Virginia Museum of History & Culture

Visit the vault!
Join staff on a short tour of the VMHC's rare book and manuscript vault to see some of the collection's most unique books, documents, and artifacts from across five centuries of Virginia history. In addition to viewing these treasures, guests will learn about the VMHC's library collection and the library's role in facilitating pioneering research into Virginia history. &nbsp;
This tour gives special access to an area of the museum off limits to daily admission and library visitors.&nbsp;
IMPORTANT INFO:
<ul><li>This is an add-on program. You must purchase Daily Admission to the museum in order to take this tour.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Local Event: Visit the Vault

Richmond city

Richmond

Virginia

Visit the Vault

Visit the vault!
Join staff on a short tour of the VMHC's rare book and manuscript vault to see some of the collection's most...

Join VMHC Educators on Tuesdays this summer to play a variety of games from history and around the world!
As a special nod to the exhibition, We The People: The World in Our Commonwealth, this summer will feature games like yut nori, al rein, stick horse races, kanche, and more!
This event is fun for all ages, but recommended for elementary – middle school.&nbsp;
FAQs:
<ul><li>Do I need to come right at 10:00? - No! This is a walk up, drop in program from 10:00-12:00.</li><li>Do I need to buy a ticket? - No! This is a free event outside the museum.&nbsp;</li><li>What about weather cancellations? - We will make the call whether to cancel for weather each morning.<ul><li>Follow our social channels @virginiahistory and @vmhceducation for updates</li></ul></li></ul>

Local Event: Front Lawn Fun

Front Lawn Fun

Join VMHC Educators on Tuesdays this summer to play a variety of games from history and around the world!
As a special nod to...

Explore international cultures through hands-on artmaking!
Each week, create a craft inspired by traditional techniques and designs from different regions of the world. These drop-in activities invite families to learn about global heritage and art while creating something to take home.
After making your masterpiece, explore the exhibit, We The People: The World in Our Commonwealth, to learn more about individuals and communities who have made Virginia home.&nbsp;
Weekly Craft: •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;June 4: Scratch-art Greek VasesFAQ: 1. Do I need to arrive right at 10:30? - No! This is a drop-in craft event from 10:30-11:30. 2. Do I need to purchase a ticket? - This event is included with daily admission, so you do need to purchase a museum ticket, but there is no additional ticket required for the crafts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Local Event: Themed Thursdays

Themed Thursdays

Explore international cultures through hands-on artmaking!
Each week, create a craft inspired by traditional techniques and...

On the first Friday of each month, the museum will stay open later for this family-friendly event. Between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm, the museum will&nbsp;offer free admission to the galleries, specials in the Café, access to food trucks,&nbsp;live music, and family-centered activities.
<ul><li>First Friday of every month from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm</li><li>Free after-hours admission to the museum</li><li>$2 off wine and beer in the Museum Café, plus specialty mocktails for adults and kids</li><li>Access to food trucks, live music, and family-friendly&nbsp;activities</li><li>Bounce House (weather permitting)&nbsp;</li></ul>
Free, no registration required.
First Fridays made possible with support from Virginia Renalds&nbsp;Edmunds

Local Event: First Fridays

First Fridays

On the first Friday of each month, the museum will stay open later for this family-friendly event. Between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm,...

Explore international cultures through hands-on artmaking!
Each week, create a craft inspired by traditional techniques and designs from different regions of the world. These drop-in activities invite families to learn about global heritage and art while creating something to take home.
After making your masterpiece, explore the exhibit, We The People: The World in Our Commonwealth, to learn more about individuals and communities who have made Virginia home.&nbsp;
Weekly Craft: •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;June 11: Egyptian Lanterns <a href="https://secure.virginiahistory.org/3945/5103" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>
FAQ: 1. Do I need to arrive right at 10:30? - No! This is a drop-in craft event from 10:30-11:30. 2. Do I need to purchase a ticket? - This event is included with daily admission, so you do need to purchase a museum ticket, but there is no additional ticket required for the crafts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dock Street Park &amp; Intermediate Terminal Richmond, VirginiaIn 2026, the United States of America will mark its 250th anniversary. This once-in-a-generation moment—one of celebration, reflection, and aspiration—will be marked with numerous events across the country, including a fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships making their way up the country’s east coast in an epic peacetime gathering. Primary ports include New Orleans, <a href="https://sail250virginia.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Norfolk</a>, Baltimore, New York, and Boston.&nbsp;
The City of Richmond and the Virginia Museum of History &amp; Culture are proud to partner in hosting Richmond SailFest, a Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor. Kicking off Central Virginia’s countdown to America’s 250th anniversary, Richmond will host several impressive tall ships along with dockside entertainment and concessions. This FREE, family-friendly, weekend-long festival will feature ship tours, live music and performances, historical re-enactors, exhibitions of history and art, and much more. The evening of Saturday, June 13, will end with an epic display of fireworks over the James River!

Local Event: Richmond SailFest

Richmond SailFest

Dock Street Park & Intermediate Terminal Richmond, VirginiaIn 2026, the United States of America will mark its 250th...

Dock Street Park &amp; Intermediate Terminal Richmond, Virginia
In 2026, the United States of America will mark its 250th anniversary. This once-in-a-generation moment—one of celebration, reflection, and aspiration—will be marked with numerous events across the country, including a fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships making their way up the country’s east coast in an epic peacetime gathering. Primary ports include New Orleans, <a href="https://sail250virginia.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Norfolk</a>, Baltimore, New York, and Boston.&nbsp;
The City of Richmond and the Virginia Museum of History &amp; Culture are proud to partner in hosting Richmond SailFest, a Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor. Kicking off Central Virginia’s countdown to America’s 250th anniversary, Richmond will host several impressive tall ships along with dockside entertainment and concessions. This FREE, family-friendly, weekend-long festival will feature ship tours, live music and performances, historical re-enactors, exhibitions of history and art, and much more. The evening of Saturday, June 13, will end with an epic display of fireworks over the James River!

Dock Street Park & Intermediate Terminal Richmond, Virginia
In 2026, the United States of America will mark its 250th...

Explore international cultures through hands-on artmaking!
Each week, create a craft inspired by traditional techniques and designs from different regions of the world. These drop-in activities invite families to learn about global heritage and art while creating something to take home.
After making your masterpiece, explore the exhibit, We The People: The World in Our Commonwealth, to learn more about individuals and communities who have made Virginia home.&nbsp;
Weekly Craft: •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;June 18: Mexican Feather Art 

FAQ: 1. Do I need to arrive right at 10:30? - No! This is a drop-in craft event from 10:30-11:30. 2. Do I need to purchase a ticket? - This event is included with daily admission, so you do need to purchase a museum ticket, but there is no additional ticket required for the crafts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Explore international cultures through hands-on artmaking!
Each week, create a craft inspired by traditional techniques and designs from different regions of the world. These drop-in activities invite families to learn about global heritage and art while creating something to take home.
After making your masterpiece, explore the exhibit, We The People: The World in Our Commonwealth, to learn more about individuals and communities who have made Virginia home.&nbsp;
Weekly Craft: •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;June 25: Symbols of Ireland<a href="https://secure.virginiahistory.org/3945/5103" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>
FAQ: 1. Do I need to arrive right at 10:30? - No! This is a drop-in craft event from 10:30-11:30. 2. Do I need to purchase a ticket? - This event is included with daily admission, so you do need to purchase a museum ticket, but there is no additional ticket required for the crafts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h3>Thursday, June 25-Sunday, June 28, 2026</h3>
In June 2026, to honor America’s 250th anniversary, the Virginia Museum of History &amp; Culture will unveil VMHC IllumiNATION, a breathtaking video art projection that brings the American story to life. Set against the museum’s historic facade, this immersive experience will blend artistic light, historic imagery, and music to transport viewers on a powerful journey through time and place.&nbsp;
This FREE community event will invite every viewer to see themselves within the fabric of American history—deepening understanding, sparking reflection, and inspiring a lasting appreciation for our shared past. A festive block-party atmosphere will enhance the four-night run of shows. As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the entire VMHC campus will come alive with popular local bands, art displays, cultural demonstrations, community group exhibitors, and crafts and games for the whole family.

Local Event: VMHC IllumiNATION

VMHC IllumiNATION

Thursday, June 25-Sunday, June 28, 2026
In June 2026, to honor America’s 250th anniversary, the Virginia Museum of History &...

Richmond Metropolitan Area

Henrico County

Henrico

Montrose

Patch AM Team

East Highland Park

Lakeside

Highland Springs

Dumbarton

Sandston

Hanover County

Mechanicsville

Chesterfield County

Bon Air

Laurel

Chesterfield

Meadowbrook

Reveler

Justin Golden brings the blues to the Reveler (3108 W. Cary St.) Wednesday May 20 at 6:00 pm. Quirky folk popster (and native Virginian) Shanna in a Dress opens the show.Justin GoldenJustin Golden's origins are deeply vested in the blues, with roots in the Mississippi Delta, Chicago and the Piedmont of Virginia. Golden has carefully studied country blues, with influences ranging from Blind Boy Fuller to Taj Mahal to indie guitar. And as a traditional roots music stalwart, he’s passing the inspiration to youth by teaching them to play as well. His training as an archaeologist has taught him to view music through a historical lens. Studying historic cemetery sites throughout Virginia, he noted that old burial grounds could be lost within a generation, which made him realize that the historic memory of music should also be preserved. Since 2016, Justin has been an instructor of Piedmont Blues Guitar at Augusta Heritage Center's Blues and Swing Week at Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia. While he is keenly versed in traditional styles, he has an extremely diverse musical palette and brings new ideas to traditional blues forms.
Justin performs with his Virginia supergroup DEVIL'S COATTAILS, featuring Trey Burnart Hall (mandolin, tenor banjo, electric guitar), Chris Gatens (upright bass, clawhammer banjo) and Drew Barnocky (drums and washboard). Golden has created a sound where country, blues and bluegrass converge. Together the group has just released Golden Country: Volume 1 to rave reviews.
In early 2025, Justin received a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis, which significantly limited his ability to tour full-time or maintain a consistent out-of-town performance schedule. Rather than stepping away from music, Justin redirected his energy into building this concert series — creating space for collaboration, bringing musical peers to RVA, and continuing to serve the community through live performance.For more information about Justin see www.justingolden music.com
Shanna in a DressShanna in a Dress is your quirky best friend who refuses to wear pants. She says what everyone has felt but no one else will say&nbsp;and you'll get an uncensored journey of clever humor and heartbreak, extreme candor, and a hefty side of entertainment at her shows. This witty wordsmith is known for taking you on an emotional roller coaster, sometimes within the same song. Think John Prine mixed with Ingrid&nbsp;Michaelson&nbsp;with a twist of Phoebe&nbsp;Buffay&nbsp;from Friends all wrapped up in a sweet voice accented by guitar, piano, and ukulele.
Originally launching her career at the University of Virginia and later finding inspiration in Boulder, Colorado, Shanna now calls St.Louis home when she’s not touring across the U.S. and Europe. Known for her spontaneous banter and playful stage presence, no two shows are ever the same. Her accolades include wins at the Kerrville New Folk Competition, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Songwriting Contest, and Great River Folk Fest Song Competition, along with recognition at Falcon Ridge and Songwriter Serenade&nbsp;More info on Shanna and her music at www.shannainadress.com.

Local Event: Justin Golden w/Shanna in a Dress - Wednesday May 20th @ The Reveler

Justin Golden w/Shanna in a Dress - Wednesday...

Justin Golden brings the blues to the Reveler (3108 W. Cary St.) Wednesday May 20 at 6:00 pm. Quirky folk popster (and native...

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Visit the Vault

MAY

23

3:00 PM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

Front Lawn Fun

JUN

2

9:00 AM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

Themed Thursdays

JUN

4

10:30 AM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

First Fridays

JUN

5

5:00 PM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

Front Lawn Fun

JUN

9

10:00 AM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

Themed Thursdays

JUN

11

10:30 AM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

Richmond SailFest

JUN

12

10:00 AM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

Richmond SailFest

JUN

13

10:00 AM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

Visit the Vault

JUN

13

3:00 PM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

Richmond SailFest

JUN

14

10:00 AM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

Front Lawn Fun

JUN

16

10:00 AM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

Themed Thursdays

JUN

18

10:30 AM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

Front Lawn Fun

JUN

23

10:00 AM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

Themed Thursdays

JUN

25

10:30 AM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

VMHC IllumiNATION

JUN

25

6:00 PM

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA

VMHC IllumiNATION