Richmond, VA,– The Valentine Richmond History Center is excited to announce the 2007 Richmond History Makers.  The third annual Richmond History Makers program recognizes, honors and celebrates everyday citizens and outstanding organizations making significant contributions to the greater Richmond region. Today’s events serve as tomorrow’s history, yet sometime even the most powerful success stories and hard-working individuals can go unnoticed.   See complete release (87 KB)

valentine richmond history center calls for 2007 history makers nominations - June 11, 2007
Richmond, VA, – The Valentine Richmond History Center has again partnered with Leadership Metro Richmond to launch the 3rd annual Richmond History Makers — a program that annually recognizes, honors and celebrates everyday citizens and outstanding organizations making significant contributions to the greater Richmond region.  The public call for nominations began May 1,  with nominations being accepted until June 29, 2007, in five categories of distinction.  See complete release (943 KB)

Did you know richmond?: What we learned from the richmond history quiz - april 23, 2007
Richmond, VA, – Over 3,000 participants took the IKNOWRICHMOND.COM Richmond History Quiz, with an average score of 60 of 100 possible points which, according to the grading scale for many of Richmond’s public schools, earns Richmond ….well…an “F”. See complete release (66k PDF)

heroes, hounds and history: new tours for 2007 - april 23, 2007
Richmond, VA, – Historic Richmond Tours, a service of the Valentine Richmond History Center, announces new tours for the 2007 season in addition to the regular series of neighborhood walking and specialty bus tours.
See complete release (73k PDF)

dominion gift puts new campaign over $1 million - april 4, 2007
Richmond, VA, – The Valentine Richmond History announced a $250,000 commitment from Dominion to its three-phased Second Century Campaign. This gifts puts total giving for Phase II of the campiang at just over $1 million..
See complete release (46k PDF)

2006 Tour Schedule - Explore Richmond with Historic Richmond Tours!
Richmond, VA, – Explore Richmond’s beautiful historic districts through a series of delightful, educational strolls and guided bus tours! Historic Richmond Tours’ master guides share the areas’ historic stories and rich architecture. Walking tours proceed at a leisurely pace appropriate for all ages.
See complete release (84k PDF)

February - March 2006 Calendar of Events!
Richmond, VA, – Celebrate Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March while participating in one of our specialty bus tours!
See complete release (100k PDF)

2005 Tour Schedule - Explore Richmond with Historic Richmond Tours!
Richmond, VA, – Explore Richmond’s beautiful historic districts through a series of delightful, educational strolls and guided bus tours! Historic Richmond Tours’ master guides share the areas’ historic stories and rich architecture. Walking tours proceed at a leisurely pace appropriate for all ages.
See complete release (40k PDF)

Red Cross Makes Historic Donation to Richmond History Center
Richmond, VA, July 9, 2004 – The Greater Richmond Chapter of the American Red Cross has made a historic donation to the collections of the Valentine Richmond History Center, including photographs, booklets, uniforms, hats, pins, dolls, papers and other items that document the history of one of Richmond’s most important service organizations. The total donation numbers in the thousands of items.
See complete release (20k PDF)

The Edward V. Valentine Sculpture Studio
Richmond – The studio building of sculptor Edward Virginius Valentine (1838-1930) is one of only four surviving 19th century sculptors’ studios in the United States that is open to the public. A significant renovation led to a unique new studio exhibit featuring hundreds of Valentine’s original works and tools, photographs, and personal effects.
See complete release (36k PDF)

History Center to Lead "Lincoln's Richmond Walk"
Following Statue Installation
Richmond, VA, March 1, 2003 – On Sunday, April 6, 2003, from 1:00-5:00 p.m., the Valentine Richmond History Center will lead a free walking tour in the footsteps of one of the most significant walks in American history – President Abraham Lincoln’s April 4-5, 1865 visit to the capital of the Confederacy, less than two days after its fall to Union forces.
See complete release (20k PDF)

Discovering Collections, Making Connections
Richmond, VA, May 3, 2003 – From George Washington’s cane to a slave coin to a crazy quilt made from Confederate relics, the new “Discovering Collections, Making Connections” exhibit at the Valentine Richmond History Center explores the connection between objects and the stories of Richmond history.
See complete release (16k PDF)

Preserving Richmond’s History: Curators At Work
Richmond March 28, 2003 – Historic Richmond treasures from four centuries come to the gallery floor in the innovative Valentine Richmond History Center exhibit, “Preserving Richmond’s History: Curators at Work.” Opening Friday, March 28, 2003, and continuing until September 2005, the exhibit features interaction between artifacts, curatorial staff and visitors.
See complete release (780k PDF)