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Virginia Museum of History & Culture

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Virginia Museum of History & Culture

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Discover, explore, and learn about more than 16,000 years of history at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. www.VirginiaHistory.org
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Plan your visit, browse upcoming events, view virtual tours, watch past lecture & program recordings, and much more at VirginiaHistory.org.

10/28/2026

From spooks to sprites, you may be encountering all kinds of other spectral scenes this week 👻

But did you know there is a form of digital research called multispectral imaging that brings something else entirely to light?

This work uses wavelength bands - visible light, ultraviolet (UV), and infrared (IR) - to capture image data in an attempt to reveal text and other features of objects currently not visible in natural light or hidden to the human eye.

As part of the VMHC's ongoing work to preserve and engage more deeply with our collections, Mike Toth of recently conducted multispectral imaging on a variety of materials in the VMHC collection. Stay tuned for future features about the untold tales this work uncovers.

10/27/2026

Barbie® was born out of Ruth Handler's recognition that young girls deserved a toy that represented themselves and made clear that the possibilities for their future were endless.

For nearly 70 years, Barbie® dolls have broken barriers, proving that anyone can be anything. Barbie® has been an astronaut, a presidential candidate, and so much more.

Learn more about Barbie and the careers she's inspired in the "Barbie™: A Cultural Icon" exhibition. Plan your visit at https://VirginiaHistory.org/Barbie

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Barbie™: A Cultural Icon is presented in collaboration with Illusion Projects and Mattel, Inc., a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. Barbie™: A Cultural Icon is created and toured by Illusion Projects Inc., curated by Karan Feder, in partnership with Mattel Inc., and distributed by Dala Projects.

10/26/2026

COMING SOON: Exclusive Member Pre-Sale for Winter Events in celebration of the Barbie™: A Cultural Icon exhibition 🕶️ ⁠
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This winter, the pink party continues with a full slate of programming that celebrates creativity, play, and cultural evolution! VMHC Members can enjoy exclusive access to a one-week pre-sale for December & January events before ticketing opens to the general public.⁠
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KEY DATES:⁠
Member Exclusive Pre-Sale: November 2-8
General Admission sales start November 9
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NOT A MEMBER YET? ⁠
Join today for exclusive member-only early access at https://VirginiaHistory.org/Join
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In addition to gaining access to the Winter Events Pre-Sale, your membership comes with a full year of amazing benefits like member-exclusive events, free parking, discounts in the Museum Store & Café, program and event discounts, and more. Plus, enjoy free museum admission, including to see the Barbie™: A Cultural Icon exhibition.⁠
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Browse events now at https://VirginiaHistory.org/Icon

10/24/2026

Singing a sad song because you missed out on getting Virginia Vines tickets before they sold out? Turn that elegy into an exultation -- there are still tickets available for the Think Pink Costume Party next Friday, Oct. 30!

Don't miss out twice - get your tickets today at VirginiaHistory.org/ThinkPink

[Shown here: 18th-C portrait of Lucy Randolph Burwell from VMHC Collection. Need some more pink costume inspiration? Search our collections at VirginiaHistory.org/Collections]

10/23/2026

In 1849, John Robertson Maben of Rockbridge, Virginia, was one of many people crossing the country to California in search of gold, and he detailed these travels to his wife Sarah.

While this series of 13 letters is available through the VMHC Library Collection, you can gain a broader perspective of the Gold Rush in a special program on Nov. 5 at the VMHC with bestselling author Nathaniel Philbrick as he discusses his newest book.

In The Rush, Philbrick transforms the Gold Rush from a tale of sudden riches into the origin story of America’s modern contradictions: capital consolidated at dizzying speed, democracy in thrall to private power, xenophobia weaponized in the name of liberty—and a stubborn belief in the American experiment that refuses to die. This is the story of a nation tearing at the seams—a republic tested by its own ideals.

A book signing and light refreshments will follow the program. Learn more and get your tickets at https://VirginiaHistory.org/Philbrick

10/22/2026

Join us on Friday, 10/23, from 4-7 pm for Trick or Treat at the VMHC, presented by Mars Snacking! 🎃

Trick or treat for candy and other free giveaways at spooky stations by 25 local non-profits throughout the VMHC galleries and enjoy some pink Halloween fun

Plus check out crafts, games, a Halloween band, bounce house, trackless train, chocolate-making demos, and free museum admission, including access to Barbie™: A Cultural Icon, a major exhibition tracing Barbie®’s 65-year history through fashion, media, and cultural evolution.

Register now at https://VirginiaHistory.org/TrickOrTreat

10/21/2026

Archivists preserve, organize, and provide access to all sorts of important information. . . including your ancestor's juicy secrets

Join us in celebrating Virginia's nosy knowledge-keepers (ahem, archivists) all October long for American Archives Month 🔍

10/19/2026

, October 19, in 1781: British General Charles Cornwallis and his troops surrendered to the American and French forces at Yorktown, ending The Battle of Yorktown which had begun on September 29. Aided by the French naval victory in the Chesapeake Bay, Gen. George Washington and his troops cornered the British forces at Yorktown and forced a surrender. This British defeat resulted in Great Britain beginning negotiations leading to the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

Learn more in Episode 6, Season 3 of the Revolution Revisited podcast, where host Maggie Creech and historian Dr. Iris de Rode trace how the Franco-American alliance made the 1781 Siege of Yorktown possible. Listen at https://VirginiaHistory.org/RevolutionRevisited

And explore the importance of foreign support to the fight for American Independence in "Revolutionary Allies: Foreign Friends of American Independence" -- plan your visit at https://VirginiaHistory.org/RevolutionaryAllies⁠

Shown here: Colored engraving depicting the surrender of the English Army at Yorktown. Reddition de L' Armée Angloises. Paris, ca. 1781.

10/17/2026

, October 17, in 1777: 10 days after the Battle of Bemis Heights (the Second Battle of Saratoga) during which Daniel Morgan’s Corps of Riflemen used their skill, speed, and persistence to help weaken the British forces, General Burgoyne surrendered. This marked the first time in history that an entire British field army had been forced to surrender. This victory gave the French the confidence to make an official alliance with the Americans.

Explore the ins and outs of this important American victory in Season 3, Episode 1 of the Revolution Revisited podcast: https://virginiahistory.org/northerncampaigns

And learn more about the importance of foreign support to the fight for American Independence by visiting the temporary display, "Revolutionary Allies: Foreign Friends of American Independence" -- plan your visit at https://virginiahistory.org/revolutionaryallies

Shown here: Painting of General Daniel Morgan by Charles Willson Peale

10/17/2026

SHE'S HERE! 💖 "Barbie™: A Cultural Icon" is NOW OPEN⁠
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This vibrant, multi-sensory traveling exhibition explores the cultural impact of the world’s most recognizable doll over more than six decades. And at the VMHC, Barbie® stands in a gallery next to 16,000 years of Virginia history. ⁠
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Highlights: ⁠
• 250+ vintage dolls and fashion ensembles from every decade since 1959 ⁠
• 50+ historical artifacts and advertising memorabilia ⁠
• Five immersive photo stations, including the Barbie® Ultra 'Vette ⁠
• Barbie® 65th Blue Sapphire Anniversary Fashion Dolls ⁠
• A celebration of innovation and global design influence ⁠
• A stunning retrospective of Barbie® impact on fashion, identity, and social change ⁠
• Plus, six Virginia Barbie® dolls displayed with an object associated with the real historic figure or cultural icon ⁠
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Plan your visit at https://VirginiaHistory.org/Barbie

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Barbie™: A Cultural Icon is presented in collaboration with Illusion Projects and Mattel, Inc., a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. Barbie™: A Cultural Icon is created and toured by Illusion Projects Inc., curated by Karan Feder, in partnership with Mattel Inc., and distributed by Dala Projects.

Address

428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Richmond, VA
23220

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 5pm

Website

http://www.VirginiaHistory.org/

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