Our Commonwealth
This signature exhibition provides an in-depth, multi-sensory journey through the five major regions of Virginia and features stories and artifacts from across the state to reveal that place is not only about geography, but also the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves.
Featured Events
Featuring award-winning speakers, tours, and family activities for all ages and interest levels. To browse all upcoming events, please click through to our calendar.
Acquisitions Year in Review
The Space Race
Apollo Member Tour
18th Century Chocolate Making Demos
October Sky
Apollo Member Tour
In a Constitutional Way
18th Century Chocolate Making Demos
The Boston Tea Party: 250th Anniversary Event
Tea for 250
Virginia House Holiday Open House
Apollo Member Tour
Stories at the Museum
18th Century Chocolate Making Demos
18th Century Chocolate Making Demos
Stories at the Museum
Soldier of Destiny
Marshall Scholar Series: Richard Haass
Featured Collections Items
The VMHC has a collection of more than 9 million items. Here are just a few them (please note that not all of them may be on display to the public). Search the Library or Museum Objects Collections databases to learn more.
Tennis Items, Arthur Ashe
Tennis racquet,bag, and wrist band, all belonged to Arthur Ashe.
Drawing, Natural Bridge
Pastel drawing depicting Natural Bridge in Snow by George Brewerton in 1872.
Painting, George Washington
Portrait in oils of George Washington by Charles Peale Polk, nephew of Charles Willson Peale, whose 1787 portrait of the general was the basis for this image.
Bowie Knife
Bowie knife taken from John Brown at Harper's Ferry in 1859 by J.E.B. Stuart.
Desk circa 1780-1805
Chippenale slant-front desk with bracket feet, Eastern Virginia, probably Richmond, based on Williamsburg prototype.
U.S. Navy WAVES Uniform
Complete WAVES uniform from World War II worn by Nancy E. Bailey (Bon Cogsdale).
Equal Suffrage League of Richmond Photograph
1915 Photograph show a group of women gathered in Capitol Square holding large banners which read "Equal Suffrage League and Richmond, Virginia" and "Votes for Women."
Program, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, 1962
Program from the Virginia State Unit of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference meeting, includes a black and white photograph of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and five signatures (clockwise from
Photographic print, No. 3, Pocahontas [train], barrels by Shawsville on its night run to Cincinnati, 1955
Image depicting Norfolk and Western Train No. 3, the Pocahontas, in a shroud of exhaust with 13 cars of Christmas mail and passengers.
Tintype Portrait of Robert Thaxton
Tintype portrait of Pvt. Robert Thaxton, a Confederate soldier killed at the battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia, in May 1863.
![Silver medal inscribed on obverse, " The King of" and on the reverse "Machotick," [Machodoc], with both sides engraved with flowers and cornucopia.](/sites/default/files/styles/col_4_fp_landscape_480x360_/public/Collection%20Item_IndianBadge_Machotick.1965.12_front_H3.jpg.webp?itok=CSNA-w91 "Medal, Indian badge")
Medal, Indian Badge
A 1661 act of the Virginia General Assembly forced the Chief of the Machodoc—and all the leaders and warriors of Virginia’s Indegenous people-to wear these badges while in English settlements.
Shop Apollo Merchandise at the VMHC Museum Store
Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances
A revelatory and moving memoir by former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver Leland Melvin, following his journey from the gridiron to the stars.
Astronaut Ice Cream Sandwich
Get a taste of space with this Freeze-Dried Neapolitan Ice Cream Sandwich!
I Need My Space Socks
The space socks are made from 100% bamboo which means that they are anti-allergenic, moisture-wicking, antibacterial, environmentally friendly, and incredibly comfortable!
LEGO Lunar Research Base
This LEGO playset is packed with NASA-inspired details for imaginative space play, including a lunar lander, skycrane drone, VIPER-inspired lunar robotic rover and moon buggy, plus 6 astronaut minifigures.
Waving Astronaut Sticker
Decorate your journal, laptop, fridge, and more with this whimsical waving space-walker!
One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission That Flew Us to the Moon
The sweeping, definitive behind-the-scenes account of the furious race to complete one of mankind’s greatest achievements and the extraordinary impact Apollo had back on Earth and on the way we live today.
Little Moon Buddy Plushie
This best-selling stuffed toy is ready to be your comforting celestial companion.
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
This hardcover picture book based on the New York Times bestselling book and Academy Award-nominated movie brings to life the incredibly inspiring true story of four black women who helped NASA launch men into space.
Astronaut Shirt
This 3/4 sleeve shirt with a hand printed, yellow-gold foiled astronaut design is available in multiple sizes for kids and adults.
Moon Poet Magnetic Poetry
Over 200 word magnets related to lunar language will bring out your inner poet.