Calendar
Spring Native Plant Sale 2024
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. Looking for something specific or just want to browse before you arrive? View and download the plant list! 2024 Spring Native Plant Guide |
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Gardening like an Ecologist
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. |
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Spring Native Plant Sale 2024
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. Looking for something specific or just want to browse before you arrive? View and download the plant list! 2024 Spring Native Plant Guide |
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Celebrate Earth Day!Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and celebration as we honor our planet and explore ways to create a brighter, greener future together! The Virginia Living Museum invites you to an immersive Earth Day event filled with live animal encounters, interactive activities, and enlightening conversations with experts and vendors. Discover innovative green practices and sustainability initiatives, Learn about our upcoming conservation projects and discover ways to get involved. Included with Museum admission.
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Spring Native Plant Sale 2024
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. Looking for something specific or just want to browse before you arrive? View and download the plant list! 2024 Spring Native Plant Guide |
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FrogWatch April 2024
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.
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Spring Native Plant Sale 2024
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. Looking for something specific or just want to browse before you arrive? View and download the plant list! 2024 Spring Native Plant Guide |
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Spring Native Plant Sale 2024
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. Looking for something specific or just want to browse before you arrive? View and download the plant list! 2024 Spring Native Plant Guide |
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FrogWatch April 2024
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.
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Adult Prom: Starry, Starry Night
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. |
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May 11: Stargazing NightCost: Members $5, non-members $8 per show. Virginia Skies
A live guided tour of the current evening sky with a staff astronomer. Recommended for all ages.
Laseropolis Time: 8:30pm
A mind-blowing mix of music and equally dazzling laser effects come together to make a truly awesome laser experience. Jam to bands like Oasis, Future Sounds of London, Emerson Lake & Palmer and so much more. Ancient towers hide the symbols that will transport you to new experiences of sight and sounds. Should you survive the journey through the four space-time pillars, a portal will be opened into a previously unseen and unheard dimension! Laseropolis is an eclectic mix of musical themes surveying pop, rock, alternative and oldies. Show Playlist
Pink Floyd's The Wall Time: 10pm Recommended: ages 15 and above The Wall is best considered as a continual story rather than a collection of individual songs. It tells the tale of a rock star named Pink and his downward spiral into madness. To the listener, and indeed many critics, The Wall is a gripping and spellbinding musical journey – beautiful, haunting, powerful and thought provoking. It is a timeless classic, and one of Pink Floyd’s best, becoming the group’s second best seller behind Dark Side of the Moon. Now coupled with spectacular and mesmerizing laser art, Pink Floyd’s classic 1979 epic about personal struggle takes on a unique look, weaving its story in one of the most popular laser shows ever produced! Visitors will become lost and spellbound as their senses join this timeless journey. 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
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. |
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Mother's Day at the MuseumJoin us for a special Mother’s Day celebration honoring the incredible moms of the animal kingdom and beyond! Treat your mom to a day filled with live animal shows, fascinating science demonstrations, and engaging keeper talks focused on the wonders of motherhood. Included with Museum admission. |
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Virginia Tells the History of Life on Earth: From Ancient Seas to Hairy Elephants
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). |
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Endangered Species DayDiscover, learn, and act for the future of our planet! Dive deep into the fascinating world of endangered species and explore how you can make a difference in their conservation. Join us for a day packed with fun-filled activities—including keeper talks, science shows, ambassador animal meet-and-greets, scavenger hunt, and more!—all designed to ignite curiosity and passion for wildlife conservation. Included with Museum admission.
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Military Family WeekendThe Virginia Living Museum salutes military families with 50% off admission (must present an active military ID). That’s not all—enjoy exclusive discounts including $20 off memberships and 10% discount in the Wild Things Museum Store. It’s our way of saying thank you for your service and sacrifice. |
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Military Family WeekendThe Virginia Living Museum salutes military families with 50% off admission (must present an active military ID). That’s not all—enjoy exclusive discounts including $20 off memberships and 10% discount in the Wild Things Museum Store. It’s our way of saying thank you for your service and sacrifice. |
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Celebrate World Ocean Day & Clean the Bay DayJoin the Virginia Living Museum to celebrate World Ocean Day and Clean the Bay Day! Make a splash by taking a pledge to prevent waterway litter, learning about our native aquatic wildlife, and participating in hands-on activities about the importance of protecting our oceans and the Chesapeake Bay. Included with Museum admission. |
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June 8: Stargazing NightCost: Members $5, non-members $8 per show. Virginia Skies
A live guided tour of the current evening sky with a staff astronomer. Recommended for all ages.
Laser Spirit Time: 7:00 pm Celebrate our great nation and her heroes with this dazzling mix of music of and inspired by America. Enjoy hits from Lee Greenwood, Kansas, The Beatles, Gloria Estefan and many others! Enjoy laser fireworks in the cool of the Abbitt Planetarium! Show Playlist
Laser Aerosmith Time: 8:30pm
Show Playlist
Dark Side of the Moon
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
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. |
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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
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. |
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Dino Pajama Jam 2024
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. |
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Juneteenth CelebrationJoin us as we explore the natural resources of Virginia’s waterways and their role in freedom with interactive exhibits and activities. From a resource guide to team-building challenges, we commemorate Juneteenth with the theme “Living the Dream: Together We Make the Dream Work.” Don’t miss out on this day of learning, collaboration, and celebration. Included with Museum admission. |
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Turtle Census 2024
Every year in June and July we set out live-capture, baited hoop nets in Deer Park Lake to catch and survey as many turtles as possible. VLM Staff and volunteers gather all of the turtles that are collected in these nets and spend the morning identifying the species and sex of the turtles, cleaning the shell to remove any stuck-on algae, and using a special marking system to determine whether each turtle is new for the year or a recapture from previous years. In 2024 the dates are: The 11am end time is an estimation, census activities will go until completion.
Please wear weather appropriate attire, this event will take place outside. Gloves will be provided. Please bring your own water bottle. You will be handling wild turtles during this event. By purchasing tickets, you are assuming all risks. Photos will be taken at this event and may be used for promotional material. |
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July 13: Stargazing NightCost: Members $5, non-members $8 per show. Virginia Skies
A live guided tour of the current evening sky with a staff astronomer. Recommended for all ages. Pink Floyd's The Wall Time: 10pm
Recommended: ages 15 and above The Wall is best considered as a continual story rather than a collection of individual songs. It tells the tale of a rock star named Pink and his downward spiral into madness. To the listener, and indeed many critics, The Wall is a gripping and spellbinding musical journey – beautiful, haunting, powerful and thought provoking. It is a timeless classic, and one of Pink Floyd’s best, becoming the group’s second best seller behind Dark Side of the Moon. Now coupled with spectacular and mesmerizing laser art, Pink Floyd’s classic 1979 epic about personal struggle takes on a unique look, weaving its story in one of the most popular laser shows ever produced! Visitors will become lost and spellbound as their senses join this timeless journey. Please note that we do not recommend this program for children under the age of 15. 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
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. |
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Turtle Census 2024
Every year in June and July we set out live-capture, baited hoop nets in Deer Park Lake to catch and survey as many turtles as possible. VLM Staff and volunteers gather all of the turtles that are collected in these nets and spend the morning identifying the species and sex of the turtles, cleaning the shell to remove any stuck-on algae, and using a special marking system to determine whether each turtle is new for the year or a recapture from previous years. In 2024 the dates are: The 11am end time is an estimation, census activities will go until completion.
Please wear weather appropriate attire, this event will take place outside. Gloves will be provided. Please bring your own water bottle. You will be handling wild turtles during this event. By purchasing tickets, you are assuming all risks. Photos will be taken at this event and may be used for promotional material. |
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Turtle Census 2024
Every year in June and July we set out live-capture, baited hoop nets in Deer Park Lake to catch and survey as many turtles as possible. VLM Staff and volunteers gather all of the turtles that are collected in these nets and spend the morning identifying the species and sex of the turtles, cleaning the shell to remove any stuck-on algae, and using a special marking system to determine whether each turtle is new for the year or a recapture from previous years. In 2024 the dates are: The 11am end time is an estimation, census activities will go until completion.
Please wear weather appropriate attire, this event will take place outside. Gloves will be provided. Please bring your own water bottle. You will be handling wild turtles during this event. By purchasing tickets, you are assuming all risks. Photos will be taken at this event and may be used for promotional material. |
Speaker: 
Join us for FrogWatch – a community science program to help monitor frog populations! Practice identifying over 20 unique frog calls and learn about frog conservation. After learning the calls, you will be able to help monitor and submit data about local frog populations. Training is 2 parts and you must attend both parts.
Time: 6:00pm
Speaker: 
Speaker: 
Time: 6-8:30pm
The Virginia Living Museum Education and Herpetology staff began a multi-year research project to monitor the population changes of freshwater turtles in a local watershed over time.