Media Alert
April 9, 2024
Taylor Fuqua, Manager of PR & Marketing; tfuqua@VirginiaHistory.org; 804.342.9661

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s Becoming Citizens program returns this spring, offering 100% free citizenship preparation classes to help prepare people for taking their citizenship test.

For seven consecutive Thursday evenings from May 2 to June 13, 2024, museum staff will help prepare aspiring citizens with civics and history lessons necessary to pass the citizenship examination. Unlike other citizenship classes, this course will allow for participants to interact with original historical objects, books, maps, and documents. Participants will also receive free study material to continue their preparation after the class ends.

The program has been offered at the VMHC since 2022 and has helped people from all over the world gain a deeper understanding of American history, culture, and civic responsibilities, ultimately empowering them to fully engage and contribute to their communities.

“The Becoming Citizens program has proven to be a valuable asset to the community,” Jamie Bosket, President and CEO at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture said in a statement. “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, the VMHC proudly reaffirms its commitment to investing in the future of our nation, including its newest citizens.”

As a part of a multi-year initiative to commemorate America's 250th anniversary in 2026, the VMHC is offering an increasing number of public programs over the next two years. This includes an increase in the number of citizenship ceremonies, where candidates for citizenship take the oath of naturalization. The VMHC now hosts citizenship ceremonies on both President's Day and Independence Day (July 4th) that are open to the public. Learn more about VMHC’s 250th Initiative at VirginiaHistory.org/250.

Becoming Citizens classes will be held from 6:30-8:00 pm every Thursday, starting May 2 to June 13, 2024. Pre-registration is recommended, but guests can register at the door on the evening of the first class. Guests should also be able to read, write, and speak basic English.

For more information or to register for classes, visit VirginiaHistory.org/Citizenship.

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is the only institution dedicated to presenting the entire history of Virginia over time and across regions. Its nationally significant collection of more than 9 million objects, renowned research library, galleries and public programs demonstrate the centrality of Virginia to the narrative of the United States.

The VMHC 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.