Community Calendar

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.

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.

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.

Join VMHC Educators on Tuesdays this summer to play a variety of games from throughout Virginia’s history.

As a special nod to the 250th American Revolution anniversaries, this summer will feature games like lawn bowling, balls & cups, and even stick horse races.

This event is fun for all ages, but recommended for elementary – middle school.

FAQ:
1. Do I need to come right at 10:00? - No! This is a walk up, drop in program from 10:00-12:00.
2. Do I need to buy a ticket? - No! This is a free event outside the museum.
3. What about weather cancellations? - We will make the call whether to cancel for weather each morning. Follow our social channels @virginiahistory and @vmhceducation for updates

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.

Join us for the Summer Celebration from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18. Our birthday party will be fun for the whole family! We'll have lots of games and our DJ will be spinning fun tunes. For $5, you can grab a meal with hamburger or hot dog, chips, and a drink. FREE ice cream and cupcakes are available as well.

Invite your friends—everyone is welcome!

Register for dinner here: https://bit.ly/4kx0cU5

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.

Join VMHC Educators from 10:30-11:30 on select Thursdays in June as they facilitate a variety of 18th-century themed crafts, such as tri-corner hats, punched tin designs, tea-stained paper, and more!

Themes:

June - Colonial Crafts
July - Revolutionary Replicas
August - 18th century Archaeology

FAQ:
1. Do I need to arrive right at 10:30? - No! This is a drop in craft event from 10:30-11:30.
2. Do I need to purchase a ticket? - This event is included with daily admission, so you do need to purchase a museum ticket, but there is no additional ticket required for the crafts.

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.

Join Steven K. Smith, author of the Virginia Mysteries series, for this writing workshop aimed at kids aged between 7-12.

This program will focus on book 2 "Mystery on Church Hill" and include connections to our temporary exhibition, "Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation" which highlights Virginia's role in the American Revolution. Participants will discuss what makes a good story & use details and descriptions to craft their own original mystery!

The Virginia Mysteries series follows brothers Sam & Derek and their friend Caitlin on adventures around the Commonwealth - with a twist of history (and mystery!) thrown in. You can learn more about the books and author Steven K. Smith here and purchase books through our gift shop during your visit.

Pricing:

VMHC Member Child: $13
Non-Member Child - $15
VMHC Member Adult – Free
Non-Member Adult - $12