Popular Artifacts Roadshow Event Returns To Virginia War Memorial, Saturday, January 25, 2020
Public Invited To Bring Military Items For Free Expert Review & 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. To learn more about any military-related item that has been passed down in your family,discovered in the attic or picked up at a yard sale, bring it to the Artifacts Roadshow at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond for a free expert review.
This popular annual event takes place Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST in the Memorial’s Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center at 621 South Belvidere Street.
Virginia War Memorial Curator Jesse Smith, military weapons expert Robert House and photo and document expert Warren Swindle will be on site to personally review and offer insights on military items from any era – from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam to today.
While Smith, House and Swindle will be pleased to review items and give preservation tips, they cannot give appraisals or monetary evaluations. Admission to the Artifacts Roadshow is free but donations to the nonprofit Virginia War Memorial Foundation are appreciated. Limited parking is also free in the surface lot at the Memorial and the VHDA surface lot next door at 601 South Belvidere Street.
“Robert, Warren and I always look forward to seeing and reviewing the unique items that our visitors bring to the Roadshow,” said Jesse Smith. “We enjoy giving everyone the opportunity to learn more about their military items – especially those that may have belonged to a family member.”
Smith noted that as usual all small arms, weapons and other ordnance items will be examined and tagged for safety at the door prior to review. Vendors and dealers are also prohibited at the Artifacts Roadshow.
In addition to the Roadshow, the Virginia War Memorial will also present its Annual Military Book Sale on Saturday, January 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale will include hundreds of slightly used military and history books, DVDs, VHS tapes and more. All proceeds will go to the Virginia War Memorial Foundation to support educational and patriotic programs, films and exhibits.
For more information at the Virginia War Memorial’s Annual Artifact Roadshow and Military 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 the Virginia Department of Veterans Services
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is a state government agency with more than 40 operating locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia. DVS traces its history to 1928 and the establishment of the Virginia War Service Bureau to assist Virginia’s World War I veterans. Today, DVS assists veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; provides veterans and family members with linkages to services including behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, education and other programs. The agency operates two long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing care, Alzheimer’s/memory care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans; and provides an honored final resting place for veterans and their families at three state veterans cemeteries. It operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov