Virginia Historical Society- The Story of Virginia

The Virginia Historical Society, located next to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts on Boulevard, has been showcasing Virginia history and artifacts for decades. I examined The Story of Virginia exhibit, which displayed over 1,000 artifacts dating back to their earliest parts of the 15^th century. When entering the exhibit you find yourself viewing a brief video that offers a general timeline of Virginian history and the background of what the exhibit entails. The entrance is a log cabin construction with a feeling of Jamestown, pictured here 

I felt the introduction was conveyed in a unique way in regard to the focus of the video. Throughout the timeline significant events are mention and showcased, such as Native Americans, the establishment of Jamestown, the rich Presidential history, our growing infrastructure and technology, and the beautiful landscape of Virginia. Although numerous historical events were featured in the film, the incorporation and focus of African Americans was not only a highlight of the film but received a great deal of focus. After viewing the video it seemed that a great deal of the exhibit would highlight the Civil Rights movement and the struggle of African Americans in Virginia to gain racial equality and overcome the grips of segregation. Overall I felt that the video was visually dynamic and offered many insights that gave even the most knowledgeable historian a detailed explanation and background on the purpose and aim of the exhibit.

The exhibit is broken into numerous time periods throughout Virginian history, which are displayed in a series of rooms as one walks through the spacious exhibit. The time periods are labeled as such; Becoming Virginians, Becoming Americans, Becoming Southerners, Becoming Confederates, Becoming New Southerners, Becoming Americans Again, Becoming Equal, and finally Becoming a New Virginian. The exhibit starts by focusing on the Native Americans and displays original arrowheads, tools, weapons, and canoes, pictured here

Although the story of Native American’s transitions into the establishment of Jamestown and the American Revolution, the exhibit focused on the Native Americans as a people and culture and failed to acknowledge their displacement by the English settlers.

The Becoming Americans and Becoming Southerners sections were the most relevant to one’s opinion of Virginia history because these sections incorporated the rich Presidential traditions, the foothold in rebelling against Great Britain, and the powerhouse of the Confederacy. Artwork was prevalent throughout these sections as battles, portraits, and the Richmond skyline were the center of attention. I personally felt this section was lacking a more detailed history of Richmond as the capital of the Confederacy and it seemed the primary focus was of the Virginian Presidents. Furthermore, the artwork and paintings were somewhat boring and did not fill the space as dynamically as other sections throughout the exhibit. The presentation implied that these two sections were the highlights of Virginia History but the presentation fell short for their aim.

One of the more exciting displays and time periods in the exhibit was the Becoming Equal and Becoming a New Virginian. These sections incorporated the most detail and artifacts as they focused on the era of the Civil Rights movement, expanding technology, and the changing cultures in Virginia. As the video stated at the beginning of the exhibit, African Americans received much attention throughout the time period of the Civil Rights movement and numerous rooms were dedicated to displaying artifacts that showcased their struggle and eventual acceptance in equality. I felt that this section was the most powerful because it leaves the viewer with a powerful account of the experiences of African Americans at the time. Pictures offer a firsthand account of the segregation and struggles that were so prevalent in Virginia, especially Richmond. For me personally I felt that this display was alarming and sad because I saw the segregation taking part in my home town. After seeing the firsthand accounts right in my back yard I gained a different perspective for the African American’s struggle for equality.

Relating to this time period, the later part of the decade incorporates the expanding technology and culture that Virginia was experiencing between the 60’s and 80’s. Magazines, records, clothes, and transportation show the progress of lifestyle during this period and a feeling of nostalgia is eminent for those who experienced this period as a child. 

Personally I felt this collection was not only neat but the visual overload gave you a sense for the expanding pace of life as technology sped up not only the workforce but our culture as well. Music and sports were highlighted throughout the time period with the exhibit ending with a prominent and influential statue of Arthur Ashe, pictured here

I thought the exhibit ending with a 15 foot tall statue of Arthur Ashe was not only interesting but controversial. Yes he means a great deal to Virginia History and played a large role in the expansion of sports to African American communities and AIDS awareness but it seems the exhibit is portraying him as the most sacred piece of Virginia History. The dominating statue is larger than life, which suggests his character and life; however, to incorporate a statue of Arthur Ashe of this size and to end the entire exhibit with him looking down on you as you exit is significant to the viewer’s takeaway. From the opening video to the final statue, it seems that the exhibit comes full circle with the primary focus and statement of African American’s in Virginia. I think the exhibit should have certainly incorporated this side of Virginia History but I feel that the other events, individuals, and cultures are tainted because the exhibit suggests that the establishment of African Americans in Virginia is the most significant and important element of our history. Overall I enjoyed the exhibit and the presentation of artifacts. The title of the exhibit is The Story of Virginia, and the Virginia Historical Society made a great effort in constructing such a detailed account of Virginia. Although the exhibit is targeted to a more mature audience, I think we can all gain an appreciation for Virginia History after viewing their extensive display of artifacts.