About Us
Mission & Vision Statement
VAM advocates for the importance of museums in our communities and strengthens the cultural sector by supporting museum professionals throughout their careers with professional development, networking, and thought leadership.
We envision a network of collaborative museums and passionate museum professionals throughout the Commonwealth serving as essential community anchors working together to enhance cultural awareness and community identity for all.
Our History, from 1967 to the Present
The Virginia Association of Museums began life in 1967 as The Virginia History Federation, created by a group of Virginian museum professionals to promote and support Virginia's myriad historical sites. The very first meeting took place at Randolph-Macon College in the spring of that year, with over 100 historians and museum professionals in attendance. Calvert Walke "Bill" Tazewell of the Norfolk Historical Society was elected the Federation's first president in 1968.
By 1969, the Federation was granted 501(c)3 status and by 1978 had expanded its outreach to include a newsletter, regional gatherings and workshops, an annual meeting, and sponsorship of local events. That same year, a decision was made to change the name of the organization to the Virginia History and Museums Federation to reflect the broadening of its mission to include all museum disciplines, not just history.
This name was short lived, however, when in 1980 the Federation at last became the Virginia Association of Museums. This name further established our identity as an organization whose purpose is to educate and support all museums and similar cultural institutions in the Commonwealth. In the 1980s, VAM also acquired its first physical headquarters in downtown Richmond, where we hosted workshops and meetings for board members, before later moving offices to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Pauley Center.
Today, VAM is the largest state museum service organization in the United States, with over 2,500 members from institutions across our Commonwealth. We are currently headquartered at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, and are comprised of a hardworking team of staff members, council members, and volunteers. VAM's goal is to focus our efforts on building and uplifting the Virginia museum community, provide professional development opportunities for museum staff, including our Annual Conference, and advocate for museums at the state and national levels.
Museum Regions
The Virginia Association of Museums recognizes five geographical regions in our Commonwealth: Central Virginia, Mountain & Valley, Northern Virginia & DC, Southwest Virginia, and Tidewater & Eastern Shore. These boundaries acknowledge the distinct cultural identities of each regional area, and therefore the unique opportunities and issues museums in that region may face.
Looking for more? Read our Guiding Documents and Policies