Virginia War Memorial’s Popular Artifacts Roadshow Returns Saturday, January 30
Public Encouraged to Bring In Personal Military-Related Items for Free Expert Review
(Richmond, Va.) Whether it’s an old uniform cap or helmet, a box of medals and ribbons, a flag, sword, or a canteen – every piece of military memorabilia has a story to tell.
So anyone who would like to learn more about a military-related item that’s been passed down in his or her family, was discovered in the attic or found at a yard sale, is invited to bring it in a for free expert review at the Virginia War Memorial’s Artifacts Roadshow – Winter Edition, Saturday, January 30 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Memorial’s Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center.
Virginia War Memorial Curator Jesse Smith and noted military memorabilia expert Robert House of Virginia Beach will again be on hand to personally review and offer their insights on the original and history of military items from any historical era – from the Revolutionary War until today.
Admission to the Artifacts Roadshow is free as are reviews. Donations to the non-profit Virginia War Memorial Foundation are appreciated. Parking is also free at the Memorial, located at 621 South Belvidere Street in Richmond.
Sponsors of the 2016 Artifacts Roadshow-Winter Edition are Bank of Virginia and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), 3rd District, Department of Virginia. Media sponsors are WCVE Public Radio and the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Since the first Artifacts Roadshow was held in January 2012, this program has become one of the Virginia War Memorial’s most popular twice-yearly events. While Jesse Smith, Robert Houseand other experts will be pleased to tell the story about each item reviewed and give preservationtips, they cannot offer appraisals or monetary evaluations of items.
“We always look forward to seeing the items that people bring in for us to review,” noted Memorial Curator Jesse Smith. “The Artifacts Roadshow gives folks the opportunity to rummage through their closets and attics and learn more about military items that may have belonged to a family member. Robert House and I are always astounded by the variety of items we get to review,” Smith said.
Small arms, weapons and ordinance items brought to the Artifacts Roadshow will be checked, inspected and tagged for safety by trained representatives from Green Top Hunting and Fishing prior to review. Vendors or dealers are prohibited at this event.
The Virginia War Memorial’s Galanti Education Center will be open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for public visitation and tours. For more information, please call 804.786.2060 or visit www.vawarmorial.org.
About the Virginia War Memorial
The mission of the Virginia War Memorial is to Honor Veterans, Preserve History, Educate Youth and Instill Patriotism in All. Dedicated in 1956, the Memorial includes the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and the Global War on Terrorism. The Virginia War Memorial is a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and serves as an integral part of its mission in support of all Virginians who served in our military forces. Please visit www.vawarmemorial.org or Facebook/virginiawarmemorial for additional details.
About The Virginia War Memorial Foundation
The Virginia War Memorial Educational Foundation (VWMF) is the non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation dedicated to the financial support of all of the educational outreach, patriotic programs, historical exhibits and documentary films of the Virginia War Memorial. Donations to the Foundation from individuals, corporations, military and veterans groups and other organizations may be tax-deductible and are encouraged and appreciated. For more information, please visit www.vawarmemorial.org and click on Get Involved.