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Visit the Civil War Visitor Center Museum housed in a historic iron works building where 90% of the Confederacy's

ammunition and cannons were made. Explore the museum and receive a special interactive program, Cannon's Roar, by a National Park Ranger, as you become part of the crew to load an original Civil War cannon to prepare for fire and explore the museum.

Visit Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Ranked as 10th in total museum size on a list headed by New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, as eighth in permanent-collection space, forth in outdoor-exhibition space, 11th in total exhibition space and 13th in education-program space. VMFA events include: Faberge Eggs, Tiffany, Monet, Renoir and so much more, plus an absolutely stunning gift shop!

Next, visit the Historical Society Museum's thirteen exhibition galleries that tell "The Story of Virginia, an American Experience." Housing the largest display of Virginia artifacts on permanent view with thousands of objects including a 17th century dugout canoe, a Conestoga wagon, an 18th century smokehouse and kitchen and 1918 streetcar. Virginia's past is delightfully portrayed using multi-media. Library and Charming Museum Gift Shop.

Enjoy lunch at the Virginia Richmond History Center's lovely café

After lunch receive a guided tour of the beautiful Wickham House, and the Edward V. Valentine Sculpture Studio.

The Wickham House is a National Historic Landmark and, allows guests to explore aspects of life in the early 19th century. The Wickham House was purchased by Mann Valentine Jr. and in 1898 became the first home of the Valentine Museum. In the public first-floor rooms, ornate decorations helped the Wickhams and their slaves present a picture of leisure and refinement. Exhibited on the second floor are artifacts from the descendants of the family that first inhabited the house.

Edward Virginius Valentine (1838-1930) was a prominent sculptor whose works included the Recumbant Lee statue at Washington & Lee University, and the statue of Thomas Jefferson at the Jefferson Hotel. His studio is one of only four surviving 19th century sculpture studios in the United States. A visit to this restored studio offers a glimpse into the mind of the artist and into his times.

Following your visit to the Virginia Richmond History Center, choose to visit either:

Tour the museum that houses the collection of artifacts belonging to Poe where he began his literary career in Richmond,

Tour the historic house known as the great Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court home and built in 1790 where

the Supreme Court Justice called home for forty-five years. The house is an outstanding example of Federal

architecture and retains most of its original features.

The Black History Museum . An experience to remember. Beginning at the end of the Civil War, you'll travel back to the height of the free black experience in Richmond that became the "Birthplace of Black Capitalism" and achieved success of its own city within a city. Explore the wealth of information and artifacts from the city's oldest African-American community. Artifacts from Richmond's segregated society are displayed with important symbols of the Civil Rights movement. View the "blacks only" pew from St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Visit the Woolworth's lunch counter where black students staged a sit-in until they were served.

The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, designated in 1978 is part of the National Park Service. The site honors Maggie L. Walker's leadership in business that fostered opportunity for blacks and for women. Receive a guided tour of the prosperous Maggie Walker home. In 1903 St. Luke Penny Savings Bank opened its doors - the first chartered bank in America founded by a black woman - who grew up in post Civil War days in Richmond. Learn the inspiring story of how this remarkable woman's leadership forever changed the life of Richmond's African American community.

SPECIAL LOW DISCOUNT RATE FOR BUS GROUPS, OR RECEPTIVE SERVICES: Please call for pricing.

Richmond City Guided Bus Tours, 4932 Long Shadow Drive, Midlothian, Virginia 23112

Phone: (804)744-1718, e-mail: richmondcitytours@comcast.net