Membership Since its founding in 1831, the Virginia Historical Society has relied on the support of individuals. Membership in the VHS has never been a better value. Members enjoy free admission to all Banner Lectures and Gallery Walks, to Virginia House and its gardens, to exhibitions, and to the research library. Only VHS members may join us "On the Bus" for our special day-long excursions. Only VHS members receive invitations to the Annual Garden Party at Virginia House in Windsor Farms, and to our evening lectures featuring renowned historians and authors. VHS members also receive a 10% discount on VHS purchases from the Museum Shop or our online store; a discount on our "See You in Class" evening courses and a discount on special-order reproduction prints and photographs. Membership levels include: Benefactor - $250 Family - $72 Military Family - $68 Senior Couple (over 65) - $68 Individual Plus One - $68 Individual - $58 Senior Individual (over 65) - $52 Military Individual - $48 Student (full time) - $48 Teacher - $48 Membership payment options: Renew your membership for two years

Expedite your membership with VHS Express today. Your express membership card will arrive within 10 business days.  Your complete membership package will be mailed after regular processing.

The Councils Contributions from our Council members enable the VHS to advance its mission. This support is increasingly important in sustaining all programs and services for the public. Council levels include: Founders - $15,000 John Marshall Council - $10,000 James Madison Council - $5,000 Senior Fellow - Battle Abbey Council - $2,500 Fellow - Battle Abbey Council - $1,000 Associate - Battle Abbey Council - $500

Benefits of Membership

Free admission to the museum and library
In addition to the Society's permanent exhibit, The Story of Virginia, members experience several changing exhibits every year on a variety of interesting topics. The Society's magnificent research library draws scholars and genealogists from throughout the country to mine its collections. Our collections consist of a wide range of objects, including books and bound serials, Confederate imprints, sheet music, broadsides, newspapers, family and personal papers, business and organizational records, genealogical materials, maps, paintings, prints, postcards, weapons, militaria, glass plate negatives, and 19th-21st century photographs.

Lectures and programs
The Society offers its members a wide variety of lectures and programs, many of which are for members only and feature renowned historians and authors such as David McCullough, Scott Berg, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Ken Burns, and Frank Deford. Members also enjoy free admission to all Banner Lectures and Gallery Walks.

Subscription to Society publications
Members receive the quarterly Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, a lively journal that gives members insight into the most recent research in all of Virginia history. The Society's semiannual newsletter, History Notes, provides information on all Society activities, from upcoming events to the most recent additions to the collections. Other publications available to members include exhibit catalogs and edited historical documents, all offered at a discount. More about VHS publications

Free admission to Virginia House
Virginia House is an historic house and museum owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society. Virginia House is located in Richmond, Virginia, and is a short drive away from the Society's headquarters. More information about Virginia House

10% discount on museum shop merchandise
Take advantage of your member discount in our greatly enlarged and handsomely appointed museum shop. Browse through a wide variety of unique gifts for all ages that reflect Virginia's rich history and cultural heritage. Membership discounts also apply to the Virginia House Museum Shop.

Other discounts
Members receive a discount on reproduction photographs and digital images.
Members receive a discount on our "See You in Class" evening courses.

Support the educational mission
Members help support the Virginia Historical Society's educational mission, one that reaches the entire commonwealth and beyond. Every year, the VHS conducts dozens of workshops throughout Virginia for teachers to improve history standards in the schools. VHS staff also travel around the state taking programs directly into the classroom. Exhibitions and other related programs attract large numbers of school groups to our headquarters in Richmond. In addition, the VHS offers a large number of fellowships to help promote ongoing research in all aspects of Virginia history. By joining the VHS, members are helping people of all ages gain a better understanding of Virginia's long and rich history.

Rental of Society facilities (Battle Abbey Council)
Council members may rent the Society's facilities, including Virginia House, for private parties, weddings, receptions, and special events.

Priority notifications (Battle Abbey Council)
Council members recieve priority notification of lectures, events, and Society sponsored travel opportunities.

Questions? Contact us.
Do you have questions about membership and giving? Do you need help choosing a membership? Prefer to join or renew your membership over the phone? Contact us