Belle Isle History Hike Saturday

From James RIver Park staff:

Join us for a family friendly hike to one of Richmond’s historic gems, Belle Isle. Learn about the geologic and human history of the area and the role Richmond played in the development of our nation. Please bring water, a snack and good shoes.

Parking:
Street parking on 5th street
Belle Isle parking lot
Tredegar parking lot $3 per hour or $18 for the day

Ages: 8 and Up
Price: $5 or donation
Location: Meet at the visitor sign in the Belle Isle parking lot under the Lee Bridge

To Register contact Tyler Twyford: Tyler.Twyford@richmondgov.com

125 Years! Congratulations, St. Andrew’s School

The Times Dispatch has published a story that celebrates St. Andrew’s School’s 125th Anniversary.

From the article:

“Grace Arents was a visionary,” said Head of School Cynthia Weldon-Lassiter. “We have the opportunity to continue to grow the school in ways that are going to impact the greater community.”

Students have been a part of ongoing anniversary celebrations, including the creation of a mural in the school’s courtyard. That light-blue mural, with a sun and flowers, includes the school’s motto: “Growing with Grace.”

‘Miss Valentine Is Dead’ and #BallotBattle


Here’s an interesting twist for ‘Throwback Thursday’…the Valentine Museum has a new exhibit that takes some of the conversations surrounding the nascent women’s suffrage movement in Richmond and puts them in a mockup of today’s social media milieu. It’s called #BallotBattle and its bound to spur more attention and appreciation for this period in RVA history. Prominent activists of the time, like Lila Meade Valentine (buried next door in Hollywood Cemetery) are given ‘profiles’ and highlighted in old newspaper articles like the one above.

The exhibit is small and may make some historians squirm, but overall it is a fun, fascinating way to bring local historic figures to life and pose provocative, new-old questions on the verge of a big election year. Will we see the Equal Rights Amendment pass the General Assembly?

(My question? When will Richmond citizens be able to rank their choices for Mayor on the ballot?)

Hollywood & the Civil War Walking Tour This Sunday

Photo courtesy of John Peters.

The Valentine Museum is offering this walking tour of Hollywood Cemetery this weekend, specifically Sunday at 2 pm.

“The War Between the States” left its distinct mark on the City of Richmond as well as Hollywood Cemetery, with the entombment of over 18,000 Union and Confederate soldiers, numerous generals and the President of the Confederacy. Join us as we explore the cemetery’s Civil War history and learn about Richmond’s complicated story as the former capitol of the Confederate States of America.

Please note that this tour is 1.5 to 2 miles and involves several inclines. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.

Price: $15 Adult, $5 Valentine members, Children under 18 are FREE
Length: 2 hours
Parking: On Street
Meeting place: Enter at Cherry and Albemarle streets, meet at the rear of the stone structure to the left.

Advanced tickets are strongly encouraged. Space is limited.
Accessibility- People of all abilities are encouraged to join us for tours. If you have accessibility challenges or need accommodation, please let us know in advance.
Tours are held rain or shine. However, in extreme weather a tour may be cancelled. Call 804-649-0711 x 301 to verify the tour will take place.
Admission includes a $5 donation to the Friends of Hollywood Cemetery for ongoing restoration. Tours are made possible through a generous partnership with Hollywood Cemetery.