The Valentine museum is like many things in Richmond for me, it’s a place I’d heard of, though I didn’t know its precise location and I knew at some point I should get around to checking it out. A gray overcast sky postponed my plan to visit Richmond’s Capitol Building, so I took this opportunity to head to the Valentine Museum to soak up some Richmond History.
Located just near 10th and Clay St.’s in an area which used to be known as Court End, the Valentine and its adjoining attraction, the 1812 Wickham House are located on a small picturesque street a stone’s throw from the ever busy Broad St.
The Valentine is the place to go if you want to learn about Richmond’s history as a city from its early founding to present day. As a resident transplant I knew little about the city before I moved and have been woefully ignorant of the importance this city has played throughout history, and its inevitable albeit slow change.
Upon entering I was greeted by a very friendly staff and arrived just a few minutes before a tour of the Wickham House was to start, which gave me a little bit of time to poke around the gift shop. Fun fact, everything in the gift shop except for the books is created by artists/businesses within 25 miles of the city. Support local baby, it’s the Richmond way!
I won’t go into much detail about the tour of the Wickham House except to say that since it’s included in your admission price it’s worth taking the time to check it out. Built in 1812 its interior is a great example of Neo-Classical architecture and touring the house is a great way to peek into what the lives of the wealthy were like at the time.
The interesting thing about the photo of the dining room below is that the portrait of the woman to the right of the fireplace was painted by an artist we’re all familiar with. It’s likely you’ve seen his work and didn’t even know it! Where, you ask?
Open your wallet, take out a one dollar bill. Look at George Washington. The artist who painted the portrait of Washington which the one on the dollar bill is modeled after also painted the portrait of Mrs.Wickham – how cool is that!
The Valentine museum itself is small, consisting of two floors and I spent around an hour or so wandering through the various exhibits learning some things about my adopted hometown, such as:
- Richmond wasn’t always Virginia’s capital (sorry bout that Williamsburg)
- The city had the first electric trolley system built in 1888 (take THAT San Francisco!), and;
- It also has the dubious distinction of ratifying the 19th amendement (women’s suffrage) a mere 32 years after it was passed by Congress.
I have to admit to not reading ALL of the descriptions under every display so I’m sure I missed something however I certainly learned some new facts about the city. The Valentine is definitely a labor of love dedicated to Richmond. It displays everything from Native American artifacts to one of GWAR’s early costumes, not to mention some old RVA landmarks such as the Miller and Rhoads clock.
One of my favorite displays was downstairs where a collection of photos by Edith K. Shelton hang. During the 1950’s she took photographs of the older Richmond neighborhoods, her favorites being Jackson Ward and Carver.
It’s really neat to see how the city looked back then compared to now.
One of the great thing about Richmond is how many of the original buildings in the city still stand, despite the city being set ablaze at the end of the civil war. Though their uses may have shifted over time and neighborhoods evolved due to progress and economy, the fact that a building which once housed the P.F. Savage shop is now Kai nightclub speaks to Richmond’s ability to endure continuing change.
Aside from the interior exhibition, there is also a sculpture garden in the back which looks like it’d be a great place to spend some time on a sunny day. They also have a neat collection of old neon signs which used to adorn Richmond buildings, so be sure to walk around the grounds to check that out as well!
Visiting the Valentine was a perfect way to spend a few hours downtown and get some knowledge of the city. Visitors would get a nice overview of the city’s history and residents – you’ll learn some things about the city I bet you never knew before. You can find admission costs and all other relevant information at the Valentine Museum’s website.
