At the Virginia Living Museum, we believe that meaningful experiences with nature—especially in childhood—can spark a lifelong curiosity and commitment to the world around us.
Clara’s story is just one example of how a museum visit can blossom into something much bigger. From her earliest days exploring the exhibits with her mom, to volunteering alongside her grandfather, to now serving as our Content Manager, Clara’s connection to the museum runs deep.
In her own words, she shares how the museum shaped her passions, influenced her career, and continues to inspire her today. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong supporter, Clara’s story offers a heartfelt reminder of why places like this matter—and how they can change lives.
Read on to discover how Clara went from a curious child to museum storyteller—and what she’s learned along the way.
Where It All Began
Hi! My name is Clara Castle, and I’m a staff member at the Virginia Living Museum (VLM). But my story with the museum started long before I worked here.
When I was around 2 or 3 years old, my family had just moved back to the Hampton Roads area to be closer to my grandparents. My mom was a stay-at-home mom at the time and started bringing me to the museum to keep me busy. None of us knew how much I would grow to love this place.
My dad worked at VIMs at the time and I had a blast attending their Marine Science Days where I would get to see flounders and pipefish up close. I also loved visiting their moray eel who had his very own staff badge on his aquarium.
One of my parents’ favorite stories at the Virginia Living Museum is about a time when I was a toddler. A VLM volunteer told me to keep an eye on the head of a snake they were holding, and I leaned in and watched it very closely. Even back then, I was fascinated. I grew up watching the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, every morning, and to this day he is still one of my biggest idols.
Growing Up with the Museum
Some of my earliest memories are from the old nature center, before the museum expanded into what it is today. I remember seeing a one-eyed screech owl in a quiet, curved room. The little exhibit pods showed different Virginia habitats, and the touch tank was always one of my favorite spots.
I spent so much time here as a kid. I even had birthday parties at the museum and went to several summer camps. Back then, the camps were held in trailers outside the original nature center. One of my favorite camp activities was dissecting owl pellets. I was always excited to learn more about animals and dreamed of becoming one of the people who taught visitors about them. My passion here translated outside of the museum too. I found and still find it a precious experience to come across a bird feather or a wandering box turtle. To listen to the birds. To smell the woods after it rains.
Unsurprisingly, my favorite event as a child was the Reptile and Amphibian Weekend which still happens annually!
Becoming a Volunteer
I started volunteering at the museum when I was just 8 years old. My mom and my grandfather (we called him “Pop”) volunteered with me. I helped out in the discovery center, the cave exhibit, and along the outdoor trail. One summer, Pop and I even got to serve slushies to guests!
I loved talking to visitors and sharing all the cool facts I had learned. I remember once, a woman said, “Wow! You should work here!” I proudly showed her my volunteer badge.
Taking a Break, Then Returning
In 2008, my family moved away from Hampton Roads. I was away from the museum for a few years, but I never stopped loving it. I wanted to come back and try to volunteer in the herpetology department (the team that works with reptiles and amphibians), especially because I’ve always loved snakes. My dad wasn’t so sure—he didn’t want me to convince him to get one!
Although I didn’t get that herpetology position, I returned in 2011 as a volunteer in the touch tank and on the trail. That was also the summer I was learning how to drive. My grandma helped me get driving hours by riding with me to my volunteer shifts.
Exploring My Passion for Animals
Over the years, my love for animals only grew. I visited the turtle hospital on Topsail Island, cared for horses, and worked at a humane society and land trust in Mississippi. I even helped open a new aquarium focused on conservation.
Although I didn’t study science in college—I was told it wasn’t my strongest subject—I still wanted to help animals and nature in other ways. So, I got a degree in mass communications and became a professional photographer.
A Dream Job at VLM
After three years in Mississippi, I moved back and saw that the Virginia Living Museum had a job opening for a media and communications manager. I was super excited, but also nervous. My dad told me to go for it—he knew how much I loved the museum.
I reached out to my old volunteer coordinator, who was still working at the museum, and they were happy to be a reference for me. I even still had my volunteer shirt from when I was 8 years old! A few days after my interview, I got the call—I had the job!
Now, every day when I walk through the doors and along the lake to my office, I still feel amazed. I get to visit the otters and wolves and do work that I truly love.
What I Do Now
My job is never boring! One day I might be taking photos of animals or conservation work. The next, I could be planning social media posts, helping interns, working on a video, or attending meetings about new exhibits. I work with an incredible team. Many of us were VLM kids or are now VLM parents.
It feels great to help create amazing experiences for today’s kids—just like the ones I had
Why the Museum Matters
This museum means a lot to me. It’s a place for fun, learning, and discovery. Visitors of all ages can connect with nature and each other. If you’re a parent, I truly believe it’s never too early to bring your child here. Even babies can enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds—and you never know what spark you might ignite.
There are also so many ways to get involved. Whether you’re interested in science, art, crafts, conservation, or just want to help out in your community, there’s something here for you. Even short-term projects are available and always popular
Come Be a Part of It
No matter your age—kid, adult, or senior—there’s a place for you at the Virginia Living Museum. Volunteering here isn’t just about giving your time; it’s about growing, learning, and falling in love with nature. Just like it changed my life, it can be a part of yours too. Come be a part of something wild and wonderful—volunteer today!
