#HomeHistory

The Commonwealth’s tradition of hunting and angling predates #homehistory itself. National Hunting and Fishing Day recognizes the importance of these activities and salutes the men and women who participate. It is these sportsmen and women who have lead conservation efforts across the Commonwealth, ensuring that future generations are able to enjoy Virginia’s natural beauty and sustain themselves on her resources.

Debra DeKeuster’s peaceful rendition of Tuckahoe Creek reminds us of the joy that can be found when we take time to connect with nature.

View this and 75+ works made by and for Virginians in person or online through the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion!

On this day in #homehistory, the members of the Lewis and Clark expedition arrived in St. Louis in 1806 after completing a 7,000 mile journey to the Pacific Ocean and back. This airgun, on display in “America: Made in Virginia,” is believed by many historians to have been carried by Captain Meriwether Lewis on that very expedition.

Lewis feared his expedition might run out of black powder, so he carried an airgun that used compressed air instead of gunpowder. Charged to 750 PSI, it could fire about forty .31 caliber rounds before refilling. To Native Americans accustomed to smoky “thunder sticks,” Lewis’ demonstrations seemed almost magical, making the airgun one of his most effective diplomatic tools.

On loan from the Virginia Military Institute, this airgun is part of a dynamic exhibit celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation.

Known for his patriotic and religious works, Arnold Friberg was an American painter whose art inspired the nation.

Painted in 1975 to celebrate the bicentennial of the United States, “The Prayer at Valley Forge” depicts George Washington making a solitary prayer during the Continental Army’s winter encampment at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. On loan from First Freedom Art, this giclee reproduction of the original hangs in the Executive Mansion among over 70 works which celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s establishment.

Just as faith guides the lives of the Governor and First Lady, generations of Americans turn to pray during moments of triumph and trial. As we reflect on our #homehistory and face the challenges of the present, we, like Washington, must lean in to the power of prayer.

On this day in #homehistory, a crowd of 30,000 people gathered at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Company to witness First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt christen “The America,” the largest passenger ship in the nation at the time.

On loan from the Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, this photograph captured the monumental occasion which was regarded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as “one of the most important events of 1939.”

The historical moments that made Virginia and our nation are at the forefront of the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion’s upcoming exhibition, open to the public and available to view virtually on Tuesday, September 9. Plan your visit here. 

Virginia’s Executive Mansion was bustling and made #homehistory last week with the installation of The Art Experience’s FOURTH exhibition, one that we are particularly proud of. Thank you to our Department of General Services (DGS), Library of Virginia (LVA), and Citizens’ Advisory Council (CAC) teams whose allegiance and efficiency are indivisible from this project! Stay tuned for more information about the new exhibit!

The Art Experience at Virginia’s Executive Mansion has made #homehistory by prioritizing Virginia artists and themes, displaying art works across a wide array of mediums.

Eucharia (Ukay) Jackson’s clothing line is inspired by her Nigerian heritage. Crafted from 100% Cotton Ankara fabric, “Nkechi” was on display in the Art Experience’s “Celebrating the Commonwealth” exhibition.

Rooted in cultural pride and purpose, the line supports clean water initiatives in Enugu, Nigeria, blending fashion with philanthropy to honor the kindness that once changed her life. In addition to her work in fashion and philanthropy, Ukay serves on the Citizens’ Advisory Council for Furnishing and Interpreting the Executive Mansion.

The Mansion is currently closed for tours as the Art Experience’s upcoming exhibit is being installed. Stay tuned for more information about reopening and the fourth iteration of the Art Experience!

Folk artist Queena Stovall was born in rural Amherst County, Virginia. After raising eight children, she began painting at age 62 and enrolled in a class at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. Her instructor, celebrated artist Pierre Daura, encouraged her to drop the class and pursue her unique painting style, and the rest is #homehistory.

Mr. Dinwiddie (the social security man in Stovall’s community) used to visit people in Amherst County and frequently made suggestions about scenes and people she should paint. He suggested a man with a straight razor on Saturday night, who then dressed up for church on Sunday morning, and thus the paintings “Saturday Night” and “Sunday Morning” were born.

Stovall went on to paint nearly fifty canvases depicting realistic scenes of country life in her community, her artistry serving as historical documentation of a bygone era.

In 1950, the Northern Cardinal was officially named the state bird of Virginia. The species is native to our Commonwealth and has been a part of Virginia’s #homehistory since colonial times.

Inspired by nature and his 60 pet birds, Hunt Slonem is renowned for his neo-expressionist style, particularly his series of bunnies, butterflies, and tropical birds. His painting, “Virginia Cardinals,” hangs in the ballroom at the Executive Mansion, paying homage to one of our Commonwealth’s iconic symbols.

This week is Virginia Farmers’ Market Week, celebrating the over 260 farmers’ markets across the Commonwealth that bolster local economies and connect farmers directly to consumers ready to support Virginia agribusiness.

“City Market” by Anne Adams Robertson Massie captures the excitement of a Saturday morning at a local farmers’ market, where people come not only in search of fresh, locally sourced, competitively priced groceries, but also community.

The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion has made #homehistory by creating exhibitions focused on highlighting Virginia artists, subjects, and themes. Learn more here.

Richard Stravitz’s sculpture “Anticipation” was commissioned in honor of Josh Thompson, a Virginia Beach local who, after being diagnosed with ALS, faced the challenge of reaching the beach in a wheelchair. Josh’s story inspired the creation of JT’s Grommet Island, the first fully wheelchair-accessible playground for children and adults in the town’s #homehistory.

The sculpture captures two young surfers – the older mentoring the younger – symbolizing resilience, the challenges of life, and the strength to overcome them.

Since 1949 the Virginia Highlands Festival has been celebrating the culture of Appalachia, showcasing the regions beloved #homehistory against the backdrop of beautiful Southwest Virginia. This year’s festival will run from July 25 to August 3.

On loan from the William King Museum of Art in conjunction with the Virginia Highlands Festival, this painting by Elizabeth Johns explores the profound connection between people and place, examining the way house and home impact the narrative of our lives.

Click here to learn more about Elizabeth Johns and the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion, and here to learn more about the Virginia Highlands Festival.

Virginia is for tomato lovers, and local Richmonders may argue that the best tomatoes in the world come from Hanover County.

On loan from the Taubman Museum of Art, “Mr. Martin” by Anne Bell spotlights the beauty of a tomato grown in Virginia. This versatile crop has been known throughout #homehistory to thrive in our
Commonwealth’s Coastal Plain soil, peaking in freshness from July to October.

Virginians will be celebrating tomato season this weekend at the Hanover Tomato Festival in Mechanicsville! Learn more at www.hanovercounty.gov.

In anticipation of Independence Day, we highlight the work of Mary Jane Ould. At 98 years old, Mary Jane Ould will make #homehistory as the most senior artist featured in the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion. Inspired by photos from President George W. Bush’s inaugural parade, “VMI Cadets” is a personalized rendition of the scene created for a friend whose sons marched in the event.

Ahead of the installation of the upcoming exhibit celebrating Virginia’s role in our nation’s history, Mary Jane joined family, friends and former students in Virginia’s home for a brief reunion, recognizing her impact within Virginia’s artistic community.

Stay tuned for more information on what is to come in the Art Experience’s fourth exhibition!

Bob Smith’s musical talents have graced many a great hall. A master of music, the Mansion has been honored to have Bob as a pianist for nearly three years.

A member of the Army for 32 ½ years, Bob began his passion for the piano as the premier pianist for the Army and later co-founded and led the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, later becoming the Sergeant Major of the United States Army Chorale. During this time, he was also a pianist at the White House for Presidents Nixon through Clinton.

Bob’s dedication to his craft will continue to be celebrated in our #homehistory.

Recognized in June, Dairy Month in the Commonwealth celebrates the udder-ly important role dairy cows and dairy farmers play in Virginia’s agricultural #homehistory. As the official state beverage of the Commonwealth since 1982, milk and dairy products are Virginia’s fifth-leading agricultural commodity.

Artist Greg Osterhaus captures the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, specializing in legend-dairy cow portraits like “Mango and Cream Delight” which hangs in the Ladies’ Parlor.

To learn more about Greg’s work and the Art Experience, click here.

Virginia artist Helen King Hattorf successfully captures the essence of summer days through waves and rays. Her work, “The Beach,” is currently displayed in the Ballroom at the Executive Mansion.

Specializing in abstract oils and watercolors, Hattorf was dedicated to sharing her love of art and ceramics to students, making #homehistory as an educator for 15 years at Richmond’s Thomas Jefferson High School.

This Juneteenth, Virginia’s Executive Mansion and Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) commemorates the #homehistory of members of the enslaved Valentine and Jackson families who were brought to Richmond with the household of Governor David Campbell from 1837 to 1840.

The families are memorialized through excerpts of letters written back and forth to family members in Abingdon. Now displayed on brass plaques in the ‘Valentine-Jackson Garden,’ this correspondence is a poignant reminder of sacrifice and contribution.

This sacred space on the Executive Mansion grounds was open to visitors during Historic Garden Week and is available to view as part of our public tours. Click here to learn more about the Valentine and Jackson families.

In honor of Father’s Day, we pay tribute to the ‘Father of Our Country’ and Virginian, George Washington.
 
Commander in Chief of the continental army during the American Revolution and later the first president in our nation’s #homehistory, Washington dedicated his life to service.
 
Boasting many notable figures, London’s Trafalgar Square boasts a life-sized bronze of George Washington. Given to Great Britain and Ireland by the Governor of the Commonwealth, the statue pays homage to the “Special Relationship” between the United States and United Kingdom. 

The Governor and First Lady look forward to joining the nonprofit, Friends of the Washington Statue in London next week for a rededication ceremony — honoring Washington’s legacy and celebrating the efforts taken to preserve it.

Today we recognize International Day of Play, celebrating the vitality of play and recreation in the development of a child’s brain, creativity, imagination and self-confidence.

Featured in the Art Experience, John C. Carper’s painting captures the joy that play brings into our lives and highlights one of Richmond’s favorite places to play throughout the city’s #homehistory: Byrd Park Lake.

Learn more about the Art Experience here.

Under the leadership of Guru Sudha Krishnamurthy, the Thapasya School of Dance shares the #homehistory of Southern India with Virginians. Dancers of all ages perform Bharatanatyam — an ancient classical dance form that combines expressive storytelling with technical footwork and intricate movements. 
 
Featured at the Governor and First Lady’s event celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, dancers showcased an elegant representation of India’s rich artistic heritage. A very special thank you to Sudha and the young women of Thapasya for sharing your beautiful traditions with us! 

Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Grace Caldwell spent her early years as the daughter of missionaries. In 2008, she moved to the United States to attend Lynchburg’s Liberty University and has been making #homehistory with art of serenity and natural landscapes. 
 
On display at the Executive Mansion in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Grace’s painting “Weathered” pays homage to the quiet presence of a timeworn Virginia barn. The First Lady and Governor were honored to meet Grace and her husband at the recent AAPI reception. 

Observed in May, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebrates our Commonwealth’s diverse ethnic and social tapestry. The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion includes contributions from the AAPI community – like “State Theater” from Rajendra KC who is making #homehistory through his artistry. 
 
Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, Rajendra spent 35 years in the capital city before moving to Falls Church, Virginia where he educates the next generation of artists teaching painting classes at Falls Church Art, Inc. 

Today we celebrate 418 years of unwavering service by the Virginia National Guard, a legacy of courage that spans throughout #homehistory from the American Revolution to missions across the globe today and reminds us that defending freedom starts right here in our communities. 
 
To honor this milestone, Jessica Mullins’ powerful drawing “Citizen Soldier” is on display at the Executive Mansion, capturing the heart of what makes the Guard so extraordinary: everyday citizens who stand ready to serve at a moment’s notice. 
 
Heartfelt gratitude to the heroes among us and to the families and communities who stand behind them. 

As the only statewide, house and garden tour in the country, the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week has long been woven into the #homehistory of the Executive Mansion. Many of this year’s arrangements were harvested exclusively from Capitol Square — a delight for the hundreds who joined us for Historic Garden Day. Special thanks to the Brunswick Garden Club, Tony Griffin, Strawberry Fields RVA, and our many friends for bringing elegance and artistry to every corner of the home! 

Click here to view the Instagram reel highlighting the day. 

Today, we celebrate James Monroe Day by honoring one of Virginia’s most influential leaders. 
 
A veteran of the American Revolution and a key figure in shaping early U.S. diplomacy, Monroe served as the 12th and 16th Governor of Virginia before becoming our nation’s 5th President. Though he never lived in the Executive Mansion (completed in 1813) Monroe helped lay the foundation for its creation by signing legislation for its construction. 
 
His portrait and a punch bowl used in the White House during his presidency are proudly displayed in the Old Governor’s Office at Virginia’s Executive Mansion, reminding us how Monroe’s leadership helped shape #homehistory and America’s place in the world. 

On this day in #homehistory, a 16-year-old Barbara Johns courageously lead her classmates at Robert Russa Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia in a protest that catalyzed a movement and legal case that would reach the Supreme Court as part of Brown v. Board of Education. 
 
The First Lady was honored to meet Joan Johns Cobbs, Barbara Johns’ sister, at this year’s celebration of Women’s History Month. Johns’ legacy of strength and bravery is highlighted in the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion with Stanley Bleifeld’s preliminary sketch for Johns’ monument in the Virginia Rights Memorial on Capitol Square.  

The Executive Mansion is proud to join #twolightsfortomorrow , a nationwide call to action commemorating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride and the spirit of freedom that shaped our nation. 
 
Tomorrow night, lanterns will shine in our windows alongside homes and landmarks across Virginia, honoring the #homehistory of courage, collaboration, and service that lit the way in 1775 and still inspires us today. 
 
Join us in this powerful tribute by placing two lights in your window on April 18-19! #VA250 

Happy Birthday, Thomas Jefferson! Born in 1743 in Albemarle County, his contributions to our nation’s #homehistory left a legacy. 
 
As author of the Declaration of Independence and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, Jefferson championed democracy and natural rights. He served as Virginia’s second governor, the nation’s third president, and designed the Virginia State Capitol, the University of Virginia, and even proposed a design for the Executive Mansion. 
 
His portrait (on loan from The Library of Virginia) hangs in the Old Governor’s Office and is a key piece of the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion. 

On this day six years ago, The University of Virginia (UVA) men’s basketball team defeated Texas Tech for the first NCAA Tournament Championship win in the school’s #homehistory. 
 
On display at the Executive Mansion as part of the Art Experience, Lincoln Frederick Perry’s “In the Garden” highlights the beauty of UVA’s grounds. Most known for his 29-panel mural in Old Cabell Hall, “The Student’s Progress,” Perry spent his time as a visiting artist in Charlottesville exploring the complex relationships between professors and students. 
 
Congratulations to VCU Rams’ former Head Coach Ryan Odom on new beginnings with UVA Mens’ Basketball and for leading the VCU Rams in a successful season with an A10 Conference Championship win and NCAA Tournament bid! 
 
Click here to learn more about Perry and the dozens of Virginia artists featured in the Art Experience. 

On this first day of spring, we highlight Dolores Williams Bumbrey’s serene depiction of Richmond’s Belle Isle. Visual artist and former CIA employee, Bumbrey is inspired by the tranquility of nature and makes #homehistory as the first, Black female artist from Fredericksburg to have her work displayed at the Executive Mansion.

Click here to read Dolores’ Sisterhood Spotlight and click here for more information about the Art Experience!

Lynchburg, Virginia native Sally Nelson’s “Sunday Drives” captures the breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a geographical feat that long predates #homehistory. Evoking a nostalgia that resonates with nearly all Virginians, these mountains are the backdrop of many a memory and remind us of the marvels of the Commonwealth’s natural landscape.

Click here to learn more about the Art Experience, view the exhibition virtually, or plan your visit.

This Women’s History Month, The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion spotlights “Hope,” a collaborative painting made by 14 women in Chesterfield County Jail’s Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) program and Tri-Hope Life Ministries.

On display throughout March, “Hope” blends paint colors and perspectives that communicate humanity and feeling. As part of the First Lady’s focus on recovery and second chances, the artwork inspires healing and hope.

Click here to learn more about the women making #homehistory in the Art Experience. 

The Governor has proclaimed this week as Women in Construction Week, acknowledging the contributions of the Commonwealth’s female contractors, architects, engineers, building surveyors, and trades people.

Featured in The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion, Anna Mullins’ photograph of Whitney Brown, a dry-stone wall builder from Southwest Virginia working as a festival engineer at the Richmond Folk Festival, is a beautiful reminder of the diverse ways women impact our Commonwealth, paving the way for young women and girls to follow their passions and make #homehistory of their own.

A first-of-its kind exhibit at Virginia’s Executive Mansion, The Art Experience features 70+ works made by, of, and for Virginians, & over 40% of these works were created by WOMEN! Join us this Women’s History Month as we highlight some of the creative and inspiring women who are making #homehistory through their artistry, defining Virginia as a destination for art lovers.

This February The First Lady, Governor Glenn Youngkin and nearly 200 guests at a reception commemorating Black History Month were welcomed with powerful harmonies that celebrated the legacy, resilience, and brilliance of Black history.

The Hampton University Concert Choir delivered an unforgettable performance, reminding us of the rich #homehistory of our Commonwealth’s HBCUs. Thank you to Hampton University’s Concert Choir and Director Omar Dickenson for sharing your talents with us! Click here to listen to a snippet of the moving performance.

On this day nearly 300 years ago a #homehistory pioneer was born at Popes Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia. From surveying Virginia’s lands to setting the precedent for democracy, George Washington’s leadership and vision continue to inspire.

The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion pays homage to our nation’s first president with artwork in the dining room, including a portrait of Washington and a painting of his home, Mount Vernon—both on loan from the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.

Home to five historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Ralph Thomas’ painting “HBCU High Steppin’” beautifully reflects our Commonwealth’s rich #homehistory and bright future. On display at the Executive Mansion through The Art Experience, Thomas’ work captures the vibrant energy of HBCU marching band dancers from North Carolina Central University and Norfolk State University.

An accomplished oil painter with a folk-art style, Ralph Thomas celebrates the rich tapestry of Black experiences. With roots in Durham’s South Side and after a distinguished Navy career, Thomas settled in Norfolk, Virginia, where his passion for art grew as he sought to address the underrepresentation of African Americans in the art world.

Happy Valentine’s Day! In the heart of Central Appalachia, where music and tradition intertwine to make #homehistory, Clara and Ralph take the dance floor at Lays Hardware Center for the Arts in Coeburn, Virginia.

Captured by photographer Anna Mullins near Valentine’s Day 2024, their synchronized steps tell a tale of love as old as time. On display at the Executive Mansion as part of The Art Experience, this photograph reminds us that love, much like music, is best when shared.

Making #homehistory as the first African American artist to paint a gubernatorial portrait in Virginia, Stanley Rayfield’s contributions to the artistic culture of the Executive Mansion and the Commonwealth are boundless.

Alongside “Faith Without Works Is Dead” (featured in the Art Experience’s “Celebrating the Commonwealth” exhibit), “The Kingdom Movement” and “Church Hat No. 31” will be on display through February, honoring the cultural legacy and impact of Black Americans.

This Black History Month, The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion proudly highlights the work of Louis Hyme Freeman Jr. Freelance photographer Louis Hyme Freeman Jr. (1914–1982) documented the life and spirit of his community in Richmond’s Jackson Ward, celebrated through #homehistory as the “Black Wall Street of America” and “The Harlem of the South.” His work spans a wide range of subjects, from weddings and church events to celebrations like the 1958 senior prom at Maggie L. Walker High School captured in this image. To view Freeman’s other works, click here.