Virginia Living Museum

02/18/2025

Just a little herpetology appreciation post 🐍 🐸 🐢

Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians—think snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, and salamanders! 🐍🐢🦎🐸 These creatures might not always get the love that furry animals do, but they play a vital role in our ecosystems by controlling pests, balancing food chains, and even keeping our environments healthy—frogs, for example, are key indicators of water quality since their sensitive skin absorbs pollutants. When amphibians thrive, it’s a sign that the environment is in good shape! 🌍💚

02/17/2025

This Black History Month, the Virginia Living Museum celebrates Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, a wildlife ecologist, conservation scientist, and advocate for diversity in STEM.

Dr. Wynn-Grant specializes in studying large carnivores, particularly black bears and African lions, and works to protect their habitats while balancing human-wildlife coexistence. As a National Geographic Explorer and researcher, she has led conservation efforts across North America and Africa, breaking barriers as a Black woman in field biology—a field where representation remains limited.

Beyond her groundbreaking research, Dr. Wynn-Grant is passionate about mentorship and environmental education, inspiring future generations of scientists, especially young women and people of color, to explore careers in conservation. Through her work, she is ensuring that both wildlife and historically underrepresented voices have a place in the world of science.

Her dedication to preserving our planet and increasing accessibility in STEM is a legacy in the making. Join us in celebrating her contributions to wildlife conservation and the future of environmental science!

02/13/2025

Love is wild, but our Valentine’s puns are otterly irresistible! 🦦💘

Grab a puny Valentine featuring VLM animals and make someone’s day toad-ally special!

02/12/2025

Did you know that zoos and museums prioritize preventative veterinary care to keep their animals healthy? Just like our pets at home, zoo animals need regular check-ups, vaccines, and even dental care to prevent illnesses before they start!

✅ Routine Exams – Vets monitor weight, heart health, and overall well-being.
🦷 Dental Care – Healthy teeth = happy animals!
💉 Vaccinations & Parasite Prevention – Protecting against diseases.
🥦 Nutritional Plans – Diets tailored for each species’ needs.

By focusing on prevention, zoo vets help animals live longer, healthier lives while supporting conservation efforts worldwide. 🌍🐘

Thanks, Dr. Rivais and team!

02/11/2025

Out of an abundance of caution, we are temporarily closing the Museum’s Coastal Plain Aviary effective immediately. All of our birds are currently healthy and we are taking proactive measures to ensure their continued wellbeing and to protect our valued guests. Confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been found in the state.

As part of our comprehensive response:

Some birds have been moved to quarantine facilities

Others remain in protected areas within the aviary
We are implementing enhanced biosecurity protocols

HPAI is an evolving virus that requires vigilant monitoring and preventive action. This temporary closure allows us to maintain the highest standards of protection for both our avian residents and visitors. Our dedicated animal care team continues to provide excellent care and monitoring of all birds in our collection.

We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the health and safety of our animals and guests. For the latest updates, please visit our website or follow us on social media.

02/10/2025

This Black History Month, the Virginia Living Museum celebrates Betty Reid Soskin, a trailblazing historian, activist, and park ranger who reshaped the way we remember American history.

Born in 1921, Soskin worked as a file clerk in a segregated unit of the home front effort during World War II. Decades later, she became a driving force behind the creation of the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, ensuring that the stories of Black women and other marginalized workers were included in the park’s narrative.

At the age of 85, Soskin became the oldest active park ranger in the National Park Service, sharing firsthand accounts of history and advocating for an inclusive retelling of America’s past. She retired at 100 years old, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, truth-telling, and commitment to justice.

Her life reminds us that history is not just something we study—it’s something we shape. Join us in honoring Soskin and the many Black leaders who have worked to ensure a richer, more complete story of America is told.

02/09/2025

Oyster toadfish are found in shallow oyster reefs all throughout the Chesapeake Bay. They spawn from April to October and can grow to 12 inches long. They are ambush predators that feed mostly on small invertebrates and unsuspecting fish, attacking with a swift and powerful bite. Toadfish avoid predators like sharks by staying hidden in rocky structures and, if necessary, using venom-filled spines to attack and drive them away.

Here at the VLM, our oyster toadfish can be found in the Coastal Reef exhibit in the World of Darkness gallery.

We currently house 4 of these masters of camouflage, how many can you spot?

02/09/2025

Bacchus Festival at Virginia Living Museum!

02/07/2025

We will be closing at 2PM today, February 7th, in preparation for Bacchus Wine and Food Festival!

We hope to see you this weekend!

02/05/2025

Trout on the Move! 🚀

Did you know Virginia’s native trout love to migrate? Brown trout move in the fall, rainbow trout prefer spring, and brook trout… well, they just go with the flow. But here in our Mountain Cove habitarium, some of our trout take "migration" a little too seriously—sometimes they jump right out of their exhibit! 🐟

To keep our little acrobats safe, we have barriers up to stop any unexpected fishy escapes. Once the migration behaviors slow and their keepers deem it safe for the fish, the barriers will come down. Thank you for your patience!

02/05/2025

🎨✨ Meet the Artists Behind the Auction! ✨🎨

The incredible paintings that will be presented for auction at Bacchus Wine and Food Festival were created by our talented animal artists, with help from their dedicated keepers! 🐾🎨 A huge thank you to our keepers for nurturing their creativity.

Join us for a night of art, wine, food and conservation at Bacchus on Friday, Feb. 7, for the Divine Reception (sold out!) from 6-7PM and the Main Event starting at 7 PM and going till to 9 PM! Bid on these one-of-a-kind masterpieces and support a great cause. See you there! 🍷🎭

Remaining tickets are going fast! Grab yours TODAY: https://thevlm.org/support/bacchus-wine-and-food-festival/

02/04/2025

02/04/2025

Have you gotten a chance to come see Nora in the North American River Otter habitat? She is very excited to show off her moves to guests and is full of personality!

02/03/2025

This Black History Month, the Virginia Living Museum honors Louis R. Purnell, a trailblazing curator, historian, and World War II veteran who made lasting contributions to both aviation and paleontology.

Born in 1920 in Maryland, Purnell was a Tuskegee Airman, serving as a pilot during World War II. After his military service, he pursued his passion for science and history, ultimately becoming the first African American curator at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. His expertise in aeronautics helped shape the museum’s exhibits on space exploration, ensuring that vital pieces of history were preserved for future generations.

Before his work in aviation history, Purnell also contributed to paleontology at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, where he worked as a specialist in fossilized invertebrates. His dedication to both fields highlighted his wide-ranging expertise and passion for discovery.

His story is one of perseverance, curiosity, and commitment to education—values we celebrate every day at the Virginia Living Museum. Join us this month as we continue to honor the remarkable individuals who have shaped history and science!

02/03/2025

Lux predicted an early spring! 🌼

It was an honor to have and as the speakers for our annual Groundhog Day celebration and special attendees Museum Board President, Sarah Messersmith, Executive Director, Rebecca Kleinhample, and our supportive community!

Thank you so much to everyone who attended and everyone who continues to support our community institution!

02/03/2025

Thank you to everyone who attended the VLM’s “No So” Groundhog Day event!

02/03/2025

Ever wonder what it's like to protect and care for native wildlife and plants or have a career in museum collections?

Join us on March 1st to meet real scientists and professionals from the Virginia Living Museum on and our community who turned their passion for nature into amazing careers!

Our STEM professionals will share their daily adventures, show you the tools they use, and tell you how they landed their dream jobs. This event is included in museum admission.

Thank you Coastal STEM Hub for sponsoring this event!

Learn more: https://thevlm.org/events/museum-events/calendar/events/stem-career-day-2/