FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 6.15.18

CONTACTS: Zach Ryder, Virginia Museum of Natural History  276-634-4165
zachary.ryder@vmnh.virginia.gov

Commonwealth of Virginia budget appropriates $250,000 to continue planning for new museum campus in Waynesboro
Virginia Museum of Natural to produce detailed planning of proposed museum campus in Waynesboro

MARTINSVILLE, Va.  (June 14, 2018) – The Commonwealth of Virginia has provided the Virginia Museum of Natural History a $250,000 appropriation to produce detailed planning for its proposed branch campus in Waynesboro. To be located downtown, the 25,000 square-foot facility will host exhibits and hands-on learning experiences for all ages that focus on the unique plants, animals, geology, and culture of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains.  The proposed branch supports the state’s economic development, educational, and environmental priorities.

“We greatly appreciate the confidence of Senator Emmett Hanger, Delegate Richard P. Bell, the General Assembly, and Governor Ralph Northam in providing the funding for this, the next phase of the project,” said Dr. Joe Keiper, executive director of the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

The funds enable the museum to solicit proposals to design exhibits that present the natural and cultural history of the valley and mountains. In addition to displays, the branch will include a 2,000 square foot early childhood learning center, classrooms, and a working laboratory for aquatic and related research. The branch will enrich STEM educational experiences for K-12 students in the region and provide lab space for scientists studying the South River’s unique ecosystem.

“That the state budget includes $250,000 to complete architectural plans for the Virginia Museum of Natural History’s branch campus in Waynesboro is testimony to the City of Waynesboro’s commitment to the project,” said Len Poulin, chairman of the Center for Coldwaters Restoration (CCR).  “For more than 10 years, CCR has been collaborating with the city, numerous community organizations, federal and state agencies, private foundations, and literally hundreds of private citizens to capitalize on the river for the natural resource-based revitalization of downtown.”

In preparation for the appropriation, the museum, the City of Waynesboro, and CCR commissioned an economic impact study by Chmura Economics & Analytics. The study projected that the new branch will be financially self-sustaining and bring 65,000 tourists each year into the downtown, including 63,000 K-12 students from the 156 schools in the service area of six cities and five counties.  The study also projected the new branch will produce 10 jobs (108 during construction), and add $1.8 million annually to the local economy.  The proximity to the south entrance of Shenandoah National Park will draw an estimated 40,000 tourists each year.

“The revitalization of downtown is a major goal of the city,” said Greg Hitchin, CEcD, director of economic development and tourism for the City of Waynesboro.  “A campus of the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Waynesboro is a huge step in redefining our landscape and will provide an exceptional opportunity for citizens, while drawing many visitors, providing jobs and supporting small businesses.”

A subsequent schematic design by Quatrefoil & Associates projected the total cost of the branch to be about $10 million. To date, the city and its citizens have raised about $1,300,000 toward the project.

For more information about the museum’s proposed Waynesboro campus, visit www.vmnh.net/waynesboro.

About the Virginia Museum of Natural History 

The Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville seeks to increase understanding of and appreciation for the natural history of the Commonwealth through education, research, collections, publications and exhibits. The museum – an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution – is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, a distinction earned by fewer than 10 percent of museums in the United States. The museum is a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers, Virginia Association of Museums, Heritage Preservation, and is an agency of the Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The museum is open Mondaythrough Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on Sundays, as well as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.  Admission is $7 for ages 19-59;  $5 for children and youth ages 3-18, seniors 60+ and college students;  members and children under 3 receive free admission. Visit www.vmnh.net to learn more.

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