Media Alert
October 18, 2022
Taylor Fuqua, Manager of PR & Marketing; tfuqua@VirginiaHistory.org; 804.342.9661

Richmond, Va. – The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) is pleased to present the official Virginia History Christmas ornament for 2022. This year’s ornament highlights a unique item from the museum's collection - a recently restored 1918 Kline automobile, which is now a featured object in the reimagined VMHC.

One of only two remaining examples known to exist from the Richmond manufacturer, Kline Motor Car Corporation, this Kline automobile was purchased by prominent Black businessman and philanthropist Alfred D. “A.D.” Price Sr. in 1919. Born into slavery in Hanover County, Price started out as a blacksmith and wheelwright before founding A.D. Price Funeral Home in Richmond in 1881. Price became the first Black funeral director in Virginia to receive an embalming license from the state and his funeral home was the leading Black-owned funeral home in the city. A pillar of the community, the A.D. Price Funeral Home was a hub of Black civic life in Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood.

In the early 1900s, James Kline was enticed by local businessmen to Virginia from Pennsylvania to create the Kline Motor Car Company. Located on what is now Arthur Ashe Boulevard in Richmond (across from the Diamond baseball park), and later on Cary Street, the Kline Company produced about 2,500-2,800 vehicles before closing in 1924. Price’s Kline Kar was among the last produced at the Arthur Ashe Boulevard location.

This rare car began its long restoration journey thanks to Debbie and Tim Crowder, who later brought it to the VMHC in 2007. From 2020 to 2022, nearly 1,000 hours were spent on the car’s restoration by White Post Restorations, Inc., a nationally recognized restoration firm located near Winchester, Virginia. This extensive restoration was made possible with support from Mr. & Mrs. Gerald F. Smith, Jr. The Kline Kar is now on display in the center of the VMHC’s new Commonwealth Hall.

The ornament can be purchased at VirginiaHistory.org/2022Ornament. Orders received by November 28th receive 20% off by using the code 20OFF at checkout. VMHC members receive an additional 10% off with their regular discount. This ornament is the fifth in a new series of collectible ornaments the museum has offered featuring the history and culture of Virginia. Purchase of the ornament helps support the mission of the museum including funding educational programs for students across the commonwealth.

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The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society — a private, non-profit organization established in 1831. The historical society is the oldest cultural organization in Virginia, and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the nation. For use in its state history museum and its renowned research library, the historical society cares for a collection of nearly nine million items representing the ever-evolving story of Virginia.

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