Stories of opportunity, community and resilience are brought to life at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) in “We The People: The World in Our Commonwealth,” an exhibition that brings together more than 100 voices speaking to distinct perspectives on the immigrant experience of Virginians. On view March 21-Sept. 7, the exhibition is a signature component of the Museum’s multi-year slate of exhibitions, programs and activations commemorating the 250th anniversary of America.
VMHC’s Role in the Semiquincentennial
One of the leading catalysts for semiquincentennial commemorations in Virginia and beyond, VMHC has played a key role in shaping the Commonwealth’s 250th anniversary efforts. The Museum was among the first institutions to convene statewide history leaders and encouraged Virginia’s General Assembly to found the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commemoration (VA250). In July 2023, VMHC announced a comprehensive program for the anniversary, including two marquee exhibitions, “We The People: The World in Our Commonwealth” and “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation,” which opened in March 2025 as the first major exhibition in the nation to mark the milestone anniversary.
Reflecting on the American Journey
“As the United States of America marks our 250th anniversary, collectively we must embrace this historic moment — extraordinary in our lifetimes — and act upon it by together renewing our commitment to the unfinished pursuit of A More Perfect Union,” said Jamie Bosket, president and CEO of the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. “We invite our visitors and the nation to reflect deeply on our past and invest with great purpose in our future by using Virginia history as a lens into our American journey. ‘We The People,’ and the people highlighted in this ambitious exhibition, are an essential part of the making of this Commonwealth.”
Personal Stories, Global Perspectives
“We The People: The World in Our Commonwealth” presents the deeply personal narratives of individuals born in 68 countries who sought freedom, opportunity and refuge by immigrating to the United States. Immersive environments, historical objects, powerful images and multimedia stations reveal immigrant experiences of leaving home, settling in an unfamiliar place and becoming Virginians. Pairing historic accounts with contemporary stories, the exhibition highlights the profound way immigrants have both shaped and been shaped by Virginia and this nation.
A Collaborative, Community-Driven Effort
The exhibition is the fruition of a five-year collaborative endeavor. Extensive interviews and story-gathering with many of the people featured in the exhibition and their descendants ensured authenticity at every stage of the planning process, while multiple advisory councils composed of community members and subject matter experts provided context and guidance. The result is a rich tapestry of experiences, from Afghan artist Sughra Hussainy, who sought asylum after the Taliban targeted her for portraying empowered women, to Ernest Max Gunzburg, who dedicated his life to supporting other refugees after fleeing Nazi Germany.
Immigrant Voices That Inspire
“‘We The People: The World in Our Commonwealth’ explores the complex history of immigration to Virginia by telling the stories of people who made the decision to leave their country and make Virginia home. At a time when immigration is ever-present in the news, it is my hope that everyone who visits the exhibition will see a little of their own history in the experiences of Virginia immigrants,” said Julie Kemper, curator of “We The People.”
Expanding the Story of Virginia
Integrated into VMHC’s broader galleries, the exhibition expands upon the Museum’s ongoing commitment to sharing the stories of all Virginians, while adding depth and context to the VMHC’s broad-reaching record of Virginia and American history. Beyond exhibitions, VMHC fosters community through year-round programs, including citizenship classes, Naturalization Ceremonies, lectures, family events and civic-focused initiatives that create shared experiences for both new and longtime Virginians.
Taking the Stories Statewide
Additional activities planned in conjunction with “We The People” include a robust publication and traveling version of the exhibition designed for history museums, historical societies, libraries and community centers statewide. This easy-to-install, traveling version of “We The People” allows the rich stories to be accessible to a wider audience. A similar version of VMHC’s “Give Me Liberty” exhibition is on view in a long-term installation at the Richmond International Airport.
Events Leading to Independence Day
The Museum will host a robust lineup of events leading up to Independence Day. Major highlights include IllumiNATION (June 25-28), a breathtaking video art project digitally mapped to the Museum’s 18,000-square-foot historical façade. The immersive installation invites audiences to experience the American story through artistic light, historic imagery and music, transporting viewers on a powerful journey through time and place. Digital offerings related to the semiquincentennial include the virtual tour “Virginia Explorer: The Revolution in Virginia” and the podcast “Revolution Revisited,” both launched in early 2025.
Richmond SailFest and Community Celebration
VMHC is partnering with the City of Richmond to present Richmond SailFest (June 12-14), a family-friendly, weekend festival featuring ship tours, multiple live music and performance stages, historic re-enactors, fireworks, art and much more. VMHC is also a leading partner in the Virginia 250 Passport, a collaborative statewide initiative that encourages Virginians and visitors to commemorate America’s 250th by engaging with the Commonwealth’s foremost historic sites and museums. Serving as a travel guide, discount book and keepsake, the 64-page commemorative booklet is designed to be taken to 70 locations across five regions of the Commonwealth, where travelers can collect unique stamps.
About the Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Founded in 1831 as the Virginia Historical Society, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, a private, non-profit organization, is the oldest museum and cultural organization in Virginia and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the United States. The museum cares for a renowned collection of more than nine million items representing the far-reaching story of Virginia.
