Welcome to historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia, site of the 2011 Virginia Association of Museum’s annual conference. Known for its charm and central location in Hampton Roads, Olde Towne Portsmouth is visited by travelers and residents alike for its abundance of museums and attractions, restaurants, specialty shops, and arts and antiques galleries. Its pedestrian-friendly atmosphere offers visitors a chance to stroll its streets to view scenic waterfronts, historic homes, beautiful churches, lush gardens and more. Conference planning will take VAM participants through this cultural locality during the four-day conference period.
Evening Socials
“Ain’t we got fun?” Three evening events beginning on Saturday will allow you to explore beyond your interim stay at The Renaissance.
• Evening 1: This year’s scholarship reception will take place at the Hill House, headquarters of the Portsmouth Historical Association and the only historic residence in Olde Towne that is open to the public. This 1825 four-story English Basement type home contains all the belongings and furnishings of the Hill family who lived here for over 150 years.
• Evening 2: Enjoy food, fun and frolic along the historic Seawall where events will take place at the Lightship, Naval Museum, Skipjack Nautical Wares and Riverview Gallery. Pirates, music, naval and maritime history, art and “The Colonel” will be featured. For sports lovers, Selection Sunday will take place at the Sports Hall of Fame.
• Evening 3: Relax and have fun strolling from the Courthouse Galleries to the Visual Arts Center, Children’s Museum of Virginia and Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. This progressive event includes hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert and musical entertainment. And, if you need further enticement, bring your loot—all the venue gift shops will be open.
Daytime Activities
Whether you enjoy art or history, two concurrent afternoon events on Saturday will keep attendees engaged.
• Event 1: On the roof of Tidewater Community College’s Visual Arts Center, Ed Francis, Chair of the Glassblowing Department, will demonstrate the glassblowing process and work with attendees in the creation of a paperweight.
• Event 2: Author and historian Dean Burgess will take a group on a Steeple-to-Steeple Church and Synagogue Tour that will feature the unique architecture and interiors of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Trinity Episcopal Church and the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center.
Remember VAM's last conference in Portsmouth?
Shelley Brooks, Co-chair, Local Arrangements Committee, VAM Conference 2011
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