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Artifacts Roadshow Returns To Virginia War Memorial January 26 - Public Invited to Bring in Military Items for Free Expert Review and Preservation Tips

Whether it’s an old uniform or cap, a box of medals and ribbons, a flag, a sword or a canteen – every piece of military memorabilia has an interesting story to tell. So,  if you would like to learn more about a military-related item that’s been passed down in your family, discovered in the attic or picked up at a yard sale, bring it in for a free expert review at the Virginia War Memorial’s Annual Artifacts Roadshow.

Presented by R.E. Gates Antiques, this popular event will be held Saturday, January 26 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Memorial’s Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center, 621 South Belvidere Street in Richmond.

Virginia War Memorial Curator Jesse Smith,  military weapons expert Robert House and photo and document expert Warren Swindle will be on hand to personally review and offer insights on military items from any era – from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, World Wars I and II to today. While Smith, House and Swindle will be pleased to tell the story about each item reviewed and give preservation tips, no appraisals or monetary evaluations will be given.

Admission to the Artifacts Roadshow is free. Donations to the non-profit Virginia War Memorial Foundation are appreciated.  Parking is limited due to expansion construction at the Virginia War Memorial but will be available in the VHDA surface lot next door at 601 South Belvidere Street and in the Afton Chemical Corporation lot at Belvidere and Spring Streets.

“Robert, Warren and I always look forward to seeing the amazing items the public brings in for us to review,” noted Virginia War Memorial Curator Jesse Smith. “The Artifacts Roadshow gives everyone the opportunity to learn more about their military items, especially those that may have belonged to a family member. We are often astounded by the variety of items we get to see.”

Small arms, weapons and other ordinance items brought to the Artifacts Roadshow will be inspected and tagged for safety at the door prior to review. Vendors and dealers are prohibited at this event.

Also on Saturday, January 26, the Virginia War Memorial will present its Annual Book Sale. There will be hundreds of slightly used military and history books, DVDs, VHS tapes and more for sale in the Galanti Education Center from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. All proceeds from the sale go to the non-profit Virginia War Memorial Foundation to support educational programs and exhibits.

For more information at the Virginia War Memorial’s Annual Artifact Roadshow, presented by R.E. Crawford Fine Arts & Antiques, and the annual book sale, please call 804.786.2060 or visit www.vawarmemorial.org/upcomingevents or www.dvs.virginia.gov.

About the Virginia War Memorial

The mission of the Virginia War Memorial is to Honor Veterans, Preserve History, Educate Youth and Inspire 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. Situated on nearly five acres overlooking the James River at 621 South Belvidere Street in Richmond, 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. More at www.vawarmemorial.org .

About VDVS

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) operates 32 benefit offices throughout the state that assist military veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; two long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing care, Alzheimer’s/memory care, and short-term rehabilitative care for veterans; and three cemeteries that provide an honored final resting place for veterans and their families.  DVS provides veterans and family members with direct linkages to services including behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, education and other programs.  The Department also operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s monument to honor the memory and sacrifice of Virginia’s men and women who served and fought to defend our way of life from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.