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Virginia Living Museum
The Virginia Living Museum is just 20 minutes south of King’s Creek in Williamsburg, Virginia, and makes a wonderful day trip if you’re in the Historic Triangle for an extended visit. The VLM offers incredible educational resources for any age. Amazing events and exhibits are held throughout the year, all aimed at observing, interacting with, and understanding our world.
Here are some upcoming events to check out!
July 16, 9-11:30 a.m.
The VLM’s turtle census is a multi-year research project set up by the museum’s Herpetology staff, whose goal is to monitor population changes of local freshwater turtles. Students, volunteers and guests can participate in the census to learn about native turtles and what happens when people release pets into the wild.
July 16 is the last opportunity to participate in the census. As a volunteer, you’ll work with VLM staff to set out live-capture, baited hoop nets in Deer Park lake and catch and survey as many turtles as possible. Learn how to identify the species and sex of the turtles, take measurements, record any injuries, clean shells if necessary, and mark shells to determine whether each turtle is new for the year or a recapture. Both new and recaptured turtles are released back into the lake after data is collected.
If you’d just like to observe this process, you are still welcome! The census will be conducted in the Children’s Garden from 11:30 a.m. This is a wonderful experience recommended for children 12 years and older who love nature. Sign up here!
Butterfly Haven
July 30 – September 5, daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The VLM is home to an incredible butterfly house that contains a large variety of Virginia native butterfly species. Visitors can stroll through gardens to watch the butterflies feed and lay eggs on plants. Don’t skip the chrysalis chamber, where you can watch caterpillars actively metamorphosing into adult butterflies! This event is included in daily admission or membership.
August 13, 5 – 11 p.m.
On the second Saturday of every month, enjoy free stargazing beginning at sunset at the VLM. Guests will have access to telescopes set up on the grounds and staff astronomers will be circulating to help stargazers identify objects in the night sky. Stargazing is weather dependent. Several telescopes are set up on the grounds and staff astronomers are available to help visitors identify objects in the night sky.
The evening also includes a planetarium program and several laser shows. The museum’s laser shows are one-of-a-kind, using an incredible laser system that splashes brilliant high-color LED lights across the planetarium dome, with music accompaniments to suit every taste. Different bands are featured each month. Shows are $5 for VLM members, $8 for non-members.
The earth is a fascinating place, and the Virginia Living Museum offers a rare opportunity to observe and interact with many aspects of our wondrous planet. To see what else is going on at the museum throughout the year, go here!