Home > Exhibitions

Cold War Crisis: The U-2 Incident - Through May 30, 2010
Organized by The Cold War Museum, this exhibition recounts the May 1, 1960, incident of an American U-2 reconnaissance plane that was shot down over the Soviet Union by a surface-to-air missile.

The John Marshall High School Corps of Cadets - Through April 11, 2010
Explores the history of military training as part of the public education system, focusing specifically on the John Marshall High School military training course created in September 1915

The Portent: John Brown's Raid in American Memory - Through April 11, 2010
Tells the story of John Brown's early life, his fervent religious beliefs, his turn to violence as an abolitionist in Kansas, and his Virginia raid and its aftermath

Heads and Tales - Through December 30, 2010
Explores the lives of prominent and obscure historical figures from our portrait collection.

Virginians at Work - Long-term
This exhibition examines how Virginians have made a living and why jobs have changed over time.

The Story of Virginia, an American Experience - Long-term
See on display 16,000 years of Virginia history from prehistoric times to the present.

The Virginia Manufactory of Arms Collection - Long-term
This exhibition presents weapons made in Richmond from 1802 through 1821.

Solving History's Mysteries: The History Discovery Lab - Long-term
This interactive exhibit introduces visitors to the principles and techniques of archaeology.

Silver in Virginia - Long-term
See on display vintage silver produced throughout the commonwealth.

• All long-term exhibitions

Memories of World War II: Photographs from the Archives of The Associated Press - Opens May 9, 2010
See on display 126 black-and-white photographs from the archives of The Associated Press, representing all theaters of the war and the home front.

• All upcoming exhibitions

New! The Portent: John Brown's Raid in American Memory
Tells the story of John Brown's early life, his fervent religious beliefs, his turn to violence as an abolitionist in Kansas, and his Virginia raid and its aftermath view exhibit

New! Teaching with Photographs
Features photographs that address themes in post-1865 Virginia and American history such as education, industrialization, urbanization, transportation, the changing roles of women, the development of Jim Crow, and the civil rights movement learn more

175 Years of Collecting: A Virginia History Quiz
Test your knowledge of Virginia history with this online quiz on selected items from the Society's collections.

The Civil Rights Movement in Virginia
Chronicles the tumultuous journey from "Jim Crow" to a commonwealth of greater equality

Early Images of Virginia Indians
Traces how European perceptions of native Virginians were shaped through the printed image

Heads and Tales
Heads and Tales presents portraits of five people with compelling personal stories. view exhibit

Jamestown to the Falls
Traces the English expeditions up the James River to the falls and Powhatan country, 1607–1610

Lee and Grant
Documents and images offer a glimpse of each man as he understood himself and his place in the world.

Virginia's Colonial Dynasties
Explores how portraiture helped establish and preserve family status in colonial times

Virginia's Diplomats
Explores Virginians' role in shaping world politics from the founding of the republic until our own day

• All online exhibitions