History
Central Virginia is for History Lovers
Echoes of the past reverberate throughout Central Virginia. Sites of historic interest abound around every corner and down every ... more
Meet John Cussons - the 1800s Glen Allen Version of Buffalo Bill
Perhaps no more colorful a character has ever lived in the Richmond area than adventurer, soldier and entrepreneur, John Cussons. more
Our Rich Theater History – How Much Do You Know?
Any discussion of the history of Richmond-area theaters must, by law (I guess), include mention of the Mosque and the Byrd ... more
The Plots Thicken: Untold Stories From Hollywood Cemetery
Hollywood Cemetery is more than a burial spot. It’s also a park, a garden and an outdoor art museum. It’s “a special landscape,” says tour guide Kathryn Whittington, adding that the cemetery’s encompassing background also extends to the people ... more
Manchester – You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
“Manchester is a small decaying town irregularly built on irregular ground. Not a tree exists to enliven the dead appearance of its wooden buildings.” Those rather uncomplimentary words, penned by William Henry Latrobe in his diary ... more
Hanover – Rich in History and Historical Sites
Even in a region steeped in history, Hanover County can seem particularly fertile ground for those eager to engage with the past. Art Taylor, a member of the Hanover County Historical Society moved to Hanover in the 1970s though his family’s ... more
Photo by Craig Reynolds
‘Fanning’ the flames of architecture
Architect John Russell Pope was not a Richmonder, or even a Virginian; he was born in New York and kept a residence in Newport, Rhode Island. Yet his designs in early-20th-century Richmond had a far-reaching effect on the city, defining the ... more
Discovering the Secrets of the Secret City
As day dawned in Eastern Tennessee on December 7, 1941, likely none of the several hundred families living in the valley that encompassed portions of Roane and Anderson Counties had any idea that the events unfolding on the Hawaiian island of ... more
Dabbs House an Overlooked Gem in Henrico
Since its construction in 1859, the Dabbs House has seen its share of visitors and played varied and surprising roles that reflect the meandering course of history. In its current iteration, the Dabbs House illuminates that rich past as a museum ... more
Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson
Spend an /Evening With Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe
“I sincerely wish you may find it convenient to come here. the pleasure of the trip will be less than you expect, but the utility greater." - Extract of a letter from Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, Paris, June 17, 1785. more
Mar 22, 2016 1:57 PM ENTERTAINMENT
Feel the Vibe in Jackson Ward
Oh, how I wish I could step back in time to the early 20th century and visit the Jackson Ward of that era. If time travel were possible, I’d jump out of my machine and head straight for one of the most exciting, lively neighborhoods in the ... more
A Taste of History
I didn’t find exactly what I was looking for, but I discovered much more in the pages of Thomas Jefferson’s Crème Brûlée. My search was for recipes with a dash of back-story. I craved the story of how Thomas Jefferson took James Hemings to ... more
Chesterfield History Lectures: Figures from the Past
The Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia (CHSV) presents its ninth annual winter lecture series, every other Friday at 7 p.m. from Jan. 8 through March 18. The 9th annual CHSV Winter Lecture Series takes place in the Community Hall at ... more
Jan 8, 2016 7:00 AM ENTERTAINMENT
Lessons on Slavery from Women to Women
Escaped slave, abolitionist, lecturer and author Harriet Ann Jacobs (1813-1897) was one of the few women to document firsthand the tale of sexual harassment and abuse that female slaves faced and their struggle for freedom. On Monday, February 15... more
Ten Presidential Itineraries
Among bragging rights claimed by the commonwealth, the title “Birthplace of Presidents” provides both historic pride and an enjoyable, educational travel itinerary. In Virginia, we can boast eight native sons who were elected ... more
Maggie Walker & Richmond Women – Organizing for Good
The spirit of Maggie Walker lives on – not just in Church Hill where she was born or Jackson Ward where she lived most of her life; not just in the National Park Service historic site that bears her name; and not just in the statue that ... more
Dressing Downton
I’m not easily drawn in to TV series, but Downton Abbey hooked me. By the end of the first episode, I cared what happened to the Crawley family and their servants, eagerly anticipating each new episode. I’m not alone: the show remains the highest... more
Photo courtesy of The Valentine
You Don't Have to Travel to Tour!
Would you like to learn more about this city we call home, to be entertained while you’re educated? Then check out the 2015 season of Richmond’s Valentine history tours. The Valentine offers over 300 varied opportunities to explore Richmond... more
The interior of Ardent Craft Ales. Photo by Daniel Warshaw
Scott's Addition: Not Forgotten Anymore
About 10 years ago, I worked in a forgotten Richmond neighborhood. I’d tell people that my artist’s studio was in Scott’s Addition, and they’d inevitably reply, “Where?” These days, though, Scott’s Addition is booming. more
The First National Bank in 1913. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Living in History
When looking for a place to live, does it matter if the building is filled with stories? What if those stories involve cultural icons, a one-armed explorer, or impenetrable security? If so, downtown Richmond may be the answer. more
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