Education & Outreach
A Sense of Belonging
Solving History's Mysteries: The History Discovery Lab is an interactive exhibition that focuses on the process of discovery and involves visitors in what we can find out through historic architecture and archaeology. After experiencing the exhibit, visitors will be able to look with fresh eyes at what is around them in their communities. Teachers, call (804) 358-4901 to schedule a visit with your classroom. Click here to read and download the complementary classroom Teacher Guide and Activity Book. For more information about being a good steward of historic resources, visit the Why Preserve? and How to Get Involved sections of this site.
Focus on Coastal Towns is a heritage tourism series of features that highlight the historic sites, the historic preservation, and the environmental conservation efforts, of Virginia's coastal communities.
Learn More About the people and events associated with the Virginia's significant sites.
Archaeological Resources & Lesson Plans. Over the past several years, the department has produced a number of educational tools for teachers and students. Go to the Teaching Virginia Archaeology section of this site for further details. To find lesson plans related to archaeology go to the Becoming a Homeplace section of the Virginia Historical Society's online version of their major exhibition, The Story of Virginia .
Architectural Videos. The department has a seven-part video series entitled The Architectural History of Western Virginia available for loan upon request. The short segments include: "Native Americans 9500 BC-1740 AD," "Pioneer Settlement & The Colonial Frontier 1740-1785," "Westward Migration 1785-1830," "Antebellum Expansion 1830-1860," "Conflict & Recovery 1860-1880," "The Railroad Boom Era 1880-1920," and "The Modern Era 1920-Present." For more information, contact the Roanoke Regional Office, Phone: (540) 857-7585, Fax: (540) 857-7588.
Museums on the Boulevard. The Museums on the Boulevard is a consortium that offers exciting destinations for educational enrichment in Richmond. Through the consortium, the members collaborate and pool resources to offer excellent educational programs. Museums on the Boulevard is working with the broader community through civic organizations and other museums and cultural groups to expand Richmond as an educational and tourism destination and ensure economic success for the region.
Teaching with Historic Places. This National Park Service program uses properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places to enliven history, social studies, geography, civics, and other subjects. Teaching with Historic Places has created a variety of products and activities that help teachers bring historic places into the classroom. The site includes lesson plans for six historic sites in Virginia, as well as guidance in creating lesson plans.
TimeTravelers. The department partners with the Virginia Association of Museums in a popular and exciting travel and learning program that appeals to students and their families. More than 301 museums and historic sites participate in the program. Students who visit at least six sites and send in a stamped TimeTravelers passport receive a free T-shirt and signed certificate from the Governor.
Virginia Naturally. Under the theme "Linking Virginia to the Environment," this Web site offers educational resources, lesson plans, and links for teachers and students, families and communities, as well as volunteer and stewardship opportunities through its Environmental Education Directory.
Chesapeake Bay Gateways. The department is one of 15 non-profit, state, and federal partners in the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network, working together to develop natural and historic attractions in the Bay area. Please visit the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Web site for travel and learning opportunities.
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School students learn about historic architecture and preservation by examining floor plans of a recreated house in DHR's new exhibit.