Kite Festival to be held March 20

Bring your kites to Jack Dalton Park on Saturday, March 20 for the Martinsville-Henry County Community Nature Initiative's Kite Festival held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VMNH leading local efforts for Great Science for Girls program

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is leading the way to implement the national Great Science for Girls program in Martinsville and Henry County, Virginia through the Martinsville-Henry County After 3 Initiative.

Free public presentation by Dr. Jeff Kirwan on March 11

The Southwestern Piedmont chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist program is hosting a free public presentation by noted author Dr. Jeff Kirwan at VMNH on Thursday, March 11 at 6 p.m. Kirwan will present a lecture on Virginia's remarkable trees.

Exhibit galleries to be closed Friday, February 26, 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

VMNH will be closed to general visitation on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a public economic forum featuring Congressman Tom Perriello, Special Counselor of Manufacturing Policy Ron Bloom and Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez.

Long-time VMNH volunteer Tom Fleenor passes away

Long-time VMNH volunteer Tom Fleenor passed away on Saturday, February 20. Fleenor was a member of the the Virginia Archaeological Society, and was a long-time volunteer at the Virginia Museum of Natural History which houses his Artifact collection.

VMNH Board of Trustees recognizes Gloria Niblett for service

The VMNH Board of Trustees recognized former Interim Executive Director Gloria Niblett with a resolution honoring her recent leadership of the museum. Niblett was honored during the VMNH Board of Trustees meeting on Saturday, February 20 at the museum.

Reception held in honor of new executive director

A reception hosted by the VMNH Foundation was held at the museum on Friday, February 19 in honor of Dr. Joe B. Keiper, new executive director of the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

Museum open to the public today, February 15

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is open to the public today, February 15 - Presidents' Day.

Bug Daze festival to be held Saturday, May 22

The Virginia Museum of Natural History's Bug Daze festival is Saturday, May 22, while the Reptile Day festival is Saturday, July 24.

MUSEUM CLOSED TODAY DUE TO WINTER WEATHER

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is closed today - Saturday, February 6 - due to winter weather.

'Messages from the Mesozoic' exhibit now open

The Virginia Museum of Natural History unveiled the special exhibit 'Messages from the Mesozoic' on January 23 to a crowd of over 700 visitors during the museum's 4th annual Dino Day festival.

Special exhibits closing at Virginia Museum of Natural History

The special exhibits "Wildlife Art Revealed" and "Rediscovering the Forgotten Garden" will close at 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 9 at the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

Nominations sought for 2010 Thomas Jefferson Awards

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is seeking nominations through March 26 for the various awards to be presented at the 23rd annual VMNH Foundation Thomas Jefferson Awards.

Governor Kaine appoints museum trustees

Governor Timothy M. Kaine recently announced appointments to the board of trustees of the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville.

Curator of Archaeology re-appointed chairman of State Review Board

Dr. Elizabeth Moore, curator of archaeology at the Virginia Museum of Natural History, was recently appointed to a second term as chairman of the Virginia State Review Board for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

Dr. Joe B. Keiper is new executive director of VMNH

Dr. Joe B. Keiper began serving as executive director of the Virginia Museum of Natural History on February 1, 2010. Keiper previously served as director of science, and curator and head of invertebrate zoology at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

VMNH receives grant in support of upcoming exhibits

The Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation has received a $14,000 grant from the Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson, Jr. Charitable Foundation Trust of Florida for support of upcoming temporary exhibitions to be hosted at VMNH.

VMNH float earns 1st place in Christmas Parade

The Virginia Museum of Natural History float was awarded 1st place in the Non-Religious category at the Martinsville-Henry County Christmas Parade. The parade was held on Saturday, December 12.

January 23 is Dino Day, opening day of Messages from the Mesozoic

Visitors to VMNH will take a giant leap back in time to millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth during the 4th annual Dino Day festival on Saturday, January 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day also marks the opening of the special exhibit Messages from the Mesozoic.

VMNH hosts annual Holiday Open House

Nearly 200 people took part in the Virginia Museum of Natural History's Holiday Open House Tuesday evening. The event allowed visitors to experience the museum's exhibits for free and take part in a variety of holiday activities.

Live web-stream of 'Singing Darwin' available November 23

On the 150th anniversary of the publication of "On the Origin of Species", Singing Darwin will culminate in a 24-hour live performance and new media event at the Armory Gallery at Virginia Tech. The 24-hour piece will begin on November 23 at 7 p.m. EST.

VMNH receives grant from DEQ

The Virginia Museum of Natural History has received a $3,000 Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences mini-grant from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to create a demonstration site for best watershed management practices and education in J. Frank Wilson Park in Martinsville.

Happy Holidays from the VMNH staff

The museum will be closed on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Native American online exhibit now open

Visitors to the new online exhibit 'Three Cultures, Three Stories' will get a glimpse of diverse early American Indian life.

VMNH curator named chair of Geological Society of America division

Dr. James S. Beard was recently named chairman of the Mineralogy, Petrology, Volcanology, and Geochemistry Division of the Geological Society of America. Beard's appointment was announced during the Geological Society of America's annual meeting in Portland, Oregon.

VMNH curator elected to Archeological Society of Virginia Board

Dr. Elizabeth Moore, curator of archaeology at the Virginia Museum of Natural History, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Archeological Society of Virginia.

Museum hosting Holiday Open House event December 1

Don't miss the exciting lineup of holiday events at VMNH. Enjoy FREE admission to VMNH during the museum's Holiday Open House event on Tuesday, December 1 from 3 to 6 p.m. Don't miss Santa's reading of the book "The Dinosaurs' Night Before Christmas!

VMNH to host public sleepover on November 20-21

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is hosting a public sleepover at the museum from Friday, November 20 to Saturday, November 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Outdoor Fun Festival held, prize winners announced

The Martinsville-Henry County Community Nature Initiative and Martinsville Leisure Services held the Outdoor Fun Festival on Saturday, October 10 in J. Frank Wilson Park.

3rd annual Take A Child Outside Week is September 24-30

The Martinsville-Henry County Community Nature Initiative and Virginia Museum of Natural History are celebrating "Take A Child Outside Week" from Thursday, September 24 through Wednesday, September 30.

Publication released in honor of world-renowned VMNH curator

"A Lifetime of Contributions to Myriapodology and the Natural History of Virginia: A Festschrift in Honor of Richard L. Hoffman's 80th Birthday" honors the lifetime achievements of Dr. Richard L. Hoffman, curator emeritus of recent invertebrates at VMNH.

VMNH offering reduced admission, membership, museum rental rates

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is offering reduced admission rates, discounted new-membership fees, and discounts on museum rental rates through January 2010.

Museum to be closed Tuesday, September 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please note that the museum will be closed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15 for a meeting of the Martinsville Garden Club and the Garden Study Club of the Garden Club of Virginia.

Young Friends group hosts event benefiting Boys and Girls Club Teens

The Young Friends of VMNH hosted "Dinner with Dinos!" for The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge Teens on September 10 at the museum. Connie and Elliott Stone of Stonehaus Farm, sponsors of the event, brought several exotic farm animals for the teens to experience.

Join us for fun holiday events in the Museum Store and New Moon Cafe

Visit VMNH on December 15 for Museum Store specials, fresh cut wreaths, seasonal music, and children's holiday pictures with 'Clawd,' our giant ground sloth. Don't miss December weekend specials in the New Moon Cafe.

Museum to be Closed Thanksgiving Day

The Virginia Museum of Natural History will be closed Thursday, November 22 in observance of Thanksgiving.

1st Annual VMNH Keepsake Ornament now available in the VMNH Store

Purchase your VMNH 24 Kt. gold finished suncatcher ornament today.

Symposium Honoring the 80th Birthday of Dr. Richard Hoffman

A symposium recognizing the 80th birthday of Dr. Richard L. Hoffman, VMNH curator of recent invertebrates, was held on September 21 and 22 at VMNH.

'Flowers of the Sky: The Beauty of Butterflies and Moths' exhibit now open

Many species of butterflies and moths have taken residence inside the Virginia Museum of Natural History as part of the special exhibit "Flowers of the Sky: The Beauty of Butterflies and Moths" now open to visitors.

VMNH Receives Grant in Support of Outreach Education Programs

The Virginia Museum of Natural History has received a $12,300 grant from the J & E Berkley Foundation in Ivy, Virginia in support of Outreach Education programs in Central Virginia.

VMNH Expedition Information Session on Tuesday, November 13

Learn more about how you can take part in an upcoming VMNH Expedition in Summer 2008 to the Black Hills of South Dakota. This free information session is Tuesday, November 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

VMNH Curator's Research Featured on National PBS Program

"Virtual Paleontology", a recent Wired Science episode, highlights the use of CT scanning in the discovery of 220 million year-old fossils by Dr. Nicholas Fraser, director of research and collections and curator of vertebrate paleontology at VMNH.

TC Carter Band to Perform Live at VMNH

The TC Carter Band will perform a free concert on Saturday, November 3, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at VMNH.

Exciting special exhibits and spectacular family festivals at VMNH in 2008

Don't miss the Museum's exciting lineup of exhibits and family festivals. Become a member today to receive free general admission and special members-only discounts in the Museum Store and the PALEO Cafe.

Science Bulletins now showing in The Harvest Foundation Great Hall

VMNH is partnering with the American Museum of Natural History to present Science Bulletins, an innovative online and exhibition program offering a window into the excitement of scientific discovery.

October is Archaeology Month, Celebrate it at VMNH

October is Archaeology Month. Experience the "Beyond Jamestown" special exhibit, register now for exciting educational programs, and take part in an ongoing archaeological excavation.

J. Frank Wilson Park Community Input Meeting Tonight

On Tuesday, October 9 at 6:30 p.m., a community input meeting will take place at the Virginia Museum of Natural History at 21 Starling Avenue in Uptown Martinsville.

Virginia Indian Heritage Lecture Series Continues November 17

Join us on Saturday, November 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a Virginia Indian Artists' demonstration.

VMNH Now Home to Largest Collection of Virginia Mammal Specimens

Specimens from Virginia Commonwealth University transferred to Virginia Museum of Natural History.

VMNH Unveils Exhibit at Elementary School in Danville, Virginia

Exhibit unveiled at Glenwood Magnet School in Danville as a reward for the school's outstanding participation in VMNH education programs.

23rd Annual VMNH Indian Festival Draws over 1,400 visitors

Festival draws visitors from across the region.

Timothy Seaman to Perform Live at VMNH on September 29

Acoustic soloist Timothy Seaman will perform his music live at the Virginia Museum of Natural History on Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Seaman's cds can be purchased in the Museum Store.

Volunteers Needed for Wilson Park Cleanup Event

Join us for a fun, educational cleanup event at J. Frank Wilson Memorial Park on September 29 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Learn About Volunteer Opportunities at VMNH, Tonight at 7 p.m.

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is recruiting energetic and outgoing education volunteers to assist with visiting groups. As the museum's visitation grows, so has the need for interpreters.

VMNH Hosting Fun, Educational Events During Museum Day, Sept. 29

Visit VMNH during Museum Day on September 29 for a Wilson Park Cleanup, special Smithsonian films, and a free, live performance by acoustic soloist Timothy Seaman.

Giant Ground Sloth Now on Display at VMNH

One of the Virginia Museum of Natural History's all-time crowd favorites has made a triumphant return. The giant Jeffersonian Ground Sloth, "Clawd", is now permanently displayed at the new VMNH facility at 21 Starling Avenue in Martinsville.

VMNH Taking Part in 'Out and About' Program

By using an American Express card twice with participating merchants from October 1 through November 30, you can receive a voucher worth four passes to VMNH.

For the Birds

Find out how to identify several common birds by sight and sound at this Doodle Bugs! program on Wednesday, September 26.

Flower Power

Get groovy with this Special Saturday program, held on September 29, as we look at flowers and plants up close and discover their many benefits.

VMNH, FAHI Partner for Archaeological Excavation

Volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs, including digging, sifting for artifacts, collecting oral histories, and general assistance. Call 276-634-4171 for details.

Special Saturday - 'Sandbox Science'

Break out your shovels and pails! On Saturday, August 25, participants will have the opportunity to examine sand under a microscope and get crafty with sand art!

Adventures at the Museum

What makes a natural history museum special? Starting July 31, campers will get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on at a museum.

Reptile Day Festival Draws Record Crowd

The inaugural Reptile Day festival drew a record crowd on Saturday, July 28, as 1,200 visitors attended the popular event.

Youth Naturalist Series - 'Land Lovers - Forests, Fires and Mapping'

The final installment of our Youth Naturalist Series takes place July 23-26 at the museum, with field trips to local parks and forests.

Survivor: Frank Wilson Park

From July 24-27, VMNH will offer the camp program "Survivor: Frank Wilson Park", which gives participants the opportunity to test their own skills to learn the survival traits of plants and animals in their backyard.

Ancient Long-Necked Gliding Reptile Discovered

VMNH curator of vertebrate paleontology, Dr. Nicholas Fraser, makes remarkable discovery at Solite Quarry.

Virginia Master Naturalist Information Meeting on July 17

An information meeting will be held at the Museum on July 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to inform prospective participants about the newly formed Southwestern Piedmont Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist program.

WeatherBug Station Now at VMNH

The Museum is now a host site for a WeatherBug station, joining over 8,000 other WeatherBug Tracking Stations with more than 1,000 weather cameras across the U.S.

Ancient Long-Necked Gliding Reptile Discovered

VMNH curator of vertebrate paleontology, Dr. Nicholas Fraser, makes a remarkable discovery at Solite Quarry.

"Beyond Jamestown: Virginia Indians Yesterday and Today"

The ground-breaking special exhibit "Beyond Jamestown: Virginia Indians Yesterday and Today" is now open at the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

Doodle Bugs! - Amazing Ice Age

Sink your teeth into this program on June 27 and learn more about saber-tooth cats and other Ice Age animals that once roamed the earth.

Special Saturday - Insects, and Bugs, and Spiders, Oh My!

Do you like butterflies, beetles, or even spiders? If so, this program on June 23 is for you. Come have fun examining many specimens and make a "creepy" craft to take home.

Family Fun Friday - SPCA: Special Friends

The Museum's special summertime series kicks off again on June 15 with a visit from some our area's furry friends.

VMNH Is Now WiFi Accessible

Visitors to the Virginia Museum of Natural History can now enjoy free wireless Internet connections.

VMNH To Participate in Smithsonian Museum Day on September 29, 2007

VMNH is taking part in Smithsonian Museum Day on Saturday, September 29, 2007, where participating museums and cultural institutions across the country offer free admission to Smithsonian Magazine readers and Smithsonian.com visitors.

VMNH Joins Earth Science Endorsement Initiative

The Virginia Museum of Natural History has joined Radford University and the New College Institute to Offer Teacher Education Endorsement in Earth Science.

Special Saturday - Animal Extremes

On May 19, children 9-12 can discover how extreme some animals really are during the Special Saturday program 'Animal Extremes'.

2nd Annual VMNH Foundation Golf Tournament

The 2nd Annual Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation Mixed Captain's Choice Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, June 1, at Mariners Landing, Smith Mountain Lake, in Moneta, Virginia.

J. Frank Wilson Park Spring Stream Clean-Up

Join Museum staff on May 5 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at J. Frank Wilson Park to participate in the biannual park and stream clean-up.

Grand Opening a Success, Permanent Exhibits Being Installed

The Virginia Museum of Natural History concluded its successful 100 Hour Celebration for the opening of the new, world-class museum facility, the nation's newest natural history museum and the official natural history museum of the Commonwealth.

Bug Daze is April 21

Only weeks since opening, the hallways of the new Virginia Museum of Natural History will are crawling with bugs, and this is one time that Museum staff couldn't be happier.

VMNH Curator Elected President of American Microscopical Society

Virginia Museum of Natural History Curator of Marine Biology, Dr. Judith Winston, has recently been elected as president of the prestigious American Microscopical Society.

Museum Named Statewide Partner for America's 400th Anniversary

The Virginia Museum of Natural History has been named a Statewide Partner with Jamestown 2007, the group planning America's 400th anniversary honoring the founding of Jamestown, Virginia - the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.

Grand Opening 100 Hour Celebration

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is hosting a 100 Hour Celebration from March 28 through April 1 for the opening of its new, world-class facility, which will open to the public on March 31 at 21 Starling Avenue in Martinsville.

Awardees to be Honored at Jefferson Awards

The Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation has announced the awardees and presenters for the 20th Annual Thomas Jefferson Awards.

'Feathered Dinosaurs of China' and 'Chinasaurs' Exhibits Now Open

The tremendously popular exhibits Feathered Dinosaurs of China and Chinasaurs: The Great Dinosaurs of China" have re-opened at the new Virginia Museum of Natural History Facility.

Permanent Exhibit Galleries Now Open

The much anticipated permanent exhibit galleries at the Virginia Museum of Natural History are now open to all visitors.