Wickham House, home to the Richmond Valentine History Center
The International Council of Museums defines a museum as “a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment."
In Richmond, the heritage of humanity alluded to in the above quotation can best be seen on the streets of Virginia’s capital via public tours, which include your choice of riding the bus and walking. If you're not into either modes of transportation, try using a Segway instead. Yes, you're allowed.
Make a trip to the movies something entirely new and different by taking a “behind the scenes” tour of the Byrd Theatre, Richmond’s movie palace. Note the famous residents of Hollywood Cemetery and get a closer look at the 90 ft. granite pyramid that serves as a memorial to those that served in the Confederate Army. Or, if you aren't up to leaving your own neighborhood, then no worries! Explore your own neighborhood with the Fan District and Church Hill tours. Thanks to the Richmond Valentine History Center, each weekend in the city can be educational and fulfill the exercise quota of any Richmond history enthusiast.
Upcoming walking tours include:
Aug. 8 (10a-12p) Director’s Tour: Highland Park
"History Center Director Bill Martin leads a brand new of one of Richmond's lesser known historic retail districts. One of the city's original streetcar suburbs, Highland Park sits just north of downtown Richmond, on the hills above Shockoe Valley, and dates to the 1890s."
Aug 9 (2-4pm) Hollywood Cemetery
"An extension of the daily “Highlights” tour, this version covers in more detail the cemetery’s unique history, landscape design, architecture, symbols and residents."
Feeling brave enough to try the Segway?
Aug. 15 (12-2pm) SEGWAY TOUR
"Ride a Segway past the restored 19th and 20th century homes, churches, schools and businesses of the fashionable Fan District. Learn about the luminaries who have called it home and the architectural details that make the neighborhood unique and timeless"
Don't forget, whether it's too hot or you're not in the mood for a walk, there is always the bus!
Aug. 8th (1-4pm) The Beauty of Tiffany Glass
"Richmond is home to a number of Lewis Comfort Tiffany’s stained glass windows, commissioned during the early 20th century as both public and religious art. Stops include the Ginter Mausoleum at Hollywood Cemetery, as well as St. Paul’s and St. James’s Episcopal churches."
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