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Welcome to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture! Since 1831, we've been dedicated to preserving and sharing Virginia's rich history. On this virtual tour, you'll explore our major exhibitions, from the sweeping narratives of The Story of Virginia and Our Commonwealth to the engaging Treasures exhibition and children's gallery. We'll give you a view into our research library and even take you behind the scenes to our collection's storage and conservation areas. Whether you're interested in historical artifacts or the stories that have shaped this state, you'll find something that connects with your own journey. Let's dive into the history that makes Virginia unique!
In case this is your first visit, here are some tips to help you get started:
-To jump to the next destination, click the arrow on the right side of your screen.
-Or, if you already know where you want to go, simply select that location from the list on the sidebar.
-And remember to explore each destination in more detail by clicking the interactive icons included throughout each location.
History Matters
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The History Matters gallery invites you to explore artifacts that reveal the importance of understanding the past. Items that might seem ordinary— a pair of green tennis shoes, a decorated graduation cap, or even a street sign—can tell powerful stories about our lives and communities. Each object tells a story, offering a glimpse into the experience or emotions of those who used or created it, illustrating how history shapes our identities and our connections. As you explore, consider these questions: Why does history matter? How does it influence our sense of identity and belonging? What can we learn from historical events that help us address today's challenges? How does history preserve cultural traditions and inform our values?
Treasures of Virginia
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The Treasures of Virginia exhibition showcases the state's rich history through an ever-changing rotation of artifacts. As a result, this gallery provides insight into a wide variety of topics and aspects of Virginia's story. The low-light environment is important for preserving some of the museum's most precious objects like George Washington's personal diary, a flight jacket from WWII, and a rare lead plate that helped spark the French & Indian War. Special objects from partner museums may also be on display, like Anne Spencer's writing desk or a lunch counter from Richmond's 1960 civil rights sit-in. Each artifact inspires awe and reflection on what we treasure as a society and as individuals.
Virginia: 16000 BCE - 1622
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This section of The Story of Virginia traces Virginia's history from the earliest Indigenous settlements around 16,000 BCE through the arrival of the English in the 1600s, exploring the interactions between Indigenous peoples and others. During the Ice Age, Indigenous people followed game into Virginia and later relied on foraging and farming as the climate warmed. By 900 BCE, they formed villages and united into chiefdoms. In 1607, English colonizers established Jamestown in Powhatan territory. Initial cooperation gave way to tension, culminating in periods of conflict as the English expanded their settlements. As you explore, consider the profound impact of colonization and how these interactions shaped Virginia's future.
Virginia: 1622 - 1763
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1622 to 1763 marked a period of significant transformation in Virginia. By the 1620s, despite ongoing conflict with the Powhatan people, new colonial land policies encouraged more settlers to risk the journey to Virginia. 1619 marked the arrival of the first enslaved Africans and the establishment of the House of Burgesses, both of which shaped Virginia's evolving society. Tobacco, initially grown by indentured servants and later by enslaved Africans, drove economic prosperity. This wealth created a powerful elite, while tensions like Bacon's Rebellion highlighted social strife. As Virginia grew geographically, politically, and economically during this period, conflicts with Indigenous people and rival European powers continued along its western frontier.
Virginia: 1764 - 1824
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From 1764 to 1824, Virginia shifted from a British colony to an independent state in the United States of America, a profound change that reshaped its society and governance. British policies like the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts, along with broader issues of economic control and political representation, fueled colonial discontent. Virginians, seeing these measures as threats to their rights, took leading roles in the fight for independence. Key figures such as Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington shaped the Revolution and the new nation's government. This era was marked by the prosperity of Virginia's elite, who relied on slavery and tobacco, while the struggles of ordinary people and enslaved individuals highlighted a tension between revolutionary ideals and social realities.
Virginia: 1825 - 1860
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From 1825 to 1860, Virginia's economy and society were reshaped by westward expansion and the entrenchment of slavery. As families moved west due, in search of land not depleted by decades of tobacco cultivation, new communities emerged in the Shenandoah Valley. Richmond became a key center in the domestic slave trade, linking Virginia's economy to the expansion of slavery. Enslaved people were forcibly relocated to fuel the booming cotton industry in the Deep South. During this period, figures like Nat Turner and John Brown sought to dismantle the institution of slavery by force, while other individuals, like Henry 'Box' Brown, sought to seize their own freedom.
Virginia: 1861 - 1876
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From 1861 to 1876, Virginia was profoundly shaped by the American Civil War and Reconstruction. With Richmond as the Confederate capital, the state was one of the central battlegrounds of the conflict. Thousands of Virginians died fighting in both the Union and Confederate armies and most of the state's largest cities were largely destroyed. While the end of the war saw the formal abolition of slavery, daily life for African Americans changed little, and their struggles persisted. Reconstruction promised reform and introduced new rights, but it also faced significant setbacks and resistance.
Virginia: 1877 - 1924
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From 1877 to 1924, Virginia embraced economic growth and technological advancements, with railroads, coal, and tobacco fueling industrialization and Richmond's electric streetcar system leading to suburbanization. However, social and political change lagged behind. The 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson decision upheld "separate but equal," reinforcing racial segregation throughout the South. Virginia's 1902 Constitution further entrenched inequality with measures like poll taxes and literacy tests that disenfranchised both African Americans and poor white people. The Racial Integrity Act of 1924 compounded these issues by enforcing segregation and marginalizing Indigenous people. Although women gained the right to vote in 1920, Virginia's systems continued to uphold old hierarchies, reflecting a complex mix of progress and persistent prejudice.
Virginia: 1925 - Today
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As the 20th century unfolded, Virginia transformed from a rural state to an urban hub, driven by its role in global conflicts and rapid economic growth. Virginia's fight for equality saw landmark moments. Barbara Johns led a 1951 student strike against segregated schooling, contributing to the Brown v. Board of Education decision that declared "separate but equal" unconstitutional. Similarly, the struggle of Richard and Mildred Loving against Virginia's Racial Integrity Act led to the 1967 Loving v. Virginia ruling, striking down bans on interracial marriage. Doug Wilder made history in 1989 as the first African American governor elected in the U.S. In 2014, Virginia began issuing same-sex marriage licenses. This narrative of change and progress reflects Virginia's evolving spirit, deeply rooted in its rich history.
The Lost Cause
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This exhibition, The Lost Cause: Myths, Monuments, and Murals, explores how post-Civil War efforts to justify and glorify the Confederacy shaped public memory through public artwork and historical narratives. The Lost Cause ideology emerged soon after the Civil War, but manifestations of it surged during the era of Jim Crow in the early 1900s, and in the 1950s and 1960s amidst the Civil Rights Movement. Over time, it shaped history textbooks, street names, and public monuments. Today, the VMHC preserves and displays the Memorial Military Murals, the statue of Robert E. Lee removed from the U.S. Capitol, and other artifacts of our complex past. Examined in context, they provide valuable lessons to future generations about history and memory.
Landscapes of Virginia
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This exhibition features landscape paintings from across Virginia's five distinct regions, created over nearly two centuries. Virginia's varied terrain—coastal estuaries, winding rivers, rolling plains, fertile valleys, and rugged mountains—has inspired artists and shaped the state's history, economy, and regional identities. The artworks reflect the diverse topography of the Commonwealth. Some capture dramatic or historically significant scenery, while others explore transformations brought about by settlement and industrialization. Many use nature as a canvas for personal expression. Taken together, these paintings celebrate the enduring beauty, bounty, and aesthetic richness of Virginia's landscapes.
Welcome to Our Commonwealth
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Explore Our Commonwealth to discover the diverse and dynamic regions of Virginia. This exhibition highlights five distinct areas: Tidewater, with its maritime heritage; Northern Virginia, a hub of diversity and modern growth; Central Virginia, known for its agricultural and political significance; the Shenandoah Valley, a corridor of natural beauty; and Southwest Virginia, rich in Appalachian culture and resilience. Through interactive displays, "living murals," and immersive soundscapes, you'll see how geography, people, and history intersect to shape Virginia's identity. Enjoy this journey as you uncover the stories that make Virginia a truly extraordinary place.
Our Commonwealth: Tidewater
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Tidewater is defined by its dynamic waterways, including the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and a network of tidal creeks and rivers. These waterways shape the region's culture, economy, and daily life. Tidewater's historical milestones include the arrival of British colonists at Jamestown in 1607 and the region's evolution into a shipbuilding powerhouse during the world wars. In contemporary culture, Tidewater shines with a thriving hip-hop scene that channels the region's vibrant energy and storytelling traditions. The region's beautiful beaches also attract visitors for sun, surf, and relaxation, continuing a long tradition of coastal enjoyment.
Our Commonwealth: Northern
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As you explore the Northern Virginia section, take in how this area's life is closely tied to its proximity to the nation's capital. Accordingly, Northern Virginia evolves with world events, from the establishment of Washington D.C. in 1791 to the 9/11 Pentagon attack in 2001. The region's urban nature is marked by its essential transportation options like trolleys, buses, and the Metro. Discover its historical dairy industry, the rise of technology centers and national defense-related industries, and vibrant immigrant communities. This space showcases Northern Virginia's rich blend of history, innovation, and cultural diversity.
Our Commonwealth: Shenandoah
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The Shenandoah Valley is a land of breathtaking beauty and rich history, nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Its fertile soil supports farming, recreation, and industry, making it a vibrant crossroads of cultures. Explore the stories of its people, from Indigenous cultures who first cultivated the land to European settlers who arrived in the 1700s via the Great Wagon Road. Key moments in the 20th century include the opening of Shenandoah National Park in 1936 and the completion of Interstate 81 in 1969. As you journey through the Valley, you'll experience its lush landscapes and the rich blend of cultures that define this unique region.
Our Commonwealth: Southwest
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Southwest Virginia is a land defined by its rugged terrain and rich natural resources, including minerals, plants, and animals. The challenging environment has shaped a resilient community that thrives on cooperation and mutual support. Historically, the region has been a vital crossroads, with Indigenous peoples harvesting salt and European settlers later discovering coal fields. Key moments include the arrival of the South Atlantic and Ohio Railway in 1890 and the opening of the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail in 1987. The region is renowned for its vibrant music scene, where diverse influences harmonized into early country music. Today, Southwest Virginia continues to be a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, musicians, and those exploring its unique biodiversity.
Our Commonwealth: Central
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Central Virginia is a region of rich landscapes and diverse experiences, blending rolling hills, waterways, and a strong agricultural and industrial heritage. Richmond, as the state capital, serves as a vibrant center for civic engagement and creativity, fueling the area's cultural and intellectual life. The region's history is deeply intertwined with its tobacco industry, which for centuries dominated both the agricultural and industrial economy of the area. Today, Central Virginia remains a significant industrial hub for manufacturing, biotechnology, and steel production. Community spirit thrives here, whether in local sports, festivals, or artistic expressions. Central Virginians value coming together to share traditions, celebrate their heritage, and engage in lively discussions, reflecting the region's dynamic and evolving nature.
Family Galleries
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Commonwealth Explorers is a vibrant and interactive space designed especially for our youngest visitors and their families. This kid-friendly area allows children to immerse themselves in Virginia's history through engaging, hands-on activities. Here, kids can explore the roles of community helpers, interact with objects from different trades, and even prepare state agricultural products in a food truck. They can sort postcards from the museum's collection into regional mailboxes or discover the behind-the-scenes work at the museum. With designated stations and opportunities for free play, this exhibition encourages children to see, touch, and experience Virginia's past and present in a fun and educational way.
Research Library
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The E. Claiborne Robins, Jr. Research Library is an essential destination for historians, genealogists, and scholars. Our state-of-the-art facility includes the Bryan Family Rare Book & Manuscript Study Room and the Austin & Dorothy Meek Brockenbrough Rare Book & Manuscript Vault, ensuring the security and preservation of our most valuable collections. The library provide access to an extensive array of primary and secondary sources, from books and journals to manuscripts and maps. Library staff offers services such as digital scans, object-viewing appointments, and research fellowships, helping you uncover the rich history of Virginia. Explore our resources and discover how our collections contribute to a deeper understanding of the past.
Behind the Scenes
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You're now in one of our behind-the-scenes areas: the Conservation Lab at VMHC. We're dedicated to preserving more than 9 million items in our collection, with much of our essential work occurring out of public view. Our skilled team conserves artifacts, manages special collections storage, and maintains meticulous catalog records for each item in our library and museum collections. In fact, most of our building's space is devoted to collections storage, featuring compact and standard shelving for 3D objects, books, and archival materials, portrait racks for artworks, and specialized flat files for manuscripts and maps. This glimpse underscores the care and precision involved in preserving Virginia's rich history.
Thanks for Visiting!
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Thank you for exploring our virtual tour! None of this important work would be possible without the generous support of visitors and donors like you. The work we do together matters. To continue the conversation, connect with us on social media, visit the museum, come to an event, follow our podcast, become a member, or plan a visit! The VMHC is your history museum; discover your story today.
Host an Event at VMHC
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The VMHC is centrally located and offers a variety of unique spaces for events of all sizes, from meetings and conferences to ceremonies, receptions, and other special events. Our team will work with you to find the right combination of indoor or outdoor locations across the museum and our historic companion property, Virginia House.
