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Explore Topics
Learn about an array of topics in Virginia history through collections objects, historical articles, video, and our interactive timeline.

Collections Spotlight

Victory Gardens
First promoted during World War I, war gardening, or victory gardens, provided American citizens an opportunity to assist with the war effort.

Inside The Jemima Code
In this Banner Lecture, Toni Tipton-Martin explores more than 150 years of culinary history through African American cooking.

Oysters in Virginia
Oysters have a long history in Virginia. Learn more about this popular staple, including modern conservation efforts.
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

Drawing, Natural Bridge

Painting, George Washington

Bowie Knife

Desk circa 1780-1805

U.S. Navy WAVES Uniform

Equal Suffrage League of Richmond Photograph

Program, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, 1962
![Photographic print, No. 3, Pocahontas [train], barrels by Shawsville on its night run to Cincinnati, 1955 Silver gelatin photographic print. Framed. Image depicts Norfolk and Western Train No. 3, the Pocahontas, in a shroud of exhaust with 13 cars of Christmas mail and passengers.](/sites/default/files/styles/fp_landscape_590px_breakpoint_/public/Collection%20Item_Norfolk%20Western%20Train%20No%203%20Pocahontas_OWinstonLink.1990.115_H3.jpg.webp?itok=E9eIhuhm)
Photographic print, No. 3, Pocahontas [train], barrels by Shawsville on its night run to Cincinnati, 1955

Tintype Portrait of Robert Thaxton
![Medal, Indian badge 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/fp_landscape_590px_breakpoint_/public/Collection%20Item_IndianBadge_Machotick.1965.12_front_H3.jpg.webp?itok=MEJfsKrY)