Virginia Historical Society/Museum of Virginia History

Address:428 North Blvd.
Richmond, Virginia
Tel: (804) 358-4901

History buffs, come see the world's largest collection of Virginia artifacts! From Patrick Henry's glasses to Pocahontas's hat, the Museum of Virginia History has pieces of history that the whole family will remember for years to come!

Situated on a hillside overlooking the historic James River in Richmond, the Virginia Historical Society was constructed in 1928 by the U.S. ambassador to Spain and Argentina, and his wife, from the materials of a 16h-century English manor house. Today, the Museum is housed in the neoclassical Battle Abbey, and contains the world's largest collection of Virginia artifacts.

Visitors to the Museum of Virginia History can tour "The Story of Virginia, an American Experience," and view artifacts such as gold buttons from Pocahontas's hat, Patrick Henry's eyeglasses, and much more. "Virginians at Work" is a long-term exhibition that tells the story of how Virginians have made a living and why jobs have changed over time.

Older children will enjoy "Solving History's Mysteries: The History Discovery Lab," which introduces visitors to the principles and techniques of archaeology and offers a broad variety of hands-on activities, focusing on the process of discovery and the important role historic architecture and archaeology play in defining our communities and culture. The exhibits change constantly and cover a range of subjects, from Civil War armaments to the civil rights movement in Virginia. Genealogists will find a treasure trove of family histories in the library of some 125,000 volumes and 7 million manuscripts!

To get to the Museum of Virginia History, exit off Highway 53 in Virginia on 9th Street, and go about half a mile. Virginia Regional Medical Center will be on the left and Olcott Park will be on the right. Go to the intersection of 9th Street and 9th Avenue and turn right. Go about one block, and the museum is located on your right.

The Virginia Historical Society was founded in 1831. Like most of the nation's older historical societies, it has always been a private organization; one that derives virtually all its support from membership and endowment. At the organizational meeting in 1831, Chief Justice John Marshall was elected its first president, and former president James Madison was elected its first honorary member.