Experience the nation’s most popular toys and their stories through three imagined living rooms that bring the decades back to life.
The Virginia Historical Society offers a wide variety of members-only lectures and programs that feature renowned historians and authors. The following special events are open only to members. Invitations are mailed to members before each event.
The VHS offers three members-only lectures each year. Read more about the Stuart G. Christian Jr. Lecture, the Hazel and Fulton Chauncey Lecture, and the J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr. Lecture below.
The Stuart G. Christian, Jr. Lecture was named in honor of a former president of the VHS and takes place every spring. Because "Punky" Christian was a decorated veteran of the Normandy Campaign, this lecture series is focused on topics from the era of World War II.
Named in honor of their parents by Edwin H. Chauncey and Warren F. Chauncey, this lecture series focuses on topics in Virginia, Civil War, or southern history. The Chauncey Lecture takes place in the spring. Join us on Wednesday, July 19, when Dr. William M. Kelso delivers the 2017 Hazel and Fulton Chauncey Lecture entitled “Jamestown, the Truth Revealed.”
The J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr. Lecture is named in memory of Virginia banker J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr., and takes place every year in October. Join us on Wednesday, October 18, when John Dickerson delivers the 2017 J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr. Lecture entitled "Whistlestop: My Favorite Stories from Presidential Campaign History."
Have you ever wanted to visit a historic location in Virginia but did not want to deal with the hassle of planning a trip or fighting traffic? Leave the planning and driving to us!
The VHS offers our members monthly bus trips to historic sites and museums. Our day-long bus trips leave Richmond in the morning and travel to places such as Washington, D.C., Charlottesville, art museums, private homes, and many more exciting locations across the commonwealth. You will be led by VHS staff members and experienced tour guides, who will not only inform you about history but also make sure you have fun. Lunches and snacks are provided on each trip.
For more than sixty years, our annual Garden Party has been a highlight of the calendar year for VHS members. This annual event takes place at Virginia House from 4 to 6 p.m. on the last Saturday of April. Members and their guests are free to spend the afternoon enjoying the spring flowers, delicious refreshments, and lively conversation in the gardens. Learn more about Garden Party.
As a way of thanking our loyal members, the VHS holds a yearly members appreciation reception. During this after-hours event, members have the museum to themselves and are free to explore the galleries or mingle with VHS staff and other members.
Spend time exploring history with fellow VHS members. One of our previous excursions was, "Asheville, North Carolina Land of the Sky," which included tours of the Biltmore Estate and Gardens or the Asheville’s River Arts District; Blue Briar Cottage; a special opening only for our group at Rose’s Garden Shop; and private dinners at Pack’s Tavern and the Omni Grove Park Inn.
On occasion VHS members have the opportunity to travel abroad. Examples of former abroad trips include: Clash of Empires in the Caribbean; Eagle Ascending: From Normandy to the Borders of the Reich; and A Tale of Two Cities: London and Berlin at War, 1939-45.
If you are not a member, or your membership has expired, and you would like to attend one of these events, please contact me at 804.342.9658 or mweber@vahistorical.org.