About the Exhibition: Finding the Familiar offers interpretations of everyday objects from multiple perspectives. The exhibition features an introduction to each object from the VMHC collection then expands the institutional point-of-view to include the object’s connection to Virginia’s history. Finally, the object becomes part of a story shared by a Virginian. The people featured in this exhibition act as narrators of their own individual story and, through their narration, they allow guests to connect with the museum’s collection and find common ground with fellow Virginians, some of whom are rarely seen in museum exhibitions. To enhance the feeling of connection, the space is designed to resemble a living room and the objects themselves are common household items.
Highlights: This exhibition features artifacts including Ralph Sampson’s PUMA Sneakers, John Aydelotte Mapp’s Navy Visor Cap, a Thalhimers Shopping Bag and Credit Card, and the October 7, 2014, edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch featuring a photograph of Nicole Pries and Lindsey Oliver celebrating their marriage ceremony at Richmond Circuit Court after same-sex marriage becomes legal in Virginia.
