2019 Commemoration, American Evolution
Explore Living History in Virginia’s 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution
Virginia’s 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution TM recognizes the 400th anniversary of pivotal 1619 Virginia events that forever changed the trajectory of Virginia and America’s history. During the 1619 commemorative year, American Evolution will host a series of exhibitions and signature events that build awareness of Virginia’s role in the creation of the United States. With over 300 partners from across Virginia, include the Virginia Arts Festival, American Evolution is hosting a series of signature events, special exhibitions and programs that explore the themes of democracy, diversity and opportunity. For more information and a calendar of events, visit AmericanEvolution2019.com.
The Smartest Way to Explore 400 Years of History: Virginia History Trails App
Virginia has hundreds of museums and historic places and thousands of historic markers. What’s the best way to find the stories that interest you? The Virginia History Trails app! Developed by Virginia’s 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution TM, the Virginia History Trails app shows you why “Virginia is for history lovers!” Download the free app at (logos for App Store, Google Play).
Museums & Galleries
General admission to the Chrysler Museum of Art and its world-class permanent collection is always free. Glass Studio also are free.
Museum / Glass Studio Hours:
Tuesdays-Saturdays 10AM-5PM, Sundays 12PM-5PM, Mondays CLOSED
Third Thursday Evenings Until 10PM
757-664-6200 / www.chrysler.org
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a nonprofit institution founded in 1952 to foster awareness, exploration and understanding of the significant art of our time. Regularly changing exhibitions feature painting, sculpture, photography, glass, video and other visual media from internationally acclaimed artists as well as artists of national and regional renown. By balancing its four primary activities--gallery exhibitions, studio art classes, educational outreach programs and outdoor art shows--MOCA seeks to involve a diverse regional public in the rich and active language of contemporary visual art.
Exhibit Hours:
Tuesdays-Fridays 10AM-5PM, Saturdays 10AM-4PM, Sundays 12PM-4PM, Mondays CLOSED. Certified "Virginia Green."
757-425-0000 / virginiamoca.org
Explore Virginia's natural heritage at this "living museum," a combination native wildlife park, science museum, aquarium, botanical preserve, and planetarium.
757-595-1900 / www.thevlm.org
Located within the park shared by the Mariners' Museum, this lively gallery offers an ever-changing array of exhibitions, events, and studio classes.
757-596-8175 / www.pfac-va.org
The Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest private collections of World War Two and World War One era fighters, bombers, trainers, and seaplanes. With the upper level viewing areas, you can see the wide range of planes on display. Then take a walk around the planes themselves, get close up to see these magnificent flying machines beautifully restored to their former glory.
757-721-7767 / militaryaviationmuseum.org
The Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, housed in the 1846 Courthouse, is devoted to offering quality educational, cultural and aesthetic experiences in the arts through rotating visual art exhibits, lectures, classes and performances.
Attractions and More
Roam 155 beautiful acres, where charming bridges cross waterways lined with roses, hydrangeas, camellias, and native Virginia plants.
757-441-5830 / www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org
For one week every April, visitors are welcomed to more than 250 of Virginia's most picturesque gardens and private homes during "America's Largest Open House."
NORFOLK HOME AND GARDEN TOUR
Norfolk Home and Garden Tour tickets available for purchase at
757-489-1963 / www.norfolkgardentour.org
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens, formerly home to the Sloane family, is an early 20th century Arts-and-Crafts estate located on the shore of the Lafayette River in Norfolk, Virginia. Featuring a nationally recognized art collection spanning 5,000 years, the hermitage is home to contemporary exhibition galleries, a Visual Arts Studio, working artist studios, and 12 acres of gardens.
757-423-2052 / thehermitagemuseum.org
Tours and tastings, food and wine pairing dinners, strolls through the beautiful grounds: Virginia's largest, award-winning winery is an unforgettable experience!
Offering rejuvenating experiences for resort and day guests, this beautiful spa radiates Southern charm harmonizing with its historical surroundings.
757-220-7720 ; 800-688-6479 / thespa@cwf.org
The Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, housed in the 1846 Courthouse, is devoted to offering quality educational, cultural and aesthetic experiences in the arts through rotating visual art exhibits, lectures, classes and performances.
Norfolk’s premier dining and entertainment district is a central place where you can hang out, dine and relax with your whole family. Waterside District features the best of national, regional and local restaurants and offers live music, festivals and more. Located in the heart of the central business district and adjacent to the City of Norfolk’s world-class waterfront and festival site, Waterside District is a central gathering place for local residents and visitors.
333 Waterside Drive
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-426-7433
History by Land and Sea
This spectacular maritime-themed science center offers hands-on exhibits, interactive theaters, aquarium, digital high-def films and an extensive array of educational programs. Berthed alongside the center is the fabled USS Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy.
757-664-1000 / nauticus.org
Be inspired by the story of General Douglas MacArthur in this moving memorial that honors him and the millions of men and women who served in World War I, World War II, and Korea.
757-593-4987 / macarthurmemorial.org
Set sail with a tradition of excellence aboard the Sailing Ship American Rover. April through October she sails the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor on daily 2 Hour Narrated Harbor and Sunset Cruises. On board guests can lend a hand with the sails, take a turn at the helm or just sit back, relax and enjoy the experience.
757-627-7245 / americanrover.com
Get a captivating look at centuries of seafaring adventure in this treasure trove designated by Congress as America's national maritime museum, and learn about the Civil War Battle of the Ironclads in its "USS Monitor Center."
757-596-2222 ; 800-581-7245 / marinersmuseum.org
Spirit Cruises Along Elizabeth River
A Spirit of Norfolk cruise gives you the chance to dine, dance, play games, and catch spectacular views of the mighty ships and submarines of the Navy's Atlantic Fleet from our skyline deck. With myriad lunch, brunch, dinner, holiday and specialty cruises - Spirit is set to show you Hampton Roads.
You'll enjoy - panoramic skyline views, climate-controlled interior decks, delicious buffet-style meals, modern design and rooftop lounge, and dance floor and live DJ.
Telephone # 757-625-1748
Website: https://www.spiritcruises.com/norfolk
Family Fun
Journey to mysterious places inhabited by exotic animals from around the world. Board the Norfolk Southern Express train for an expedition to Asia-Trail of the Tiger, or go on safari to Africa's Okavango Delta. The Virginia Zoo exhibits more than 400 animals on 53 beautifully landscaped acres.
OPEN DAILY 10AM-5PM
757-441-2374 / virginiazoo.org
Explore the touch pools and "curiosity carts" at this hands-on aquarium, home to over 700,000 gallons of water then wander a nature trail through a marsh and woodland preserve, and watch a movie on the towering six-story IMAX screen.
757-425-3474 / virginiaaquarium.com
The Children's Museum of Virginia is a place where families and caregivers with children ages 1-11 are encouraged to imagine, explore, and discover together through play. Children step inside a world where bubbles grow bigger than they are, where the forces of energy electrify and spark their imagination, where they can be a farmer, a banker, a scientist, a star gazer and more.
757-393-5258 / childrensmuseumvirginia.com
Shopping
With an eclectic mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and living options covering 17 city blocks, Town Center is fast becoming one of Hampton Roads' hottest destinations. Grab a bite at a local eatery or a national restaurant. Shop at popular brand retailers and upscale boutiques. Then enjoy world-class performances at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, all within walking distance!
757-497-2113 / www.vabeachtowncenter.com
Located in the heart of downtown Norfolk, and just a few blocks from the waterfront, MacArthur Center offers 140 extraordinary stores, along with an 18-screen theater surrounding a beautiful 70-foot atrium.
757-627-6000 / https://www.shopmacarthur.com/visitors-center
Local Community Events
The American Guild of Organists, Tidewater Chapter presents
The Organ Swell 2019
Deborah Carr, Artistic Director
Celebrating its 20th annual series of collaborative pipe organ recitals, the Tidewater Chapter of The American Guild of Organists announces the schedule for The Organ Swell 2019. The concert series features outstanding organists from the region performing with Virginia Symphony and area professional orchestral musicians. The series provides a rare opportunity to hear a wide range of music for organ and other instruments as well as great organ solo literature.
Fri, May 3
Main Street United Methodist, Suffolk
Noon concert
Rachel Gragson, organ
Patti Watters, flute
Sun, May 5
Ghent United Methodist, Norfolk
4:00 pm concert
Deborah Carr, organ
Jeffrey Phelps, cello
Mon, May 13
St. Paul’s Episcopal, Norfolk
Noon concert
Liam Lees, organ
Sarah Umlauf, violin
Fri, May 17
First Presbyterian, Virginia Beach
7:00 pm concert
Martin and Holly Sunderland, organ
Chris White, double bass
Sun, May 19
St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Chesapeake
4:00 pm concert
Peggy Kelley Reinburg, organ
Joanne Meyer White, flute
Kirsty Barnett Green, violi
Sun, May 26
St. John’s Episcopal, Hampton
4:00 pm concert
Roy Belfield, organ
Justin Weisenborn, trumpet
For further information, please contact Deborah Carr, artistic director at (757) 406-4970.