Museum District in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Virginia Historical Society

Photographed by Kyle W., February 5, 2024

1. Virginia Historical Society Marker

Inscription. Founded in 1831, the Virginia Historical Society is the oldest state historical society still in operation in the South, and one of the oldest in the nation. It was headquartered at several other Richmond locations before moving here in 1959. The Society’s extensive collections of manuscripts, rare books, artwork, photographs, and other artifacts form the basis for a research library and museum, as well as publications, lectures, and other public education programs. In 2018 the Society announced a new vision and a new name for its headquarters facility, The Virginia Museum of History & Culture, marking an era of expanded programming, exhibitions, and activity across the commonwealth.

Erected 2023 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-33.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1831.

Location. 37° 33.483′ N, 77° 28.371′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the Museum District. It

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is at the intersection of North Boulevard and Kensington Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 428 North Boulevard, Richmond VA 23220, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bridled Veterans (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Civil War Horse (about 400 feet away); 509 North Mulberry Street (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Robinson House (about 600 feet away); Rumors of War (about 600 feet away); Slavery and Freedom (about 800 feet away); Memorial Bell Tower (approx. 0.2 miles

Photographed by Kyle W., February 5, 2024

2. Virginia Historical Society Marker

away); The Home For Needy Confederate Women (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Other markers no longer nearby. Virginia Historical Society (has been replaced with this marker); Robinson House (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Stonewall Jackson (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This is the original marker which this marker replaced.

Virginia Historical Society image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 3, 2026

3. Virginia Historical Society

Now the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. The building originally was constructed as the Confederate Memorial Institute, known as the "Battle Abbey," between 1912-1921. It was a shrine for artifacts on the campus of the Confederate Soldiers' Home. The Virginia Historical Society merged with the Confederate Memorial Association in 1946, absorbing the Battle Abbey into society ownership in the process. A rear wing was added in 1959. Other additions, including the north and south extensions, were added in successive construction periods in 1992, 1998, 2006, and 2015. The core "Battle Abbey" building is discernible here, the central core of the museum, by its coloring.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2024, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 460 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 11, 2024, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3. submitted on March 31, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.