The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) hosted exhibitions and events to coincide with the 2019-2020 run of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning Broadway sensation, HAMILTON, at the Altria Theater in Richmond, Virginia, and Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, Virginia.

Exhibition

Founding Frenemies: Hamilton & The Virginians
October 19, 2019 – February 2, 2020

This interactive exhibition explores Alexander Hamilton’s relationships with the founding generation of Virginians and includes objects that illustrate his service as General George Washington’s right-hand man, his leadership at the Battle of Yorktown, his impact as Secretary of the Treasury, the scandal surrounding his affair with Maria Reynolds, and his infamous battles with Thomas Jefferson. Learn more.

EVENTS

Founding Frenemies: An Evening with Hamilton & Jefferson
October 18, 2019 

This event provided the opportunity for guests to be among the first to visit the museum's newest exhibition and enjoy an evening of contentious conversation as "Alexander Hamilton" and "Thomas Jefferson" (portrayed by Eben Kuhns and Steve Edenbo of The American Historical Theatre) debated key issues of the founding era. 

Fireworks Spectacular at The Diamond
November 16, 2019

The VMHC and Flying Squirrels partnered to present a night of family-friendly programming, with fireworks choreographed to selections from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning Broadway musical, HAMILTON, and a live interview with Tony award-winning actor Chris Jackson, who starred as George Washington in the original Broadway production. View event photos.

Broadway Meets History
December 3, 2019 

In this special lecture, Dr. Richard Bell explored the history behind the lyrics of HAMILTON and discussed what the success of this musical phenomenon reveals about the marriage of history and show-business. 

Virginia Journeys: Yorktown
January 22, 2020 

This member-only tour allowed attendees to explore pivotal events from the American Revolutionary War through guided tours at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and the Colonial National Historical Park Yorktown Battlefield with stops at key sites, including the Moore House and Nelson House, along with the Custom House. 

The VMHC’s Alexander Hamilton programming and exhibitions were presented by TowneBank. Additional generous support was provided by the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Richmond Region Tourism. Fireworks additional support provided by Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia and Hamilton Beach Brands.