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2011 Anniversaries

The Richmond Region and its visitors can spend 2011 celebrating numerous special anniversaries throughout the year.

OnToRichmond.com: 150th Anniversaries of the American Civil War & Emancipation
Few areas of the United States were affected like the Richmond Region during the American Civil War -- the capital of the Confederacy and the scene of several major battles. During the Civil War, the Richmond Region became the backdrop for a multitude of historical events that changed the face of America during this struggle to end slavery.

To highlight the area’s pivotal role and commemorate the end of slavery in America, the Richmond Region is observing the American Civil War and Emancipation 150th Anniversaries  from 2011 to 2015. Numerous Civil War sites, museums, historic homes, battlefield parks, cemeteries, slave-trade sites, and interpretive trails and walking tours will enhance the visitor experience during this four-year commemoration.

“On to Richmond,” the battle cry that inspired 19th century Union troops to conquer the capital of the Confederacy, is now a call for visitors to experience Civil War and Emancipation history in the Richmond Region. OnToRichmond.com provides sample itineraries, information and a calendar of events.

400th Anniversaries of Henrico County & the Citie of Henricus
For 400 years, Henrico County  has helped shape the success of the American Experiment. It was established as one of the state's eight original shires – the site of England's second settlement in the New World after Jamestown, the Citie of Henricus. Today, Henricus Historical Park  re-creates the settlement with historical interpretation and reenactments that pay tribute to Virginia's Indians and the English settlers who carved a nation out of what was then Virginia's western frontier.

During this 400th anniversary year, visitors are invited to relive America's beginnings in Henrico County and celebrate the “Year of Henricus” at Henricus Historical Park. Detailed information and a calendar of 400th anniversary events can be found at Henrico400th.com.

75th Anniversary of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
In the midst of the Great Depression, on January 16, 1936, Virginia's political and business leaders bravely demonstrated their faith in the future and their belief in the value of art by opening the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. Seventy-five years later, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts serves as the state's flagship art museum and as the headquarters for an educational network that brings the best of world art, past and present, to every corner of the commonwealth. Throughout the year, VMFA wants to thank Virginian’s for their continued support over the years with exciting exhibitions, engaging events and a schedule that keeps the doors open 365 days a year. Learn more at vmfa.museum.

Museums & Attractions

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Richmond’s Virginia Museum of Fine Arts  (VMFA) recently re-opened after completing a large-scale expansion that added 165,000 square feet of space, placing it among the top 10 comprehensive art museums in the country. The expansion’s centerpiece is the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Wing, which provides the museum with 50 percent more special-exhibition space, as well as an array of public gathering areas. The McGlothlin Wing is linked to the museum’s existing building by the dramatic Louise B. and J. Harwood Cochrane Atrium that serves as VMFA’s new main thoroughfare and provides a birds-eye view of the surrounding Victorian neighborhood.

The E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden’s lush greens and tranquil waterfall bring art outdoors. Other highlights include the new Amuse Restaurant, the Art Education Center, the Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library and an expanded gift shop. The museum’s holdings encompass more than 22,000 works of art, including the largest public collection of Fabergé imperial eggs outside Russia and one of the nation’s finest collections of American art. VMFA is home to acclaimed collections of English Silver and Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, British Sporting and Contemporary art, as well as renowned South Asian, Himalayan and African art. VMFA offers free admission and is open 365 a year.

The Fed Experience
The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond recently unveiled The Fed Experience , an interactive, multimedia exhibit designed to bring the economy to life. Featuring real-life stories from Federal Reserve employees, their families and people in communities the Richmond Fed serves, the exhibit helps visitors understand how stable prices over time affect living standards.

The Fed Experience provides economic education and offers a way to build understanding between the Fed's role in the economy and the choices people make in "Main Street" America — from a student deciding to save his allowance to an entrepreneur deciding to start her own business. The Fed Experience appeals to visitors of all ages and is especially useful for middle-school students because of its connection to Virginia's Standards of Learning. The material also aligns with national learning standards and can be an online resource for schools. The website (thefedexperience.org) provides classroom tools for teachers beyond Richmond. The exhibit is free and is open weekdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., except on Federal holidays.

Virginia War Memorial
The Virginia War Memorial’s  new Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center added 17,300 square feet to the memorial that honors more than 11,600 Virginians who sacrificed their lives in World War II and subsequent conflicts. The addition includes a remodeled outdoor amphitheater, meeting space and room to make the memorial’s research library accessible to the public. A new theater displays the memorial’s “Virginian’s at War” film series, which showcases interviews of over 800 veterans from across Virginia. A new film, "Into Battle", simulates battle scenes from four wars – World War II, The Korean War, The Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. Special lighting as well as surround sound music and sound effects enhance the audience’s experience, while a snow machine showers the audience in artificial snow during the Korean War segment.

Richmond Slave Trail
This self-guided walking trail chronicles the history of the trade of enslaved Africans from Africa to Virginia until 1775. The trail begins on the south side of the James River at the Manchester Docks, the major port where slaves arrived, and continues to the former marketplace in Shockoe Bottom where slaves were bought and sold. New interpretive signage and maps provide visitors with information about each designated stop. Group tours can also be scheduled through the Elegba Folkore Society, 804.644.3900.

Road to Revolution Heritage Trail
The Road to Revolution Heritage Trail , which links historic sites in Virginia that interpret the life of Patrick Henry, now features new interpretive signage to educate visitors about the life of the orator of the American Revolution and Virginia’s first governor. The Road to Revolution is comprised of 10 sites that played a key role in shaping the values and intellect of Patrick Henry. Sites along the trail in the Richmond Region include: St. John’s Church, the site of Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech; Scotchtown, Henry’s home from 1771 -1778; Hanover Tavern, where Henry lived and studied; and Hanover Courthouse, where Henry began his public career.

Historic Route 1
Visitors headed to the Richmond Region can now find historic landmarks, diners and other roadside wonders along Historic Route 1  in Virginia with the new website, HistoricRouteOne.com. The website, which continues to add content, will eventually incorporate information about this historic east coast highway in additional states, spanning from Maine to Florida.

Sports & Outdoor Fun

Kings Dominion
Thrill addicts and adrenalin junkies are in for the ride of their lives on Kings Dominion’s  Giga-coaster Intimidator 305, which debuted in 2010. The 5,100 foot long steel Intimidator 305, reaching 305 feet, takes its name from one of stock car racing’s most beloved and tenacious drivers, Dale Earnheart. As only the second Giga-coaster ever built in North America, Intimidator 305 is the tallest and fastest roller coaster of its type on the East Coast. New this season, Planet Snoopy will bring the entire PEANUTS gang out to the park — complete with PEANUTS™ Showplace, Snoopy's Splash Dance, Joe Cool Driving School and Flying Ace. At night “Snoopy’s Starlight Spectacular” will feature a nighttime walk-through light and sound experience that includes Snoopy and the PEANUTS gang.

Richmond Flying Squirrels
Sports fans rejoiced with the return of minor league baseball to the Richmond Region last spring. The Class AA Flying Squirrels , an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, have officially made Richmond their home at The Diamond. Their mascots, Nutsy the squirrel and Zinger the acorn, have become favorites among Richmonders.

Virginia Capital Trail
Virginia Capital Trail , the pedestrian and bicycle trail linking the Richmond Region to Jamestown and Williamsburg, has three completed phases. In Richmond, it begins at 17th and Dock streets behind the floodwall, going a half mile to Great Shiplock Park. Seven miles are complete in Charles City County, beginning at the historic Courthouse and heading west. There are also eight miles open in James City County between the Chickahominy Riverfront Park and the Jamestown Settlement Center. The 55-mile trail is expected to be completed by 2013.

New & Updated Hotels

Be sure to check out the new and updated hotels throughout the Richmond Region!

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