http://www.vahistorical.org Virginia Historical Society News and Events Virginia History http://www.vahistorical.org/img/news/cwbanners.jpg http://www.vahistorical.org en-us http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/08/26/my-summer-internship-at-the-vhs/ Thisblog was written by Asya Simons who just completed her summer internship with the web and digital resources department at the VHS. This is the second in a series of entries that she has written about her internship and specifically on her experience working on Unknown No Longer: A Database of Virginia Slave Names, which launches in September 2011. Fri, 26 August 2011 16:10:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/08/26/my-summer-internship-at-the-vhs/ http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/08/13/come-beat-the-heat-at-the-vhss-august-afternoons/ A blog about August Afternoons, an opportunity for families to participate in interactive activities while they visit the museum. Read a new blog, "Come beat the heat at the VHS's August Afternoons,"by VHS school program coordinator Caroline Legros. Sat, 13 August 2011 13:45:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/08/13/come-beat-the-heat-at-the-vhss-august-afternoons/ http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_gillette.htm On August 4, 2011, Robert H. Gillette delivered a Banner Lecture entitled "The Virginia Plan: William B. Thalhimer and a Rescue from Nazi Germany." Among the Jews attempting to flee Nazi Germany in the 1930s were students of the Gross Breesen agricultural institute who hoped to secure visas to America. In a bold plan, Richmond department store owner William B. Thalhimer created a safe haven for the students on a Burkeville farm. This is the remarkable history of Thalhimer's heroic rescue mission and the struggle of the refugees to make a new home in rural America. In his new book, "The Virginia Plan", Robert H. Gillette narrates a saga of sacrifice, survival, and hope on two continents. (Introduction by Nelson Lankford) Mon, 8 August 2011 12:10:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_gillette.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/08/05/when-one-thing-leads-to-another-2/ A blog about the conservation of Pierre Daura's Barn and Cattle painting. Read a new blog, "When one thing leads to another,"by VHS Digital Collections Manager Meg Eastman. Fri, 5 August 2011 14:45:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/08/05/when-one-thing-leads-to-another-2/ http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_smith_dementi.htm On July 14, Brooks Smith and Wayne Dementi delivered a Banner Lecture entitled "Facts & Legends of Sports in Richmond." Basing their presentation on their recent book, Brooks Smith and Wayne Dementi will give an illustrated lecture on the history of sports in Virginia's capital city. Smith and Dementi will present the venues, memorable events, and athletes of Richmond sports. The essays in "Facts & Legends of Sports in Richmond" were originally presented in Smith's commentary series, which first aired on WCVE public radio. The many new and vintage photographs featured in the book come from the collections of the Dementi family of photographers. (Introduction by Paul A. Levengood) Tue, 19 July 2011 10:50:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_smith_dementi.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_kliman.htm On June 30, 2011, Todd Kliman delivered a Banner Lecture entitled "The Wild Vine: A Forgotten Grape and the Untold Story of American Wine." Vineyards and wine making have become all-American success stories in recent years, especially in Virginia. In his book, "The Wild Vine", author Todd Kliman engagingly traces the story of the native grape hybrid, and its nineteenth-century Virginia advocate, that led by a circuitous path to the rebirth of wine-making in the twentieth century. The story begins long before California supposedly put America on the viticulture map with Dr. Daniel Norton's experimentations with grapes in Richmond. The Norton hybrid migrated to the Midwest and then, after seemingly disappearing, returned to Virginia soil to great success in more recent times. Todd Kliman is food and wine editor of the "Washingtonian". (Introduction by Paul A. Levengood and Jack Berninger) Fri, 1 July 2011 14:15:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_kliman.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/06/14/did-you-know-that-june-14th-is-flag-day/ A Flag Day blog about the history of Flag Day and flags in the Virginia Historical Society's collections. Read a new blog, "Did you know that June 14th is Flag Day?,"by VHS Registrar Rebecca A. Rose. Tue, 14 June 2011 15:45:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/06/14/did-you-know-that-june-14th-is-flag-day/ http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_schecter.htm On June 9, 2011, Barnet Schecter delivered a Banner Lecture entitled "George Washington's America: A Biography Through His Maps." The maps George Washington drew and purchased, from his teens until his death, were always central to his work. Inspired by these remarkable maps, Barnet Schecter has crafted a unique portrait of our first Founding Father, revealing his early career as a surveyor, his dramatic exploits in the French and Indian War, his struggles throughout the American Revolution as he outmaneuvered the far more powerful British army, his diplomacy as president, and his shaping of the new republic. Schecter, the author of "The Battle for New York", the hinge battle in the American Revolution, and "The Devil's Own Work", a chronicle of the Civil War draft riots in New York, is an independent historian who lives in New York City. This lecture is cosponsored with The Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Virginia. (Introduction by Paul A. Levengood) (Introduction by Paul A. Levengood) Tue, 14 June 2011 14:05:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_schecter.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_waugh.htm On May 12, 2011, John C. Waugh delivered a Banner Lecture entitled "Lincoln and McClellan." There was no more remarkable yoking of personalities in the Civil War than Abraham Lincoln and George McClellan. In "Lincoln and McClellan", award-winning author John C. Waugh takes an in-depth look at this fascinating pair, from the early days of the conflict to the 1864 presidential election when McClellan ran against Lincoln on an antiwar platform and lost. Waugh weaves a tale of hubris, paranoia, failure, and triumph, illuminating as never before this unique and complicated relationship. John C. Waugh is an independent historian and former correspondent and bureau chief for "The Christian Science Monitor." (Introduction by Paul A. Levengood) Tue, 17 May 2011 10:35:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_waugh.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/storyofvirginia.htm The Virginia Historical Society has revamped and improved our online exhibit "The Story of Virginia, An American Experience." We are asking for feedback about the new design and features. Please visit the online exhibition and then fill out the online survey. Wed, 11 May 2011 13:00:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/storyofvirginia.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/05/06/o-mother-rest-from-tortured-thought// A Mother's Day blog about a mother's hope and anguish during Word War II. Read a new blog, "O, Mother Rest from Tortured Thought,"by Exhibit Coordinator Andrew H. Talkov. Fri, 6 May 2011 16:45:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/05/06/o-mother-rest-from-tortured-thought// http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_walsh.htm On April 21, 2011, Lorena S. Walsh delivered a Banner Lecture entitled "Motives of Honor, Pleasure, and Profit: Plantation Management in the Colonial Chesapeake, 1607–1763." In a new account of early English America, Walsh offers an enlightening history of plantation management in the Chesapeake colonies of Virginia and Maryland. Her scope ranges from the founding of Jamestown to the close of the Seven Years' War and the end of the "Golden Age" of colonial Chesapeake agriculture. Walsh's narrative incorporates stories about the planters themselves, including family dynamics and relationships with enslaved workers. An accomplished author of books on early America, Lorena S. Walsh was for twenty-seven years a historian at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. This lecture was cosponsored with The Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Virginia. (Introduction by Paul A. Levengood) Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:35:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_walsh.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_lankford_2011.htm On April 14, 2011, Nelson D. Lankford delivered a Banner Lecture entitled "The Crooked Road to Civil War." When Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated in March 1861, Virginia remained a loyal state within the Union. In the convention that met in Richmond to consider the commonwealth's relationship to the national government, union men held a strong majority. But as events unfolded, their loyalty wavered. Nelson Lankford recounts the dramatic events of that spring, when no one could foretell the future of the country, seemingly poised on the brink of dissolution. Dr. Lankford is vice president for programs at the Virginia Historical Society and author of "Cry Havoc! The Crooked Road to Civil War, 1861." This lecture is cosponsored with the Richmond National Battlefield Park. (Introduction by Paul A. Levengood) Sat, 16 Apr 2011 15:35:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_lankford_2011.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/the-changing-face-of-virginia-the-heath-gravity-railroad/ The sixth installment in The Changing Face of Virginia series is written by high school student and Blanton Scholar, Ciara Mills. Ciara tells the story of how she learned about the Heath Gravity Railroad in Midlothian. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:40:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/the-changing-face-of-virginia-the-heath-gravity-railroad/ http://www.vahistorical.org/education/stories.htm Celebrate National Poetry Month in April and Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month in May! "Stories at the Museum" is a FREE children's program and includes a group reading of a selected book and a craft activity related to the text. The programs take place Wednesday afternoons at 4 pm. No reservations necessary. Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:50:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/education/stories.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_egerton.htm On March 24, 2011, Douglas R. Egerton delivered a Banner Lecture entitled "Year of Meteors: Stephen Douglas, Abraham Lincoln, and the Election that Brought on the Civil War." In "Year of Meteors," Douglas R. Egerton recreates the tumultuous presidential election year of 1860, which upset every conventional expectation and split the American political system beyond repair. At the beginning of the year, Senator Stephen A. Douglas, leader of the Democrats, the only party with a large following in both North and South, seemed poised to win. By fall the Democratic Party had disintegrated, enabling the upstart Republicans to put an untried but canny dark horse candidate in the White House. "Year of Meteors" tells the story of Abraham Lincoln's rise to power and the series of events that led to secession and ultimately civil war. Dr. Egerton teaches history at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y. (Introduction by Nelson D. Lankford) Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:35:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_egerton.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_kimball_Richmond.htm On March 10, 2011, Gregg Kimball delivered a Banner Lecture entitled "American City, Southern Place: Richmond on the Eve of War." As a city of the upper South intimately connected to northeastern cities, the southern slave trade, and the Virginia countryside, Richmond embodied many of the contradictions of mid-nineteenth-century America. Gregg Kimball depicts the Richmond community as a series of dynamic, overlapping networks, showing how various groups of residents, immigrants and natives, free people and slaves, those high born and low, understood themselves and their society within this web of experience. Drawing on a wealth of archival material and private letters, Dr. Kimball elicits new perspectives on the nature of antebellum society and the coming of the Civil War. Gregg Kimball is director of education and outreach at the Library of Virginia and the author of "American City, Southern Place: A Cultural History of Antebellum Richmond." This lecture is cosponsored with the Richmond National Battlefield Park. (Introduction by Paul A. Levengood) Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:50:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_kimball_Richmond.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_crofts.htm On March 3, 2011, Daniel Crofts delivered a Banner Lecture entitled "The Diary of a Public Man and Abraham Lincoln." "The Diary of a Public Man," published anonymously in several installments in the North American Review in 1879, claimed to offer verbatim accounts of secret conversations with Abraham Lincoln, William H. Seward, and Stephen A. Douglas among others in the weeks just before the start of the Civil War. Despite repeated attempts to decipher the diary, historians never have been able to pinpoint its author or determine its authenticity. Part detective story, part biography, and part a detailed narrative of events in early 1861, A Secession Crisis Enigma presents a compelling answer to an enduring mystery. Dr. Crofts is a professor of history at The College of New Jersey. (Introduction by Paul A. Levengood) Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:50:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_crofts.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/stridethroughtime.htm The Virginia Historical Society is proud to be the new location of the start and finish line of the Anthem Stride Through Time, a 6.2-mile walk centered around Richmond's rich history. The third annual Anthem Stride Through Time set for Saturday, May 21 has moved its course to the historic Fan District. Participants will walk past numerous museums, historic sites and monuments, over cobblestone and brick. Tue, 8 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/stridethroughtime.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_unknownnolonger.htm The Virginia Historical Society recently received a $100,000 grant from Dominion Resources and The Dominion Foundation to fund the creation of 'Unknown No Longer: A Database of Virginia Slave Names.' This free, online database will contain personal information about enslaved Virginians gleaned from some of the more than eight million processed manuscripts in VHS collections. Fri, 4 Mar 2011 15:10:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_unknownnolonger.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/a-feast-for-the-eyes/ Virginia Historical Society's Digital Collections Manager Meg Eastman writes about the illustrated R. K. Sneden finding aid and presents a few of her favorite illustrations from the Sneden diary. Fri, 4 Mar 2011 15:10:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/a-feast-for-the-eyes/ http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_trustees2011.htm On January 19, 2011, at the first Virginia Historical Society board meeting of the year, President and CEO Paul Levengood welcomed three new trustees who will serve from 2011 through 2016: Thomas Allen, Gary Gore, and Carole Weinstein. Levengood also welcomed three new honorary vice chairmen who will serve an unlimited term: Grady W. Powell of Petersburg, J. Stewart Bryan III of Richmond, and H. Furlong Baldwin of Baltimore, Maryland. Tue, 1 Mar 2011 12:20:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_trustees2011.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_lengel_washington.htm On February 24, 2011, Ed Lengel delivered a Banner Lecture entitled "Inventing George Washington: America's Founder in Myth and Memory." In "Inventing George Washington," Edward G. Lengel shows how the former president and war hero continued to serve his nation on two distinct levels after his death. The public Washington evolved into an eternal symbol as the "Father of His Country," while the private man remained at the periphery of the national vision for successive generations. As some exalted Washington, others sought to bring him down to the earth, thus creating a series of competing mythologies that depicted Washington as every imaginable sort of human being. Dr. Lengel is editor-in-chief of the Washington Papers Project and a professor of history at the University of Virginia. (Introduction by Paul A. Levengood) Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:50:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_lengel_washington.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/more-about-the-virginia-home-front/ Virginia Historical Society Lead Curator William M. S. Rasmussen writes about an online version of 'Life on the Virginia Home Front,' one of seventeen audiovisual programs that are currently on view in 'An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia.' Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:40:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/more-about-the-virginia-home-front/ http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/a-generals-books-tell-tales/ Virginia Historical Society Cataloging Library Assistant Stephanie Fillman writes about Stonewall Jackson's Legacy Library. Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:17:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/a-generals-books-tell-tales/ http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/a-hidden-valentine/ Chief Librarian Frances Pollard writes about two unique items in the Virginia Historical Society's collections just in time for Valentine's Day. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:50:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/a-hidden-valentine/ http://www.vahistorical.org/civilwar/main.htm Big news coming from the VHS: The "An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia" exhibition had awesome attendance this weekend: almost 750 people on Saturday and Sunday combined! Plus, this is the first Monday the VHS has been open in more than two years. The Boulevard door is open to the public again AND the museum and research library are FREE to visit any day of the week! Mon, 7 Feb 2011 16:50:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/civilwar/main.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/gallery_walks.htm Check out the list of 2011 Gallery Walks. Topics range from "The Civil War in Virginia: Women's Lives" to "Art in The Story of Virginia." Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:50:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/gallery_walks.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_2011calendar.htm Check out the list of exhibitions and events taking place at the Virginia Historical Society in 2011. Beginning Monday, February 7, 2011, the museum and shop operating hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm. The library will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission will continue throughout the year. Fri, 21 Jan 2011 14:50:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_2011calendar.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_kern.htm On January 13, 2011, Susan Kern discussed her book, 'The Jeffersons at Shadwell.' In The Jeffersons at Shadwell, Susan Kern merges archaeology, material culture, and social history to reveal the fascinating story of Shadwell, the birthplace of Thomas Jefferson and home to his parents, Jane and Peter Jefferson, their eight children, and more than sixty slaves. Kern's scholarship offers new views of the family's role in settling Virginia as well as new perspectives on Thomas Jefferson himself. The story of Shadwell affects how we interpret much of what we know about Thomas Jefferson today. Dr. Kern is a visiting assistant professor of history at the College of William and Mary. Fri, 21 Jan 2011 14:50:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_kern.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_hours.htm Last year the Virginia Historical Society made the history museum and research library more accessible to visitors by offering free admission. This year the VHS is further expanding accessibility by opening on Mondays. Beginning Monday, February 7, 2011, the VHS will be open seven days a week. The museum and shop operating hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm. The library will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission will continue throughout the year. Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_hours.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/civilwar/panelexhibit.htm To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, the Virginia Historical Society and the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission are pleased to announce the availability of a small traveling panel exhibit entitled "An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia." This panel exhibit, designed by the Virginia Historical Society, complements a major gallery exhibit that will open in Richmond on February 4, 2011. The panel exhibit is specifically designed for display at libraries, community centers, museums, and historic sites, and is comprised of images, interpretive text, and a companion website designed for use on mobile devices. Bookings will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. This is an outstanding opportunity to bring sesquicentennial programming into your communities. More information about the exhibit and instructions on booking are available at www.vahistorical.org/civilwar/panelexhibit.htm. Additional questions can be directed to: Andrew H. Talkov, Exhibit Coordinator; Virginia Historical Society, P.O. Box 7311, Richmond, Virginia 23221-0311; Email: atalkov@vahistorical.org; Tel: (804)340-2276. Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:44:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/civilwar/panelexhibit.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/old-and-new/ Virginia Historical Society's Digital Collections Manager Meg Eastman writes about several collection items that were recently photographed for the upcoming exhibition, "An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia." This free exhibition commemorating the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War is on display at the Virginia Historical Society from February 4 to December 30, 2011. Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:44:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/old-and-new/ http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/be-careful-what-you-wish-for/ Virginia Historical Society's Vice President for Programs Nelson D. Lankford writes about the secession crisis of 1860-61. Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:10:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/be-careful-what-you-wish-for/ http://www.vahistorical.org/education/stories.htm Visit the Virginia Historical Society and celebrate Black History Month Wednesday afternoons in February. Every program will include a group reading of the selected book and a craft activity related to the text. Children will create Henry "Box" Brown boxes, Harriet Tubman puppets, sit-in dioramas, and Martin Luther King puppets. Tue, 11 Jan 2011 10:20:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/education/stories.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/about/salesassoc_10411.htm The Virginia Historical Society is looking for a creative, motivated individual to assist customers with their purchases in the museum shop and to greet visitors at our Boulevard entrance. Fri, 7 Jan 2011 16:35:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/about/salesassoc_10411.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_peters.htm One of America's great rural cemeteries, overlooking the falls of the James River, Hollywood provides a final resting place for Richmond's indeed, Virginia's political, business, and creative leaders, as well as 18,000 Confederate dead. Since before the Civil War, the elaborate ironwork, stone monuments, mausoleums, and natural setting have memorialized the varied lives of the individuals who have populated Virginia’s capital city. In this lecture based on his new book, 'Richmond's Hollywood Cemetery' , author and photographer John Peters brings these stories to life once more. (Introduction by Paul A. Levengood) Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_peters.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/class.htm New classes include: "The Nation Explodes . . . and War Begins in 1861", "Myths about George Washington", "Architecture in Detail: Identifying Architectural Styles", and "Religion in Virginia through the Antebellum Era." Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/class.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/12/10/field-notes-journey-to-freedom/ Read a new blog about the upcoming exhibition, "An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia." Lauranett L. Lee, curator of African American history at the VHS, writes about filming for an audiovisual program that will give visitors insight into the experience of slaves escaping to freedom. Mon, 13 Dec 2010 10:50:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/12/10/field-notes-journey-to-freedom/ http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_banner.htm New lectures include: "Inventing George Washington: America’s Founder in Myth and Memory" by Edward Lengel, "The Crooked Road to Civil War" by Nelson Lankford, "Motives of Honor, Pleasure, and Profit: Plantation Management in the Colonial Chesapeake, 1607–1763" by Lorena S. Walsh, "Lincoln and McClellan" by Joan Waugh, "George Washington’s America: A Biography Through His Maps" by Barnet Schecter, and "The Wild Vine: A Forgotten Grape and the Untold Story of American Wine" by Todd Kilman. Wed, 7 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST http://http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_banner.htm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrDMonqQBuY In "Virginia's Lucky Past," Lady Luck interviews President and CEO Paul Levengood and Vice President for Collections Lee Shepard at the Virginia Historical Society to find out about lotteries in Colonial Virginia. Did you know George Washington used lotteries to raise funds to build a road across the mountains to the Warm Springs of Virginia? Fri, 3 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrDMonqQBuY http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_kimball.htm From the textile mills of Danville to the coal fields of Wise to the tobacco factories of Richmond, workers have rallied to songs of labor. The songs told of heavy work, unjust conditions, and union struggles and were typically performed in the musical styles of their native folk traditions. On December 2, 2010, historian Gregg Kimball along with singers Jackie Frost and Sheryl Warner performed songs by such Virginia musical luminaries as the Carter Family as well as rank-and-file workers who filled churches, labor halls, and strike lines to protest their working conditions. (Introduction by Paul A. Levengood) Thu, 2 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_kimball.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/11/24/a-spoon-that-got-around/ Rebecca A. Rose, registrar at the Virginia Historical Society, writes about a unique silver spoon that will be featured in the VHS's upcoming exhibition, "An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia," on display February 4, 2011. Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/11/24/a-spoon-that-got-around/ http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_gallagher.htm On Thursday November 17, 2010, Gary W. Gallagher delviered a talk on "The Real Lost Cause: The Idea of Union in the Memory of the Civil War" at the Alexander W. Weddell Trustees Lecture. Next year we mark the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. Only through the bloodiest conflict of our history did Americans resolve long-running disputes over Union and slavery. Ever since then, the significance of the war—its advent and its many outcomes—has stirred debate and study. In "The Real Lost Cause: The Idea of Union in the Memory of the Civil War," Gary W. Gallagher addressed the way North and South have reflected on the nature of what it meant to be a part of the United States of America. Dr. Gallagher is the Cavaliers' Distinguished Teaching Professor and Nau Professor of History at the University of Virginia and the author of "The Confederate War and Causes Won, Lost, and Forgotten: How Hollywood and Popular Art Shape What We Know about the Civil War." (Introduction by Paul A. Levengood) Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_gallagher.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_blanton2010.htm On October 19, 2010, thirteen students from various high schools in Virginia were honored guests at the eighteenth-annual J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr., Lecture, and they met Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. As participants in the Virginia Historical Society Wyndham B. Blanton Scholars Forum, the students heard O'Connor talk about Bushrod Washington, a Supreme Court Justice from Virginia. After her formal presentation, O'Connor took questions from the crowd of more than 900. She spoke about everything from discrimination, to her toughest court case, to her first job. Justice O'Connor even offered some fishing tips to members of the audience. Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:15:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_blanton2010.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_nelson.htm On November 4, 2010, Scott Reynolds Nelson discussed his book "Steel Drivin' Man: John Henry, the Untold Story of an American Legend." According to the ballad that made him famous, John Henry did battle with a steam-powered drill, beat the machine, and died. Folklorists have long thought John Henry to be mythical, but historian Scott Nelson has discovered that he was a real person—a nineteen-year-old from New Jersey who was convicted of theft in a Virginia court in 1866, sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary, and put to work building the C and O Railroad. There, at the Lewis Tunnel, Henry and other prisoners worked alongside steam-powered drills. In his book, Nelson pieces together the biography of the real John Henry. It is also the story of work songs, songs that not only turned Henry into a folk hero but also, in reminding workers to slow down or die, were a tool of resistance and protest. This lecture complements the VHS exhibition "Organized Labor in Virginia." Scott Reynolds Nelson teaches history at William and Mary. Fri, 5 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_nelson.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/11/04/holiday-shoppers-fair-is-a-richmond-shopping-tradition/ The Virginia Historical Society is hosting the 16th annual Museum Stores of Richmond Holiday Shoppers Fair. If you haven’t been to Shoppers Fair before, it is a Richmond shopping tradition. Shoppers Fair is an opportunity to see what 15 different museums carry in their store all under one roof. Visitors can start (or finish) their holiday shopping and find hundreds of unique gifts for everyone on their list. All proceeds support the local nonprofit organizations participating in the event. Shoppers Fair takes place from 9:30 am to 5 pm on Friday, November 5, and Saturday, November 6 at the Virginia Historical Society. The special members-only shopping preview is Thursday, November 4, from 5 pm to 9 pm. Thu, 4 Nov 2010 13:45:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/11/04/holiday-shoppers-fair-is-a-richmond-shopping-tradition/ http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/10/28/is-civility-disappearing-in-congress/ Virginia Historical Society Lead Curator William M. S. Rasmussen writes about a new online exhibit that features American presidential campaign materials from the collection of Allen Frey. In this blog Dr. Rasmussen asks the question, "Are today's politicians too vitriolic?" Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:35:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/10/28/is-civility-disappearing-in-congress/ http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_rock.htm On October 15, 2010, to celebrate Virginia's long rockabilly roots, the Virginia Historical Society hosted a rockabilly concert featuring three great groups: The Dazzlers, Wrenn Mangum, and Exebelle and The Rusted Cavalcade. Highlights from the concert are now available online. Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:20:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_rock.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/elections/main.htm As Americans experience the congressional and gubernatorial campaigns of 2010 and examine the results of their selections, the Virginia Historical Society turns--as it has done before--to local collector Allen Frey to see what the past can tell us about the present. We have placed online a dozen examples drawn from Dr. Frey's collection of American presidential campaign materials, to see if politicians and campaigns of the past were as vitriolic as they are today. Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:35:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/elections/main.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/10/20/how-did-slaves-escape/ Virginia Historical Society Lead Curator William M. S. Rasmussen writes about the most ambitious video program that is being developed for the upcoming Civil War exhibition, "An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia." The interactive program will allow the visitor to take on the identity of a slave who attempts to escape to freedom and is faced with decisions as to where to go and what to do. Read the blog to learn more about this program. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:40:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/10/20/how-did-slaves-escape/ http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_gccr.htm At a reception on October 13, 2010, the Gay Community Center of Richmond (GCCR) honored Guy Kinman, a long-time activist for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered rights, by announcing its new partnership with the Virginia Historical Society (VHS). The GCCR granted the VHS money for the creation of the Guy Kinman Research Award, which will promote new historical scholarship on LGBT issues. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:15:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_gccr.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/the-changing-face-of-virginia-diversity-in-annandale/ Virginia Historical Society Outreach Educator Jennifer Nesossis introduces the first blog in our "Changing Face of Virginia" series, written by Kidist Ketema, one of the 2010 Blanton Scholars. The remaining blogs will be posted over the next few months, so keep checking back! Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:55:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/the-changing-face-of-virginia-diversity-in-annandale/ http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_tweedy.htm On October 13, 2010, Kate Chenery Tweedy discussed her book "Secretariat's Meadow." Secretariat, the great red stallion who became the 1973 Triple Crown winner, was born on March 30, 1970, at The Meadow, a historic farm in Caroline County. The new book, "Secretariat's Meadow," celebrates the farm, the family--especially Chris Chenery and his daughter, Penny--and Secretariat. The story is told by Penny Chenery's daughter, Kate Chenery Tweedy, with the assistance of her coauthor, Leeanne Ladin. More than 300 photos, most of which have never been seen, offer a magnificent visual journey to complement this special story in one of America's greatest sports moments. Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:45:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_tweedy.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/10/12/the-changing-face-of-virginia-and-the-2010-wyndham-b-blanton-scholars/ Virginia Historical Society Outreach Educator Jennifer Nesossis writes about the 2010 Wyndham B. Blanton Scholars program which focused on "The Changing Face of Virginia." Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:15:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/10/12/the-changing-face-of-virginia-and-the-2010-wyndham-b-blanton-scholars/ http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_mccarthy.htm On Thursday October 7, 2010, Gerald P. McCarthy discussed the Virginia Environmental Endowment. Since its inception in 1977, Virginia Environmental Endowment has had a profound influence throughout the Old Dominion. This lecture focused on the origins, mission, and accomplishments of VEE. Gerald P. McCarthy examined the effects of the endowment's grants on Virginia's environment and the people who have helped to make those results possible. Sometimes described as "venture capital for environmental improvement in Virginia," VEE has played a unique role in the development of environmental research, education, and civic engagement. This lecture addressed each of these aspects of its work and the strategic approach to grant making that has made VEE a leader within the foundation world. Mr. McCarthy is executive director of Virginia Environmental Endowment. (Introduction by Paul A. Levengood) Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:15:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/audio/mccarthy_10710.mp3 http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_banner.htm Secretariat, the great red stallion who became the 1973 Triple Crown winner, was born on March 30, 1970, at The Meadow, a historic farm in Caroline County. The new book, "Secretariat's Meadow," celebrates the farm, the family--especially Chris Chenery and his daughter, Penny--and Secretariat. The story is told by Penny Chenery's daughter, Kate Chenery Tweedy, with the assistance of her coauthor, Leeanne Ladin. More than 300 photos, most of which have never been seen, offer a magnificent visual journey to complement this special story in one of America's greatest sports moments. Pre-order a signed copy of "Secretariat's Meadow: The Land, The Family, The Legend" online at http://www.shop-vahistorical.org/secretariatsmeadow.html Thu, 7 Oct 2010 10:52:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_banner.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/research/tacl_etiquettebooks.htm "A Book Every Body Should Possess." This simple statement highlights the importance placed on advice and etiquette books in the nineteenth century. How people learned to negotiate the social obligations and interactions was equally important in their struggle to improve their conditions. Learn more about advice and etiquette books in the Virginia Historical Society's collections in this month's "Take a Closer Look" feature. Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:40:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/research/tacl_etiquettebooks.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/main.htm In August, the Virginia Historical Society opened the exhibition "Virginia Rocks! The History of Rockabilly in the Commonwealth." To celebrate Virginia's long rockabilly roots, the VHS is hosting a rockabilly concert featuring three great groups: The Dazzlers, Wrenn Mangum, and Exebelle and The Rusted Cavalcade. The concert takes place at the VHS on Friday, October 15, 2010, and starts at 8 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance for VHS members and $15 in advance for non-members. Purchase tickets online at http://events.vahistorical.org/events Wed, 29 Sep 2010 9:05:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/main.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_berg_grand.htm On September 23, 2010, Scott W. Berg discussed his book Grand Avenues: The Story of Pierre Charles L'Enfant, the French Visionary Who Designed Washington, D.C. In 1791 George Washington asked Pierre Charles L'Enfant, who had been a French volunteer during the American Revolution, to design a new federal city on the Potomac for the young republic. Suffering from constant interference, L'Enfant persisted in his work for a year before being dismissed. Yet, his ambitious geometrical plan for the District of Columbia survived and endures to this day. In Grand Avenues, Scott W. Berg resurrects the cranky L'Enfant and reveals how his influence persists in the nation's capital city. Dr. Berg teaches English at George Mason University.(Introduction by Nelson D. Lankford) Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:05:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_berg_grand.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_smithsonian.htm On Saturday, September 25, 2010, the Virginia Historical Society (VHS) will participate in the sixth annual Museum Day, presented by Toyota. The VHS will join participating museums and cultural institutions nationwide to open its doors free of charge to all visitors who download the Museum Day ticket from www.smithsonian.com. Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:20:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_smithsonian.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/ Virginia Historical Society Registrar Rebecca Rose writes about the conservation of the "Petersburg City Guard" flag for the upcoming exhibition, "An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia." Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:06:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/ http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/ Virginia Historical Society Library Clerk Elaine Hagy posts episode three of her "Diary of a Call Slip Girl" blog series which focuses on a rare book about historic wallpaper. Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:25:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/ http://www.shop-vahistorical.org/oconnor.html The Eighteenth Annual J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr., Lecture will take place on Tuesday, October 19, 2010, at 5:30 pm. This year's lecture, "Reflections of a Supreme Court Justice," will be delivered by Sandra Day O'Connor, former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice O'Connor will be signing after the lecture for a very limited time. Pre-ordering a signed copy will guarantee you don't miss your chance! Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:25:00 EST http://www.shop-vahistorical.org/oconnor.html http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/ The Virginia Historical Society's Digital Collections Manager Meg Eastman writes about digitizing the Civil War diaries and scrapbook of Pvt. Robert Knox Sneden. Thu, 9 Sep 2010 13:40:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/ http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/ Virginia Historical Society Outreach Educator Jennifer Rohrbaugh Nesossis announces a call for volunteers to lead educational tours of VHS galleries. And long-time docent Peter Rippe writes about his experience teaching students at the Virginia Historical Society. Tue, 7 Sep 2010 15:55:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/ http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/ VHS Curator William Rasmussen posts part two of "What's So Great About Sneden?"--a blog that discusses Civil War artist Robert Knox Sneden and his talents as a writer. Thu, 1 Sep 2010 13:37:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/ http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/ VHS Library Clerk Elaine Hagy posts episode number two of "Diary of a Call Slip Girl," which features an 1890s brochure printed by The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:37:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/ http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_labor.htm In a new exhibition titled "Organized Labor in Virginia," opening Labor Day (Monday, September 6, 2010) the Virginia Historical Society explores the evolution of organized labor in Virginia, from pre-union contracts and apprenticeship agreements in the early 19th century through the 1950s, when the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organization (CIO) merged in order to become even more powerful and effective in advancing conditions for working people. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:37:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_labor.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com Read a new blog posted by VHS's Lead Curator William Rasmussen on What's "Rockabilly" and Who Were All of Those Rockers? Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:06:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/08/23/whats-so-great-about-sneden-part-i/ Read a new blog posted by VHS's Lead Curator William Rasmussen on What's So Great About Sneden? Part I Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/08/23/whats-so-great-about-sneden-part-i/ http://vahistorical.wordpress.com Read a new blog posted by VHS's Vice President for Collections E. Lee Shepard on Robert Knox Sneden's watercolors of Camp Lawton, a Civil War site that was recently excavated by a research team from Georgia Southern University. Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:20:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_rockabilly.htm Virginia Rocks! The History of Rockabilly in the Commonwealth—a traveling exhibition organized by the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum of Ferrum College—looks at the more than 60 artists and bands from all over the state who cut 45 rpm rockabilly records in small recording studios and radio stations in the 1950s and early 1960s. The exhibit explores well-known musicians like Elvis Presley and Patsy Cline, but also includes Virginia artists Janis Martin, Phil Gray, the Rock-A-Teens, the Dazzlers, and many more who may have only had one or two popular hits. Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:47:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_rockabilly.htm http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/08/10/reconstructing-richmond/ Produced by the Virginia Historical Society and WRIR 97.3 LPFM, each one-minute Reconstructing Richmond segment uncovers the "hidden" history of Richmond, Virginia, during the Civil War. Featuring stories of people and places that once occupied the city blocks of Richmond, "Reconstructing Richmond" explores how an event that occurred 150 years ago still influences us today. Read the VHS blog to learn more. Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:27:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com/2010/08/10/reconstructing-richmond/ http://www.youtube.com/user/vahistorical In this video, VHS Outreach Educator Geoff Cohrs discusses the whipping post on display in the Virginia Historical Society's long-term exhibition "The Story of Virginia, an American Experience." Fri, 6 Aug 2010 10:10:00 EST http://www.youtube.com/user/vahistorical http://www.vahistorical.org/education/patchday.htm At the VHS's Girl Scout Patch Day, Girl Scouts must complete three activities to earn their signature VHS patch: Story of Virginia History Box Stations, a Primary Source Program, and a Patch Day Game Show. The following dates are available for registration: October 16, 2010; December 11, 2010; February 12, 2011; and April 9, 2011. Wed, 4 Aug 2010 11:10:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/education/patchday.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_mountcastle.htm On July 22, 2010, Jack Mountcastle discussed photos from the temporary exhibition "Memories of World War II: Photographs from the Archives of The Associated Press." The exhibition presents a stunning array of photographs from the greatest war in human history. It includes photographs of Hitler and Mussolini at their peak, Londoners during the Blitz, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943, Allied leaders at Tehran, GIs in Normandy, and Marines on the black sands of Iwo Jima. Organized from the archives of the Associated Press, this exhibition presents a spectrum of 121 of the most dramatic photographs from all theaters of the war and the home front. In this lecture Brig. Gen. John W. Mountcastle (USA, Ret.) surveyed the most important of these images. Before retiring from active duty, Jack Mountcastle was the army's chief of military history in Washington, D.C. Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:50:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/audio/mountcastle_72210.mp3 http://vahistorical.wordpress.com In preparaton for the 2011 exhibition "An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia," exhibit curators William Rassmussen and Andrew Talkov search for information to illustrate the diverse experiences of the individuals who participated in the war. This blog entry describes their search for more information on Ann and Andrew Catron (Ketron) of Washington County. Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:35:00 EST http://vahistorical.wordpress.com http://www.vahistorical.org/storyofvirginia.htm Visitors can now tour the Virginia Historical Society's galleries from home! The VHS launched a new online version of the award-winning exhibition "The Story of Virginia, an American Experience." Take a 360-degree virtual tour of each of the ten galleries, and watch videos of VHS staff discussing objects that are on display. Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:34:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/storyofvirginia.htm http://www.youtube.com/user/vahistorical In this video, Lauranett Lee, VHS curator of African American History, discusses the A. D. Price Funeral Establishment, one of the oldest African American-owned businesses in Virginia. The hearse is an example of the many black-owned businesses that flourished during a time when segregation kept African Americans from patronizing white businesses. Another video features Outreach Educator Jennifer Nesossis discussing Dr. Richard Thompson Archer and his nineteenth-century English medicine chest in the Virginia Historical Society's long-term exhibition "The Story of Virginia, an American Experience." Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:38:00 EST http://www.youtube.com/user/vahistorical http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_mcclurken.htm On June 10, 2010, Jeffrey W. McClurken, discussed his book, "Take Care of the Living: Reconstructing Confederate Veteran Families in Virginia." The Civil War ended in spring 1865, but for Confederate veterans and their families, its consequences persisted far longer as they began to pick up the pieces of their civilian lives in the devastated South. In his new book, Jeffrey W. McClurken assesses the wide-ranging effects of the war on Confederate veteran families in Southside Virginia. Coming to terms with postwar reality on an individual level meant reconstructing the household and seeking jobs and financial assistance. It also involved the state in providing replacement limbs for amputees, pensions, and homes for old soldiers and widows. These changes would influence the shape of southern society for generations to come. Dr. McClurken teaches history at the University of Mary Washington. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:33:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_mcclurken.htm http://www.shop-vahistorical.org/shopnews.html Visit the VHS Pusey Museum Shop online and browse our new Books and Media categories specifically dedicated to Native American history and media (audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs). While you're there, don't forget to pre-order a copy of "Grand Avenues: The Story of Pierre Charles L'Enfant, the French Visionary Who Designed Washington, D.C." by Dr. Scott W. Berg, who will deliver a Banner Lecture on that topic on September 23, 2010. Visit our "What's New in the Shop" page (www.shop-vahistorical.org/shopnews.html) for links to these new online shop offerings! Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:27:00 EST http://www.shop-vahistorical.org/shopnews.html http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_backstory.htm On May 20, 2010, internationally renowned historians and hosts Edward Ayers, Brian Balogh, and Peter Onuf presented "Paying Up: The History of Taxation." From the very beginning, Americans have been arguing about whether their taxes are fair and just. The American History Guys explored taxation's complicated and turbulent history-from the Stamp Act of 1765 to the Tea Party Movement of 2010-and discussed Americans' attitudes toward the Tax Man. Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:32:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_backstory.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_horn.htm On May 27, 2010, James Horn discussed his book "A Kingdom Strange: The Brief and Tragic History of the Lost Colony of Roanoke." In 1587, a small band of men, women, and children put down the first tentative roots of English settlement on the sandy soil of Roanoke Island along the North Carolina coast, in what was then considered part of Virginia. In the face of dwindling supplies and hostile Indians, the English leader, John White, left his family and friends and re-crossed the Atlantic in a desperate attempt to assemble ships to rescue the failing colony. However, the threat from the Spanish Armada delayed his return until 1590, and when he did, the colonists had completely disappeared. In his dramatic new account, master historian James Horn revisits the tragedy of this first, failed effort at English colonization in the New World. He offers new evidence about what happened to the Lost Colony and its people. Tue, 8 Jun 2010 8:40:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_horn.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/class.htm Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Associate Curator of American Art Elizabeth O'Leary will teach a two-part class on "American Art from Colonial Times to 1950" on September 30 and October 7, 2010, at the Virginia Historical Society. And on December 2 and 9, 2010, Dr. Robert Holsworth will examine the forces, the people, and the issues that are transforming politics in the Old Dominion today. Dr. Holsworth is one of the state's leading political analysts, founder of VirginiaTomorrow.com, and a State Council of Higher Education for Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award Winner. Online registration for these classes is now available. Mon, 7 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/class.htm http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_bizarrebits.htm Disassembled skull bones. A hair wreath. An infant's smallpox scab. Tree fungus art. These are not items that most visitors would expect to see when visiting the VHS. But one way or another all of these weird pieces, and many more, have crept into the society's collections since its founding in 1831. Beginning Saturday, June 12, 2010, the VHS offers a new exhibition, "Bizarre Bits: Oddities from the Collection," that showcases more than forty of the most unusual objects and materials in the vast VHS holdings. Mon, 7 Jun 2010 9:43:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/pr_bizarrebits.htm http://www.youtube.com/user/vahistorical#p/a/u/0/PZ4lugJ8eg8 In this video, E. Lee Shepard, Vice President for Collections and Sallie and William B. Thalhimer III Senior Archivist, takes you behind the scenes at the VHS to look at three rare items from the colonial period. Wed, 19 May 2010 15:20:00 EST http://www.youtube.com/user/vahistorical#p/a/u/0/PZ4lugJ8eg8 http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_norman.htm On Thursday, May 6, 2010, the VHS held its annual Stuart G. Christian, Jr., Lecture in the Robins Family Forum. Elizabeth and Michael Norman discussed their book 'Tears in the Darkness: The Story of the Bataan Death March and Its Aftermath,' the gripping story of the 1942 battle for the Philippines, the surrender of 76,000 Americans and Filipinos to the Japanese, and the infamous Bataan death march. http://www.vahistorical.org/audio/norman_50610.mp3 Tue, 18 May 2010 14:45:00 EST http://www.youtube.com/user/vahistorical In this video, VHS Manager of Educational Services Bill Obrochta examines the life of George Washington through paintings in the Virginia Historical Society's long-term exhibition "The Story of Virginia, an American Experience." Mon, 10 May 2010 13:11:00 EST http://www.youtube.com/user/vahistorical http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_sheperd.htm On April 22, 2010, Lee Shepard delivered a Banner Lecture entitled 'Hidden Treasures: A Short History of the Mary Custis Lee Trunks.' In 2002, two wooden trunks were found at Burke and Herbert Bank and Trust Company in Alexandria, Va. The trunks contained letters, legal papers, journals, travel souvenirs, financial records, and smaller artifacts that were collected by Mary Custis Lee, the eldest daughter of General Robert E. Lee. The collection of manuscripts and artifacts, now at the Virginia Historical Society, have been added to what is currently the largest holding of Lee family papers in any single repository. Lee Shepard will discuss and show images of items found in the trunks—including an 1810 letter from George Washington Parke Custis, the builder of Arlington House; an 1863 order from Robert E. Lee, in his own hand, announcing the death of General Stonewall Jackson; and an 1872 letter from former Arlington House slave Selina Gray to Mary Randolph Custis Lee. He will also reveal new information that we have learned not only about Robert E. Lee but also about his very interesting daughter Mary. Lee Shepard is vice president for collections at the VHS. http://www.vahistorical.org/audio/sheperd_42210.mp3 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EST http://www.vahistorical.org/news/lectures_trani.htm On April 1, 2010, Eugene P. Trani delivered a lecture on his book 'Distorted Mirrors: Americans and Their Relations with Russia and China in the Twentieth Century.' During the last century, United States relations with Russia and China went through many tumultuous changes. In a new appraisal, Eugene Trani shows where American images of Russia and China originated, how they evolved, and how they have often helped sustain foreign policies that were generally negative toward Russia and more positive toward China. Trani's wide-ranging new book draws on memoirs, archives, and interviews to show how influential individuals shaped perceptions and policies based on what they saw or thought they saw in those two countries. Dr. Trani is president emeritus of Virginia Commonwealth University.(Introduction by Nelson D. Lankford) http://www.vahistorical.org/audio/trani_40110.mp3 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EST