The Virginia Beach History Museums (VBHM) will host productions of "The Abolitionists' Museum: A One Act Play by Sheri Bailey" at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the historic Lynnhaven House , 4409 Wishart Road.
"The Abolitionists' Museum" has been performed for audiences of all ages at multiple sites throughout Virginia. Tackling an issue faced by many museums throughout the world, how can you tell the story of history truthfully, especially when some of it is difficult? Written and directed by acclaimed Hampton Roads playwright, Sheri Bailey , the story follows Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Sojourner Truth, John Brown, Nat Turner, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and David Walker — wax figures in a museum — as they debate whether or not to burn the Confederate flag recently hung in their place of residence, a museum exhibit. The actors, producer and director will host a thoughtful guided discussion and Q&A with the audience after the show.
Before and after the show, enjoy an exclusive opportunity to tour the Lynnhaven House, which is currently an active restoration project, and see the interior architecture and restoration in progress. Visitors will also learn why this performance is particularly significant for this site.
Guests can also head into the Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center for screenings of JuneteenthVA's short film archive and connect with VBHM's production partner, Rouge Theatre , and promotional partners, the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Alumni & Friends Association , Tidewater African Cultural Alliance , and Virginia African American Cultural Center .
This program connects with content in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools' fifth through 12th grade Social Studies curricula.
Tickets for this event are $10 for ages 12+ and $5 for children 3-11. Advanced ticket registration is encouraged. Visit culture.virginiabeach.gov/events to purchase tickets. Please email vbhistory@vbgov.com or call 757-385-5100 if you have questions about this event.
For the latest information about VBHM events and tours, please visit vbmuseums.org.
About the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department:
The Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. The department assists and directs the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission, coordinates the City's Public Art Program, oversees the Virginia Beach History Museums, provides contract management for the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, serves as the liaison with Virginia MOCA, the ViBe Creative District, and the Virginia African American Cultural Center, and serves as a resource to local arts and humanities organizations.
About the City of Virginia Beach History Museums:
The City of Virginia Beach History Museums include the Thoroughgood House, Francis Land House, Lynnhaven House, and Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum, and are part of the City’s Cultural Affairs Department. As part of the municipal government of the City of Virginia Beach, the Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. Visit www.vbmuseums.org for more information, and follow @VBHistoryMuseums on Facebook and Instagram, and @VBHistMuseums on X, formerly known as Twitter, to stay up to date on all the events and news from Virginia Beach History Museums.
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