Join us as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Virginia Museum of Natural History during a year-long celebration in 2009.

The Museum was founded on August 29, 1984 as The Boaz Foundation, a private institution. Guided by a group of scholars and citizens from throughout the Commonwealth, The Boaz Foundation soon became the Virginia Museum of Natural History. Recognizing the need for public support, A. L. Philpott, then Speaker of the Virginia General Assembly, along with many other supporters, worked on behalf of the institution in an effort to secure state agency status in 1988.

Since its founding, VMNH has experienced phenomenal growth, and has earned recognition as one of the nation's leading museums in its field. It is accredited by the American Association of Museums, a distinction earned by fewer than 10% of museums in the United States.

Don't miss exciting events, spectacular exhibits, and fun family festivals during the Museum's 25th Anniversary in 2009. Below is a list of upcoming events, festivals and exhibits:

• Microbes: Invisible Invaders, Amazing Allies exhibit open from May 16 to September 12, 2009
• Rediscovering the Forgotten Garden exhibit open from May 16, 2009 to January 9, 2010
• Clues to the Past: Archaeology in Virginia exhibit open in The Harvest Foundation Great Hall from July 18, 2009 to July 31, 2010.
• Founders' Day Celebration
• August 29 - Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the museum's founding with a Museum Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  All visitors will enjoy free admission and supervised behind-the-scenes access to selected scientific labs and collections storage areas. VMNH Founding Director Dr. Noel T. Boaz will present a talk at 1 p.m.
• VMNH Foundation Chili Cookoff - October 24, 4 to 9 p.m.

	•	VMNH SUMMER STIMULUS: Enjoy discounted admission, new-membership fees, and facility rental rates now through September 12, 2009			•	VIEW A VMNH TIMELINE: Learn more about the museum's evolution into a world-class institution.
	•	SPECIAL EXHIBITS: Don't miss fascinating exhibits at VMNH throughout 2009.			•	VMNH DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION IMAGES: Chronicling the development of the new VMNH facility and permanent exhibits.
	•	ENJOY EXCITING FAMILY FESTIVALS IN 2009: Don't miss the Reptile Day family festival on Saturday, July 25.			•	EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES: Don't miss the museum's many educational programs for visitors of all ages, both at-the-museum and beyond.