There They Grow
Expand
A new grand hall at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture is among the improvements scheduled to be completed by the spring of 2022. (Photo courtesy VMHC)
The
Virginia Museum of History & Culture rode into 2019 on crests of popular programming, community connection and acclaimed exhibitions. Planned expansions at both institutions seek to maintain that momentum.
A capital campaign began in July 2019 to support the VMFAâs growth. The master plan entails adding 173,700 square feet during the next six years at a cost of $125.8 million, with $83.9 million coming from the state and $41.9 million from private contributions.Â
The planned additions include a 105,000-square-foot expansion for African American art and photography of the 21st century, as well as 100,000 square feet for conservation and storage in properties along Grove Avenue.
Making History
This month, Pamela Kiecker Royall becomes the first woman to serve as chair of the
Virginia Museum of History & Cultureâs board of trustees since the museumâs founding in 1831. She joined the board in 2015, leading its first marketing and communications committee, which helped guide the former Virginia Historical Societyâs rebranding to VMHC in 2018.Â
Royall and her late husband, Bill, who died of complications from ALS in June 2020, are well known for their philanthropy and volunteerism. âBill would always say weâre investors, weâre not donors,â Royall says of their active approach to philanthropy. âHe thought of investing as a more long-term commitment where youâre interested in the day-to-day productivity of the organization because itâs the future that youâre most concerned about.â