Museum Events
March 2024
Conserving Amphibians on the Virginia Peninsula
March 21st
Global amphibian populations are declining rapidly. To address this, researchers study amphibian ecology on the Virginia Peninsula. One study focuses on two toad species’ movements during their non-breeding period to understand their habitat needs. Another investigates factors influencing the number of salamanders in creeks by examining water quality, stream conditions, and surrounding land cover. This research aims to provide crucial insights to slow down amphibian losses.
Before the main event, student researchers will showcase their local herpetology research through engaging poster presentations. Take this opportunity to mingle with the presenters, learn about their findings, and gain insights into the importance of protecting amphibian species.
Dr. Matthias Leu has been a faculty member in the Biology Department at William & Mary since 2009.
Reptiles and Amphibians Weekend
March 23rd - March 24th
Experience a close encounter of the reptile kind! A wide variety of native and exotic reptiles will be on display and in live animal programs. Enjoy seeing unusual reptiles displayed by guest exhibitors, as well as crafts, activities, and reptile-related planetarium shows throughout the weekend.
Eggstravaganza 2024
March 30th
Calling all nature enthusiasts, egg lovers, and curious minds! Join us as we explore the wonderful world of animals that lay eggs.
Activities Include:
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11:30 am: Bird vs. Reptile: Learn the fascinating differences between bird and reptile eggs. (1:00 pm)
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1:00 pm: Discover how animals build intricate nests of their own with only items from nature! (1:00 pm)
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Egg Scavenger Hunt: Hunt around the museum for various eggs hidden in our exhibits. Can you find them all?
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Eggcelent Trivia: Test your knowledge about all things egg-related in our Eggcelent Trivia challenge.
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Conservation Garden Games: Compete with friends and family in egg-citing Egg Roll and Egg Carry games. May the best egg win!
Price: Included in admission or membership.
April 2024
Solar Eclipse 2024
April 8th
Join us for a truly rare celestial event and witness the solar eclipse at the Virginia Living Museum! From 2:00-4:30 pm, we’ll gather on the Conservation Lawn to witness the eclipse (weather permitting) and learn from our education staff how eclipses work. You can safely gaze at the sun with solar-viewing glasses available for purchase while supplies last in the Wild Things Museum Store, or watch the live broadcast from totality on monitors throughout the Museum. Come early for the “Eclipse 2024” planetarium show at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, or 12:30 pm.
April 13: Stargazing Night
April 13th
Cost: Members $5, non-members $8 per show.
At 5:15 pm, delve into the secrets of the cosmos with a free gravitational waves science program presented by Christopher Newport University (CNU) Physics Department Gravitational Wave Group. Dive deep into the mysteries of the cosmos as we explore gravitational waves, their detection, and the invaluable insights they offer. The free science show will take place in Classroom 3 and 4, welcoming everyone to participate.
Following the presentation, unleash your inner scientist with hands-on activities suitable for both kids and adults. Delve into interactive experiments and discover the wonders of science firsthand.
A live guided tour of the current evening sky with a staff astronomer.
Recommended for all ages.
Time: 7:00pm
An incredible mix of music from the first iTunes generation, all set with awesome laser imagery. Ages 6 and up.
Show Playlist
- Baby by Justin Bieber
- All the Way Up by Emily Osment
- Naturally by Selena Gomez
- I Can’t Be Tamed by Miley Cyrus
- ABC by The Jackson 5
- Telephone by Lady Gaga
- TRON: Legacy
- Halfway There by Big Time Rush
- Freak the Freak Out by Victoria Justice
- Masquerade by Ashley Tisdale
- I Got a Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas
- Rocketeer by Far East Movement
- Firework by Katy Perry
Time: 8:30pm
The glam. The rock. The artistry. The lasers. Experience it all with this melding of the music of David Bowie and laser animations. Recommended for ages 15 and up.
- Space Oddity
- Changes
- Ashes To Ashes
- Blue Jean
- Rebel Rebel
- Life On Mars
- Modern Love
- Fame
- Let’s Dance
- Fashion
- Ziggy Stardust
- Suffragette City
Time: 10pm
Recommended: ages 15 and above
From the very beginning of lasers, this album has represented the ultimate in laser show experiences. And it’s still true today. Join us for the seminal laser show experience with one of the most incredible albums of all time. Considered by many critics to be the album that brought the commercial breakthrough to Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon offers a mixture of psychedelic, rock and jazz sounds. Its sonic backdrops and atmospheric soundscapes combined with a unique assortment of sound effects yield an emotional resonance. When accompanied by a diverse and unusual display of laser art, the overall feel is a dramatic and haunting atmosphere.
Some of these songs contain lyrics some parents may find objectionable. Please be aware that volume levels during our Pink Floyd program will be high and the imagery can be intense.
Show Playlist
- Speak to Me
- Breathe
- On the Run
- Time
- The Great Gig in the Sky
- Money
- Us and Them
- Any Colour You Like
- Brain Damage
- Eclipse
Warning: Please be advised that laser shows contain bright, sometimes flashing lights and loud music. This experience is not recommended for guests who are highly sensitive to light and noise.
Spring Native Plant Sale 2024
April 20th - April 28th
Member Preview Sale: April 18 | 4-6pm
Public Sale: April 20-21, 27-28 | 9am-4:30pm
Choose from an incredible array of beautiful and unusual native plants for a variety of garden sites and styles, from wet ponds to dry rock gardens. Many of these are excellent plants for attracting butterflies, hummingbirds and other wildlife to your yard. The Virginia Living Museum’s horticulture staff holds this annual sale as a fund-raiser, but the real goal is to introduce the gardening public to the incredible variety of native plants that will do well in the landscape, and to educate gardeners about those which are better left in the wild. Native plants are good choices for area gardeners because such plants tolerate the area’s weather and serve as food and shelter for area wildlife, while also providing a good show in the garden.
Gardening like an Ecologist
April 18th
Incorporating native plants into your garden has numerous ecological benefits. But what do you plant and where? Plants are living, responding, dynamic organisms, and understanding their biology can help you select plants and make gardening decisions. In this presentation, you will learn about how plants are adapted to specific environments, what’s going on belowground, and how plants interact with herbivores and pollinators. By thinking like an ecologist, you can build a garden landscape that supports native biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
Janet Steven received an undergraduate degree in biology from Davidson College and a PhD in Botany from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
FrogWatch April 2024
April 21st - April 28th
Minimum age: 11 years old. Children ages 11-14 must have an adult present. Event is free but registration is required.
All sessions will be from 2pm-4pm.
Part 1 | April 21 Training Signup |
Part 2 | April 28 Training Signup |
May 2024
Adult Prom: Starry, Starry Night
May 3rd
Recreate the magic of prom at this adult only (21+) event, and join us for an evening under the stars. The Virginia Living Museum’s first Adult Prom: Starry, Starry Night will include music, dancing, games, sky-readings, planetarium shows, food and adult beverages. Show up in your finest prom attire – sequins, ruffles, and throwback looks encouraged!
Cost: $18 Non-members, $15 members, includes one drink ticket – Prices will increase to $20 for non-members and $17 for members day of the event. Cash Bar $4 per drink ticket.
Virginia Tells the History of Life on Earth: From Ancient Seas to Hairy Elephants
May 16th
Earth has hosted complex life for 600 million years, evident in Virginia’s diverse fossil record. Ranging from ancient reefs in the Appalachian Mountains to dinosaur-era rocks in valleys and coastal fossils spanning 60 million years, Virginia offers a unique glimpse into Earth’s extensive prehistory. The state’s fossil record includes evidence from the Ice Ages and giant fossil mammals, like the Hart-Fiscella Mastodon at the Virginia Living Museum. This presentation uses specific fossils to showcase the vast timeline and diversity of life’s history.
Dr. Adam Pritchard received a B.A. in Biology from McDaniel College (Westminster, MD) and a Ph.D. in Anatomical Sciences from Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY).
June 2024
The Great Dismal Swamp: A refuge for people, Underground Railroad site for freedom seekers and Spiritual energy for reflection, healing and hope for future generations
June 20th
The Moses Grandy slave narrative entitled “The Life of Moses Grandy; Late a Slave in the United States of America” was published in 1843 by the British & Foreign Anti-Slavery Society in London, England. I uncovered this document during my family genealogy research in 2001. It is an honor for me to be a descendant of the Grandy family from Camden, North Carolina and it is also the birthplace of my ancestor Moses Grandy. The presentation will take you on the journey through the Moses Grandy slave narrative that leads into the historical significance for people at the Great Dismal Swamp, which opened the doors of strategic partnership between the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and the historic Barotse Kingdom in Western Province, Zambia.
Eric earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Management from the University of Maryland, University College and holds Associate in Arts Degree from Catonsville Community College and Associate in Applied Science Degree from the Community College of the Air Force.
Dino Pajama Jam 2024
June 21st
Cost: $12.00 per member, $15.00 per non-member, children ages 2 & under are free.
Come join the Virginia Living Museum for some dino-tastic family fun! This two-hour event will be just right for everyone looking to get out of the house for an evening and party with a Live DJ on our dance floor, enjoy light snacks, and participate in arts & crafts activities.
Member Events VLM Member? See what is coming up!