May 01 Thursday
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.
The Salem Museum is happy to announce the return of the annual Glenvar Student Art Show! Following an opening reception Tuesday, April 15 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, all art will be on display through Thursday, May 15.
New this year are entries from Glenvar Elementary School students, joining the many fabulous and unique creations of Glenvar High and Glenvar Middle School students. See examples of both 2D and 3D art, including drawings, paintings, collages, photography, ceramics, and digital creations! This fun family-friendly exhibit is free for the public.
2025 Studio Art ExhibitionOlin and Smoyer GalleryApril 4 – May 2Opening Reception April 4, 6-8pmAwards Announced at 6:30pmClosing Reception May 2, 12-2pmThis year’s Studio Art Exhibition showcases work by Roanoke College Art Majors and Minors. Exhibited works are from the artist’s area of focus which includes ceramics, design, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. This exhibition represents the wide variety of media, styles, and ideas students explore in the college’s Fine Arts Department.
May 02 Friday
May 03 Saturday
May Day has marked the return of spring for people around the world for millennia. Traditional celebrations included decorating people and structures with wildflower garlands, feasting on newly growing greens and, of course, Maypole dances. Maypole dances have had many iterations throughout history. The earliest May poles were simple poles dressed in greenery and flowers, with no ribbons. The dancers wound in and out in complex patterns that evolved much later into the iconic ribbon dances that are still performed today. Weather permitting, come learn a ribbon dance at our May Day festivities on the English Farm Saturday, May 3rd, at 1 PM and 3 PM!
This is a general admission event and is included in the Annual Pass.
May 04 Sunday