History Blooms

History Meets Horticulture! The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) is partnering with the Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) for a special event that will highlight history and horticulture and enliven the VMHC with amazing floral creations representing the diverse regions and landscapes of the Commonwealth.

History Blooms is a three-day program that will feature special lectures, workshops and demonstrations, and other engaging activities focused on Virginia history, gardening, and landscape preservation. Also, several dozen stunning floral displays prepared by the Garden Club of Virginia’s member clubs will be presented throughout the museum—themed for the regions and historic landscapes of the Commonwealth—allowing guests to immerse themselves in a unique statewide storytelling experience.

Learn more and get tickets at VirginiaHistory.org/HistoryBlooms.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

:: Presentations & Workshops :: Lectures, demonstrations, and workshops focused on historic preservation, landscape design, and gardening topics both past and present will take place on Friday, October 6, and Saturday, October 7.

:: Floral Displays & Experiences ::
• Dozens of floral creations prepared by the GCV’s statewide clubs representing Virginia’s distinct regions, landscapes, and parks will be on display from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, October 7, and Sunday, October 8.
• Gardening and flower-related archival treasures from the VMHC historical collection will be on display in the VMHC library from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday, October 7, and Sunday, October 8.

:: Special Events ::
• First Fridays at the VMHC: A special edition of First Fridays at the VMHC will take place on October 6 from 5pm to 8 pm with garden-related activities planned for young visitors, including demonstrations related to trees, flowers, and beekeeping.
• History Blooms Luncheon: Enjoy lunch with friends and experience the unintentional influence of Bunny Mellon on Saturday, October 7. Mrs. Melon’s grandson, Thomas Lloyd, and Bryan Huffman, an interior designer and dear friend of Bunny Mellon, will host an armchair journey of her life, style philosophies, and renowned interest in gardening and horticulture. A book signing will follow.
• History Blooms Dinner: Relish in festive cocktails and then gather around the garden table the evening of Saturday, October 7. Enjoy a presentation by Director of Horticulture at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, J. Dean Norton, speaking on his storied career caring for and restoring Washington’s iconic gardens and landscape.