Press Releases
Virginia Living Museum dedicates amphitheater, announces $5 million capital campaign
Sept. 9, 2008
The Virginia Living Museum dedicated a new 100-seat outdoor amphitheater on Sept. 9 while announcing a $5 million capital campaign to complete its campus. Additional campaign projects include digital planetarium equipment, a central garden area, interactive water and conservation exhibits and an increased endowment.
The $325,000 amphitheater was named in honor of donors Harry and Judy Wason. Harry Wason was one of the founders of the original Junior Nature Museum and Planetarium in 1966 and has remained an active supporter of the museum ever since.
The amphitheater was also partially funded by a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network, a division of the National Park Service.
In announcing the $5 million campaign, Campaign Chairs Charlie and Mari Ann Banks said the museum already has pledges totaling $3.5 million.
“The Virginia Living Museum has meant so much to our family,” said Mari Ann Banks, “It is one of our favorite places and has given us a deep appreciation for the precious natural resources that surround us.”
Charlie Banks said the expansion “blends dynamic exhibits with exciting educational programming and financial security that will ensure the museum will be here for families like ours for years to come.”
Donors announced at the $500,000 to $999,999 level were Mrs. Richard Abbitt and Mr. & Mrs. Harry H. Wason. Donors at the $249,000 to $499,000 level are Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Banks, the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network, Ferguson, Northrop Grumman, Warwick Plumbing and Heating, and an anonymous donor. Donors at the $100,000 to $249,999 level are Mrs. M. Quincy O. Holt , Mr. & Mrs. John R. Lawson II and Mr. & Mrs. James B. “Jake” Thomas, Jr.
Executive Director Page Hayhurst said, “the campaign is designed to add attractions that will increase visitation, grow education programming, update technology and create interactions with nature and the environment that inspire conservation and learning.”
The amphitheater overlooking Deer Park Lake is the first project in the campaign. It will be used for live animal programs, student programs, events and rentals. Deputy Director Fred Farris said the amphitheater was sited to minimize tree loss and built with environmentally sensitive construction techniques and materials. The entire deck area was finished with TREX lumber, a recycled plastic/wood product produced in Virginia.
The amphitheater was designed by WPL landscape architects of Virginia Beach and built by Michael Tyndall Enterprises, Inc. of Hampton.
The amphitheater is the first part of plans to complete the area between the two museum buildings that will create facilities to generate additional income to help replace state operating funding that is no longer provided for non-state agencies.
A Living Green exhibit, also partially funded with a Gateways grant, is scheduled to open in spring 2009. This $315,000 environmental education center and backyard habitat is designed to demonstrate how choices for products and landscaping can improve our environment.
Plans also call for an expanded terrace for the Wild Side Café and a central garden area that would be suitable for outdoor events, weddings and other rentals.
To update technology, the museum is investing in new state-of-the-art digital planetarium equipment that will provide an immersive full-dome experience and updated astronomy programming. Visitors will get their first view of the new system with “The Christmas Star” in December. The dedication will be in 2009 to coincide with the International Year of Astronomy.
To create interaction with nature and the environment, the museum will add hands-on exhibits such as water worlds, an exhibit where children can play while learning about water. A Conservation Station will contain indoor and outdoor exhibits that provide opportunities for visitors to participate in wildlife research and conservation activities and learn about careers in science. All of the projects are expected to be completed by 2012.
In addition, the campaign will increase the museum’s endowment to ensure sustainability and establish a rainy day fund.
All of the goals of the capital campaign are part of the museum’s strategic plan adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2006.
Honorary campaign chairs are: Mrs. Hunter B. Andrews, Mrs. Herbert V. Kelly Sr., Michael Petters, former Gov. Mark Warner and Harry Wason.
Campaign co-chairs are Charlie and Mari Ann Banks. Members of the Leadership Committee are: Gordon Gentry, William M. Grace, John R. Lawson, Dr. John Q.A. Mattern II, Donald N. Patten, Conway H. Sheild III, James B. Thomas, Jr., Harry H. Wason, Joseph R. Witt and Charles W. Wornom. Wornom is chair of the Major Gifts Committee.
The museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, I64, exit 258A.
The Virginia Living Museum is a private, not-for profit organization with a 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service. Museum financial information is available from the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, Virginia 23218.
First opened in 1966, the museum has undergone several major expansions, most recently a new 62,000-sq. ft. exhibits building and 3/4-mile boardwalk that opened in 2004.
For more information call 757-595-1900 or visit the web site at www.thevlm.org.
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