DAYTON, VA (Rocktown Now) — Rocktown History announced they have joined the newly launched Virginia History Affiliates program. Organized and funded by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC), the professional museum collective is designed to connect historical sites, history museums and related organizations of all sizes from across the Commonwealth. The initial group of 24 affiliates will collaborate in four key areas: education and engagement; professional connection; collections and preservation; and sustainability.

“Rocktown History and hundreds of other history organizations are doing essential work in their communities throughout Virginia. Until the creation of Virginia History Affiliates there has been little organized, collaborative effort to bring us together statewide,” said Jamie Bosket, president & CEO of the VMHC in a release. “As we approach America’s 250th, we see an opportunity to create a lasting legacy by expanding our role as Virginia’s state history museum, and by investing—in a major and lasting way—in the outstanding local and regional history organizations like Rocktown History serving our Commonwealth.”

By building purposeful connections among institutions statewide, the Virginia History Affiliates program will reportedly expand access to robust educational tools and programming, create stronger professional connections among institutions, support broad collections stewardship and preservation work, and provide for timely sustainability efforts. As the program grows, the cohort will be able to reciprocate and share opportunities with each other and the VMHC.

“Rocktown History is honored to represent the central Shenandoah Valley through the Virginia History Affiliates program. As we engage with this statewide network, we see an opportunity to serve as a regional connector. We anticipate bringing new resources, ideas, and partnerships back to our community and sharing them with fellow local history organizations to strengthen our collective impact,” said Penny Imeson, executive director of Rocktown History. “As an Affiliate site, we are currently hosting the VMHC’s We the People traveling exhibition, one of the tangible benefits of this program. Harrisonburg and Rockingham County form one of the most diverse localities in the Commonwealth. The exhibition speaks to the rich tapestry of cultures that have contributed to, not only Virginia, but our local community.”

Liz Williams, deputy director of the Office of Historic Alexandria, added, “There is power in sharing history together across the Commonwealth. There is no limit to the impact of elevating our collective stories to help us all understand the history of Virginia—ultimately informing where we are headed in the future.” 

The inaugural cohort of Virginia History Affiliates participants includes:

Tidewater

  • Shore History
  • Gloucester Museum of History
  • Hampton History Museum
  • Pamunkey Indian Museum & Cultural Center

Central Virginia

  • Fredericksburg Area Museum
  • Lynchburg Museum System
  • Preservation Virginia
  • Robert Russa Moton Museum
  • The Valentine
  • The Virginia Museum of History & Culture

Shenandoah Valley

  • Clarke County Historical Association
  • Rocktown History
  • Rockbridge Historical Society
  • Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

Southwest Virginia

  • Blue Ridge Institute & Museum
  • Christiansburg Institute
  • Harrison Museum of African American Culture
  • Historic Smithfield
  • Historical Society of Western Virginia
  • Montgomery Museum of Art & History

Northern Virginia

  • Arlington Historical Society
  • Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center
  • Manassas Museum
  • Office of Historic Alexandria

“Participation in this program helps us stand a little taller in our state and national museum community,” said Rockbridge Historical Society Executive Director Eric Wilson. “The readier access for object loans, grant funding and programmatic collaborations will clearly signal our particular capacities, and broader purpose, in leading the current and next generations of Virginians to new appreciations of — and advocacy for — our Commonwealth’s significance.”

“We are thrilled to provide leadership support of this timely and far-reaching program,” said George Thorn, SVP, philanthropic client manager at Bank of America. “Investing in our local and regional history organizations has never been more important—they are the keepers of our story and key contributors in building strong communities.”

The VMHC, along with leaders from its inaugural affiliates, celebrated the program’s public launch on March 16, 2026, in Williamsburg.

“A legacy of America’s 200th anniversary in 1976 was the creation of nearly one-third of our country’s history organizations. Fifty years later, we aim to establish a new legacy, not by adding new institutions, but by connecting our existing and invaluable museums across the state for greater sustainability and vibrancy,” said Bosket.