Community Calendar

The Salem Museum is pleased to unveil its latest exhibit, “Service Through Knowledge: The History of the Salem Rescue Squad.” Now open in the Main Gallery through early Spring. This captivating display honors the dedication and valor of the men and women who have served in the nation’s oldest all-volunteer rescue squad.

Visitors will embark on a journey through over ninety years of Salem history, exploring the operations of this vital institution and the remarkable individuals who have made lasting contributions to the community through their selfless service. The exhibit showcases an array of photographs and unique artifacts, highlighting the evolution of rescue techniques and equipment while emphasizing the squad’s crucial role in Salem’s safety and well-being.

Guests are also invited to share their personal experiences of how the Rescue Squad has touched their lives by leaving a note in the exhibit. For those inspired by the squad’s noble mission, information about joining this exceptional group of volunteers will be available.

The Salem Museum welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm. Located in the historic 1845 Williams-Brown House at 801 East Main Street, Salem, the Museum offers free admission and parking, with donations gratefully accepted. The entrance can be found at the Oakey Field Complex sign across Main Street from the Berglund Ford service entrance.

When Saigon fell in 1975, so ended one of America’s most controversial conflicts – the Vietnam War. For many Virginians, however, there remained a feeling of disconnectedness which was to endure for decades. Members of the public, divided over America’s participation in the war, were reluctant to ask questions of veterans, while service members resisted volunteering information and much of the government’s war policy remained classified. Even now, no agreed upon narrative of the war exists. Public opinion polls indicate that many Americans concluded that the war was a mistake, while a majority of veterans felt proud of their service, and numerous refugees and immigrants from Vietnam made the U.S. their home. Through this display, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) aims to restore Virginians’ connection with this pivotal moment in our history while honoring those who felt the impact of the war long after it ended.

Marine at Da Nang, 1965 (Photo: National Archives)
On the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, now is the time to ask new questions about Virginia and the Vietnam War. This display will provide guests access to the VMHC's collected oral histories. It will invite guests to immerse themselves in the choices, perspectives, and experiences of Virginians during the Vietnam War era, and to consider the long-term impact of the conflict on the politics, culture, and population of the Commonwealth in order to help facilitate untapped understandings about this tumultuous time.

In her new biography about the eldest daughter of James Monroe, author and Highland interpreter Barbara VornDick replaces the limited—and erroneous—historical narrative about Eliza Monroe Hay with a more complete story of her life and the tragic circumstances of her death. Join us at Highland on March 18 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. as VornDick shares her fascinating journey into the realm of historical research and how the discovery of archival documents on both sides of the Atlantic has illuminated new information about Eliza’s life.

This event will take place at Highland in the lower level of the Event Barn. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Salem Museum is pleased to unveil its latest exhibit, “Service Through Knowledge: The History of the Salem Rescue Squad.” Now open in the Main Gallery through early Spring. This captivating display honors the dedication and valor of the men and women who have served in the nation’s oldest all-volunteer rescue squad.

Visitors will embark on a journey through over ninety years of Salem history, exploring the operations of this vital institution and the remarkable individuals who have made lasting contributions to the community through their selfless service. The exhibit showcases an array of photographs and unique artifacts, highlighting the evolution of rescue techniques and equipment while emphasizing the squad’s crucial role in Salem’s safety and well-being.

Guests are also invited to share their personal experiences of how the Rescue Squad has touched their lives by leaving a note in the exhibit. For those inspired by the squad’s noble mission, information about joining this exceptional group of volunteers will be available.

The Salem Museum welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm. Located in the historic 1845 Williams-Brown House at 801 East Main Street, Salem, the Museum offers free admission and parking, with donations gratefully accepted. The entrance can be found at the Oakey Field Complex sign across Main Street from the Berglund Ford service entrance.

When Saigon fell in 1975, so ended one of America’s most controversial conflicts – the Vietnam War. For many Virginians, however, there remained a feeling of disconnectedness which was to endure for decades. Members of the public, divided over America’s participation in the war, were reluctant to ask questions of veterans, while service members resisted volunteering information and much of the government’s war policy remained classified. Even now, no agreed upon narrative of the war exists. Public opinion polls indicate that many Americans concluded that the war was a mistake, while a majority of veterans felt proud of their service, and numerous refugees and immigrants from Vietnam made the U.S. their home. Through this display, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) aims to restore Virginians’ connection with this pivotal moment in our history while honoring those who felt the impact of the war long after it ended.

Marine at Da Nang, 1965 (Photo: National Archives)
On the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, now is the time to ask new questions about Virginia and the Vietnam War. This display will provide guests access to the VMHC's collected oral histories. It will invite guests to immerse themselves in the choices, perspectives, and experiences of Virginians during the Vietnam War era, and to consider the long-term impact of the conflict on the politics, culture, and population of the Commonwealth in order to help facilitate untapped understandings about this tumultuous time.

Praised by the New York Times for his “genuine originality,” Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists, songwriters, and composers of his generation. The New York-born, Montreal-raised singer-songwriter has released ten studio albums to date, three DVDs, and three live albums including the GRAMMY® nominated Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall. He has collaborated with artists such as Elton John, Burt Bacharach, Miley Cyrus, David Byrne, Boy George, Joni Mitchell, Pet Shop Boys, Heart, Carly Rae Jepsen, Robbie Williams, Jessye Norman, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Sting, and producer Mark Ronson, among many others. He has written two operas and numerous songs for movies and TV.

His 2020 GRAMMY® nominated studio album of original songs, Unfollow the Rules, finds Wainwright at the peak of his powers, entering artistic maturity with passion, honesty, and a new-found fearlessness. In 2023, he embarked on a journey to his family folk roots with his newly-released, GRAMMY® nominated album Folkocracy featuring reinvented folk duets with artists like Chaka Khan, Brandi Carlile, John Legend and Anohni and many more.

His first musical of John Cassavetes’ Opening Night for the West End with Ivo van Hove premiered at the Gielgud Theater in March 2024. During this time he also completed a Requiem which premiered with the Orchestre Philharmonique de la Radio France in June of 2024. Co- commissioners for the Requiem are the Master Chorale in Los Angeles, the Palau de la Musica in Barcelona, the Helsinki Symphony Orchestra, the RTE Orchestra in Ireland, and the Royal Ballet London.

When Saigon fell in 1975, so ended one of America’s most controversial conflicts – the Vietnam War. For many Virginians, however, there remained a feeling of disconnectedness which was to endure for decades. Members of the public, divided over America’s participation in the war, were reluctant to ask questions of veterans, while service members resisted volunteering information and much of the government’s war policy remained classified. Even now, no agreed upon narrative of the war exists. Public opinion polls indicate that many Americans concluded that the war was a mistake, while a majority of veterans felt proud of their service, and numerous refugees and immigrants from Vietnam made the U.S. their home. Through this display, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) aims to restore Virginians’ connection with this pivotal moment in our history while honoring those who felt the impact of the war long after it ended.

Marine at Da Nang, 1965 (Photo: National Archives)
On the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, now is the time to ask new questions about Virginia and the Vietnam War. This display will provide guests access to the VMHC's collected oral histories. It will invite guests to immerse themselves in the choices, perspectives, and experiences of Virginians during the Vietnam War era, and to consider the long-term impact of the conflict on the politics, culture, and population of the Commonwealth in order to help facilitate untapped understandings about this tumultuous time.

About the Artist:
Jiaoying Summers is a dynamic stand-up comedian known for her sharp wit and relatable storytelling. Hailing from China, she began her comedy career when mentor John Singleton suggested she should do an open mic, quickly making a name for herself on the local Los Angeles comedy scene. With a blend of unique observational humor from an immigrant’s perspective and personal anecdotes, Jiaoying Summers connects with audiences from all walks of life. Her fearlessness and dark humor are heavily inspired by her comedy icon Joan Rivers. Jiaoying is an Asian Hall of Fame inductee, host of hit podcast “Tiger MILF”, and social media comedy queen with over one billion views and counting. Her hilarious Uber Karen sketch and English name roasting has ramped up over 4 million followers on social media. Jiaoying made history as the 1st Chinese comedian to ever headline the Apollo Theater in New York City, and is an award-winning actress, CEO of Summers Group, a philanthropist empowering women and children and helping causes that touch Asian American communities. She is currently touring her show, Jiaoying Summers: Origin Story, all throughout the US and internationally.

Ticket Policy:
The Funny Bone has a full bar and a dinner menu that is available through your server when you are seated in the showroom!
Seating is done on a first come first seated basis. If you wish to sit with another party, please arrive and enter the showroom together.
Seating ends 30 minutes after the show begins and entry for late arrivals is not guaranteed.
Most of our tables seat 4 people. You may be seated with a separate party of guests at the same table.
All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. Sales tax and service fees are included in the ticket price.
This event is 21+ and all guests will need valid ID to enter.

Praised by the New York Times for his “genuine originality,” Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists, songwriters, and composers of his generation. The New York-born, Montreal-raised singer-songwriter has released ten studio albums to date, three DVDs, and three live albums including the GRAMMY® nominated Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall. He has collaborated with artists such as Elton John, Burt Bacharach, Miley Cyrus, David Byrne, Boy George, Joni Mitchell, Pet Shop Boys, Heart, Carly Rae Jepsen, Robbie Williams, Jessye Norman, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Sting, and producer Mark Ronson, among many others. He has written two operas and numerous songs for movies and TV.

His 2020 GRAMMY® nominated studio album of original songs, Unfollow the Rules, finds Wainwright at the peak of his powers, entering artistic maturity with passion, honesty, and a new-found fearlessness. In 2023, he embarked on a journey to his family folk roots with his newly-released, GRAMMY® nominated album Folkocracy featuring reinvented folk duets with artists like Chaka Khan, Brandi Carlile, John Legend and Anohni and many more.

His first musical of John Cassavetes’ Opening Night for the West End with Ivo van Hove premiered at the Gielgud Theater in March 2024. During this time he also completed a Requiem which premiered with the Orchestre Philharmonique de la Radio France in June of 2024. Co- commissioners for the Requiem are the Master Chorale in Los Angeles, the Palau de la Musica in Barcelona, the Helsinki Symphony Orchestra, the RTE Orchestra in Ireland, and the Royal Ballet London.

When Saigon fell in 1975, so ended one of America’s most controversial conflicts – the Vietnam War. For many Virginians, however, there remained a feeling of disconnectedness which was to endure for decades. Members of the public, divided over America’s participation in the war, were reluctant to ask questions of veterans, while service members resisted volunteering information and much of the government’s war policy remained classified. Even now, no agreed upon narrative of the war exists. Public opinion polls indicate that many Americans concluded that the war was a mistake, while a majority of veterans felt proud of their service, and numerous refugees and immigrants from Vietnam made the U.S. their home. Through this display, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) aims to restore Virginians’ connection with this pivotal moment in our history while honoring those who felt the impact of the war long after it ended.

Marine at Da Nang, 1965 (Photo: National Archives)
On the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, now is the time to ask new questions about Virginia and the Vietnam War. This display will provide guests access to the VMHC's collected oral histories. It will invite guests to immerse themselves in the choices, perspectives, and experiences of Virginians during the Vietnam War era, and to consider the long-term impact of the conflict on the politics, culture, and population of the Commonwealth in order to help facilitate untapped understandings about this tumultuous time.