One of only four states officially designated as a commonwealth, Virginia is synonymous with original Southern and American history and culture, starting with the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown in 1607.
Birthplace of eight U. S. presidents—including four of our first five chief executives—and seven signers of the Declaration of Independence, Virginia saw more Civil War battles than any other state, including the conflict’s first significant fight at Manassas and its closing chapter at Appomattox. With six Civil War-oriented national parks attracting millions of annual visitors, Virginia is in the midst of its four-year (2011-2015) commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War and Emancipation (www.virginiacivilwar.org), which includes a trail program connecting 500 sites statewide.
Plenty of rewarding experiences await groups at the following 10 historical and cultural venues in Virginia.
1. TORPEDO FACTORY ART CENTER, ALEXANDRIA
www.torpedofactory.org
Housed in a former World War I-era torpedo factory on the Potomac River waterfront, this world-renowned venue has a long and eclectic past. Active in torpedo manufacturing and munitions storage until the end of World War II, the factory then became a repository for items ranging from Smithsonian artifacts and dinosaur bones to Congressional documents and German war films. In 1974, artists converted the huge complex into a network of studios and the Torpedo Factory Art Center (TFAC) was born. Distinctively situated in Old Town Alexandria—the nation’s third-oldest historic district—the contemporary TFAC’s industrial ambience of exposed pipes, ductwork and mushroom-shaped columns is evocative beyond compare.
“The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a wonderfully located venue that offers a blank canvas for clients to make their own event come alive,” says director of special events Tara Zimnick-Calico. “From traditional and elegant to unique and funky, the TFAC accommodates all types of gatherings.”
Minutes from Reagan National Airport and downtown Washington, D.C., the venue’s versatile spaces, hosting groups of up to 850, include bricked outdoor terraces and a dramatic two-story balconied atrium.
2. PROVIDENCE HALL, COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
www.colonialwilliamsburg.com
Providence Hall was built near the Chickahominy River in New Kent County, Va., shortly before 1770. During the American Revolution, troops under the command of Gen. Lafayette camped on the grounds. In 1947, the 18th century house was saved from the wrecking ball when it was purchased by a private citizen and moved to Williamsburg. In 1965, Colonial Williamsburg acquired the house for use as an executive retreat.
Today, the meticulously restored and furnished Providence Hall serves as the perfect meeting location for those who appreciate the secluded setting, 18th century details, authentic antiques and historically accurate reproduction furnishings, fabrics and accessories.
“Providence Hall is one of Colonial Williamsburg’s true gems,” says Perry Goodbar, vice president of hospitality sales, services and business development for Colonial Williamsburg. “It’s a private location for small corporate meetings and can also be used as a gracious hospitality residence for a larger conference held in the Williamsburg Inn or Lodge. It is elegant, relaxed and completely secluded, making it the perfect spot for an executive retreat.”
3. VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, RICHMOND
www.vmfa.state.va.us
In a city steeped in history and rich with cultural venues, this world-class facility, celebrating 75 years in 2011, is an absolute inspiration. Set on historic grounds dotted with structures including the sublime Confederate Memorial Chapel, the museum’s main building unites its original 1936 classical structure with five significant expansions, including the breathtaking new $150 million James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Wing, which opened in May 2010.
One of the nation’s top 10 most comprehensive museums, VMFA, with free admission to all permanent galleries, houses one of the largest art collections in the South, with recent exhibitions including artwork from the House of Faberge (also part of the permanent collection) and Picasso, and Egyptian antiques from the renowned British Museum. Also featuring the award-winning Amuse restaurant and unique spaces including the towering Atrium, the artistry extends to meetings and functions, with room for 2,500 guests museum-wide.
“With our conference center, numerous breakout rooms, 500-seat Leslie Cheek Theater and celebrated catering team, all group needs are met, along with the inspiration of 5,000 years of art, which encourages visitors to think creatively,” says Alex Nyerges, the museum’s director and CEO.
4. ASH LAWN-HIGHLAND, CHARLOTTESVILLE
www.ashlawnhighland.org
Home to the University of Virginia, charming Charlottesville is well known for Monticello, the mountaintop residence of the university’s founder, America’s third president and author of the Declaration of Independence, Virginia-born Thomas Jefferson. Not to be overlooked, however, is the neighboring Ash Lawn-Highland estate, the picturesque, dignified former home of the nation’s fifth president, James Monroe, Jefferson’s close friend and fellow Virginian.
Owned and operated by The College of William and Mary, Monroe’s alma mater, Ash Lawn-Highland is a historic house museum, 535-acre working farm and performing arts site. For Monroe and his wife Elizabeth, the original “Highland” was a place of “comfort and hospitality,” and just as Monroe invited James Madison in 1799 to “stay a day or two with us,” the same warm invite is extended to visitors today.
“In addition to our Hilltop Pavilion, we have completed reconstruction of The Barn for meetings and events,” says Carolyn Holmes, executive director. “Private events in our 200-year-old Boxwood Gardens are enhanced by views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and private visits through the Monroe House, furnished with Monroe possessions, are always included.”
5. CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART, NORFOLK
www.chrysler.org
Founded in 1933 as the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences, this acclaimed facility overlooking the Hague Inlet of the Elizabeth River near downtown Norfolk is as well regarded for its remarkable collections as it is for its event-hosting prowess. Boasting an eclectic array of artwork, including one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of glass, Civil War photographs and major works from contemporary artists such as Warhol, Lichtenstein and Pollock, the free admission museum owes its renown to Walter Chrysler Jr. An avid and astute collector for over 70 years, Chrysler, of the automobile family, donated nearly 10,000 objects to the museum when it took his name in 1971.
Today, the museum is also a premier event destination, hosting hundreds of functions each year, including special events, dinners and receptions. Spaces include Huber Court, an enclosed central courtyard with 15th century Florentine-inspired design motifs accommodating up to 400 for cocktails, and the splendid Tiffany Gallery, reflecting the museum’s preeminent holding of Tiffany glass and opening up onto the Memorial Garden. Ideal for lectures, presentations and corporate meetings especially, the museum’s stylishly modern performance hall comfortably seats 375 attendees.
6. VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF TRANSPORTATION, ROANOKE
www.vmt.org
Roanoke is one of America’s great rail centers and home of the original headquarters of the Norfolk & Western Railway for over a century. The legendary Roanoke Shops of the N&W designed and built the most modern and powerful steam engines in the world. Originally founded in 1963 to showcase Roanoke’s rich rail heritage, the inspiring Virginia Museum of Transportation also celebrates Virginia’s significant transportation legacy on the road and in the air. Rare motor cars, vintage planes and more than 50 pieces of rolling stock, including steam engines, cabooses and the largest collection of diesel locomotives in the South, form part of an approximately 2,500-piece collection.
Housed in a 45,000-square-foot building adjacent to active Norfolk Southern mainline tracks, the museum can accommodate parties and meetings of up to 1,000 people, from high-end banquets to good ole boy barbeques.
“We have the wow factor,” says Beverly Fitzpatrick, executive director of the museum. “Not your average venue, the Virginia Museum of Transportation is an ideal choice to share, learn, network and celebrate. If you want to gather in good company, we’re the place.”
7. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS, TRIANGLE
www.usmcmuseum.com
Home to Manassas National Battlefield Park, site of the first major battle of the Civil War, Prince William County, where “history loves company,” is also where groups can explore the internationally renowned National Museum of the Marine Corps. Moving in every way, this architecturally striking venue, its soaring design evoking the image of the flag-raisers of Iwo Jima, is a stirring showcase of over 200 years of Marine Corps history. With tanks and suspended planes among the many exhibits and artifacts, the flight simulator and laser-designated rifle range are among world-class, hands-on interactions that use cutting-edge technology to bring visitors into the U.S. Marine experience.
Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, the museum offers several exclusive spaces for corporate functions, personal occasions and special events, including the premier Leatherneck Gallery, accommodating 1,000 guests for standing receptions, the second-level Overlook and the Mess Hall.
Future plans for the 120,000-square-foot facility call for a memorial park, parade grounds, artifact restorations facility and on-site conference center and hotel.
8. VIRGINIA AQUARIUM & MARINE SCIENCE CENTER, VIRGINIA BEACH
www.virginiaaquarium.com
One of the nation’s leading aquariums and live animal habitats, this group-friendly venue boasts 800,000 gallons of aquariums, 300 interactive exhibits and a giant IMAX 3D theater. The aquarium recently opened the Restless Planet permanent exhibit, featuring 12,000 square feet of spectacular new habitats that more than doubled the animal collection at the resort city’s largest attraction.
“As we like to say, the Virginia Aquarium is a unique meeting space because it adds life to your meeting or event,” says Linda Candler, marketing director for the center. “With more than 2,000 species of animals and fish, there’s no temptation for delegates to go ‘off-property’ between sessions or skip the icebreaker.”
Flexible rental options include the Bay & Ocean Pavilion for 1,200 attendees or the Marsh Pavilion, accommodating 350 for standing receptions and including an 88-seat theater for presentations. Sharks, sea turtles and jellyfish are among the creatures providing an enchanting backdrop to functions in the Promenade Room, while guests in the Coastal Foyer can enjoy the 100,000-gallon Red Sea walk-through aquarium.
9. HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MUSEUM, HAMPTON
http://museum.hamptonu.edu
Located in the heart of the historic Hampton University campus, this cultural treasure, founded along with the school in 1868, is the nation’s oldest African American-focused museum and the second oldest museum in Virginia. With galleries dedicated to African American, African, American Indian and Asian and Pacific art and artifacts, the collection of more than 9,000 objects represents cultures and peoples from around the globe.
Housed in the restored Huntington Building, the university’s former library, the state-of-the-art facility offers a variety of spaces for gatherings.
“Groups including family reunions, civic and social organizations, and corporations have all utilized our facilities,” says Vanessa Thaxton-Ward, curator of collections. “Easily seating up to 80 people, our spacious Education Center on the second floor can be set up for different types of gatherings and presentations, while our galleries are available for after-hours and weekend receptions.”
Also focused on educational initiatives, the museum offers a number of school programs, including activities in The Curiosity Room, where children can learn to appreciate and explore the many facets of art.
10. CRADDOCK TERRY HOTEL, LYNCHBURG
www.craddockterryhotel.com
Nestled in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the James River, centrally located Lynchburg reportedly earned Thomas Jefferson’s praise as “the most interesting spot in Virginia.” Over the past two decades, this historic center has been refreshing its appeal via a phased revitalization of the downtown and riverfront area. One of the cornerstones of the project, this 44-room boutique hotel is housed in an old tobacco storage warehouse and the former Craddock-Terry Shoe factory, once the fifth-largest shoe company in the world.
Within walking distance of Lynchburg’s arts district and less than a mile from the 15,000-square-foot James River Conference Center, the hotel features over 4,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. Set within the evocative architecture of heavy timber beams and exposed stone and brick walls, the versatile rooms include the 2,100-square-foot Granite Hall and the 1,750-square-foot Riverside Foyer, along with a boardroom, smaller private rooms for intimate meetings or prefunction gatherings and two on-site restaurants offering customized menus as well as private dining rooms.
Regular Meetings Focus South contributor Jeff Heilman, a frequent visitor to Virginia, recently learned that he has deep family roots in the state via Scottish emigrants four generations back. He is planning a future genealogical dig in the Dry Fork area—anybody know the Robertson clan there?
