Virginia Association of Museums

09/11/2026

Today marks 25 years since September 11, 2001.

We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost that day, the families whose lives were forever changed, and the first responders and countless others who stepped forward in the hours, days, and months that followed.

For museums and cultural organizations, anniversaries like this are also a reminder of the responsibility we share to preserve memory, tell difficult stories with care, and help new generations understand events they did not experience themselves.

On this 25th anniversary, we encourage our SEMC community to spend some time with the stories, collections, and educational resources of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and to remember, reflect, and learn.

09/11/2026

VAM on the Retirement of Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III:

On behalf of the museum community across the Commonwealth and Washington, D.C., the Virginia Association of Museums (VAM) extends our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the transformative leadership provided by Lonnie G. Bunch III.

Secretary Bunch leaves a legacy of inspiration and courageous leadership spanning more than four decades, retiring as the Smithsonian Institution's 14th Secretary. His vision to create and found the National Museum of African American History and Culture will inspire generations to come, ensuring that black history and culture is deeply rooted in Virginia and America's unfolding story.

His tireless efforts to empower museums and the communities they serve, is why we aspire to work toward a more perfect union, in the footsteps of Secretary Bunch. Museums remain one of the most trusted sources of information, and the Smithsonian Institution – particularly under Secretary Bunch's guiding hand – has provided exceptional resources to help us understand who we are as Americans and better understand one another.

At VAM we hope to honor this legacy as we continue to advocate to maintain the highest standards for museums throughout Virginia just as Secretary Bunch has so aptly, eloquently, and courageously pioneered for so many years.

The Virginia Association of Museums

For more information on this incredible legacy, visit PBS News at

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced that he is stepping down as the institution he leads faces an escalating battle with the Trump administration over how it tells the American story. Geoff Bennett spoke with Bunch about the political pressure, what’s at stake for the Smithsonian and how ...

09/04/2026

Exciting things are happening at the MacArthur Memorial!

Melissa, VAM’s Director of Membership and Programs, was honored to attend Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the new **Jean MacArthur Research and Education Center**.

It is always exciting to celebrate the growth of Virginia’s museums and cultural institutions. Investments like this create new opportunities for institutions to steward their stories, expand educational resources, and deepen their connections with the communities they serve.

Congratulations to the MacArthur Memorial and everyone helping bring this exciting new chapter to life. Read more here -

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The MacArthur Memorial and the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation marked the 81st anniversary of World War II Wednesday and officially broke ground on the Jean MacArthur Res…

09/03/2026

VAM is thrilled to welcome Savannah Gross to our team as the new Membership and Communications Coordinator!

Savannah brings a wonderful combination of museum experience, creativity, and enthusiasm that will help VAM continue to strengthen our programs and connections with Virginia’s museum and cultural community.

Savannah is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where she earned a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Museum Education with a minor in History. Her professional experience spans museum education and outreach, membership, administration, communications, and visitor engagement, including work with Wilton House Museum, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, The Valentine, and the Muhammad Ali Center & Museum.

Savannah also brings valuable communications experience to VAM. At Wilton House Museum, she developed educational programs, launched a monthly museum newsletter and created social media content, advertising graphics, and updated marketing materials.

She is also no stranger to VAM, having previously served on VAM’s Student Engagement Committee and participated as a conference panel speaker. We are especially excited to have Savannah join VAM because of her positive attitude, fresh perspective, and creativity she brings to the team.

Please join us in giving Savannah a warm welcome to VAM! You can contact Savannah at [email protected]

08/28/2026

Earlier this week VAM staff and the 2027 conference program committee had an amazing visit to Farmville, VA at Longwood University to review conference session proposals.

We started the day with a visit and guided tour of the Robert Russa Moton Museum next to campus. This National Historical Landmark is the birthplace of America's student-led civil rights revolution. To learn more about this incredible institution, visit https://motonmuseum.org/

The remainder of the day was dedicated to conference proposal review. Be sure to mark your calendars for VAM's 2027 conference taking place in Charlottesville, VA from March 13-16, 2027. For more information on our conference, visit https://www.vamuseums.org/conference