The Valentine

The Valentine in Richmond, Virginia, is the city's oldest museum and is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing local history. The institution was founded in 1898 by Mann S. Valentine II, who had made his fortune producing a health elixir derived from beef. After his death, he bequeathed his extensive collections of art and artifacts, the historic Wickham House from 1812, and a cash gift to the City of Richmond to make the museum possible. The Wickham House, a National Historic Landmark, was later renovated to reflect its appearance in the early 1800s, when the Wickham family lived there. Since opening, the museum has been expanded and modernized several times to create more exhibition space and enlarge its collection.

At the heart of the museum is the permanent exhibition "This is Richmond, Virginia," located on the main level. It tells the story of Virginia's capital through five different themes, using objects from the museum's rich collection to connect personal stories with the broader historical development of the region. In addition to this permanent display, The Valentine offers changing special exhibitions that focus on specific aspects of the city's history, such as life during the Great Depression or the history of Richmond's African American community. These temporary exhibitions often use photographs, textiles, and historical documents to shed light on complex social issues and the city's diverse identity.

A special feature of the museum is its historic city tours, which have been offered since the 1940s. Today, you can join guided tours on foot, by bus, or by bike to explore different neighborhoods such as Church Hill, Jackson Ward, or the area around the James River. These tours aim to share Richmond's diverse and inclusive stories and to show you the urban landscape from a new perspective. In addition to the tours, the museum organizes programs, special events, and research opportunities to engage a broad audience and promote historical education.