"In the Beginning, all America was Virginia."
William Byrd II
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Exhibitions

Immerse yourself in Virginia's history by visiting one of our exhibitions.

 

The Story of Virginia

The Story of Virginia

The Story of Virginia
Step back in time and explore the Story of Virginia
Patrick Henry Arguing Parson's Cause
Get closer to your history.
the Story of Virginia
Explore The Story of Virginia

EXPERIENCE 16,000 years of history in 2 hours     OPEN Mon-Sun 10-5

This 10,500 square-foot exhibition interprets 16,000 years of Virginia history and features more than 500 artifacts, maps, letters, and diaries ranging from the earliest stone tools shaped by humans to a satellite built by high school students in 2013. Objects in the exhibition are supplemented by images from the Virginia Historical Society's collection, soundscapes, video, and digital and hands-on interactives.

Learn more about The Story of Virginia:

 

Explore the Story of Virginia: An American Experience

16,000 BCE to 1622 CE

At the time of the great northern glaciers, Native Americans followed the game they hunted to Virginia.
Find out more about 16,000 BCE to 1622 CE
Native American

1622 to 1763

The colony prospered. Tobacco—grown by indentured servants and enslaved Africans—sustained the economy.
Find out more about 1622 to 1763
William Byrd II

1763 to 1825

British taxation—introduced to pay for a British military presence in America—was unexpected by the Virginia gentry and resented.
Find out more about 1763 to 1825
St. John's Church Bell

1825 to 1861

The decades following the presidency of Virginian James Monroe (1817–1825) saw populations shift, the economy expand, and attitudes about slavery harden.
Find out more about 1825 to 1861
The Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1829-1830