DISPATCH A Newsletter of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation • Spring 2011 Governor McDonnell Announces Funding to Build New Yorktown Victory Center An announcement from Virginia Historic Triangle,” Governor Mc- Governor Bob McDonnell of $41 Donnell said. “This project aligns million in funding for construction with my ongoing initiative to of a new Yorktown Victory Center grow Virginia’s tourism industry. was made at a joint meeting of the Increased tourism means good Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation jobs and more revenue, which Board of Trustees and Jamestown- positively impacts all of Virginia. Yorktown Foundation, Inc., Board of About 80 percent of the Yorktown Directors May 12. Victory Center’s individual visitors Planning has been under way come from outside Virginia, and since 2007 for replacement of the the new museum is expected to museum. The project includes a new generate an estimated $47 million 80,000-square-foot structure that will annually in expenditures in the The new Yorktown Victory Center building will have a encompass expanded exhibition distinctive two-story main entrance. Historic Triangle. This is a smart galleries, classrooms and support investment in Virginia’s past and functions, and reorganization of the place tourists from all across the globe future.” 22-acre site. come to learn about a war that forever “I’m pleased that the Common- “We have an extraordinary op- changed the world. wealth has been able to find a way portunity in building this new genera- “The new Victory Center will go to help support construction of the tion of the Yorktown Victory Center,” far to enhance its status as the nation’s Yorktown Victory Center,” said Lieuten- Governor McDonnell noted. “Virginia only living-history museum dedicated to ant Governor Bill Bolling. “The new is where the Revolutionary War was won telling the entire story of the American museum will showcase one of Virginia’s and a young nation’s independence was Revolution, and will result in a signifi- premier historical destinations. This secured. Yorktown should be the first cant investment in the economy of the project is an outstanding investment in Jamestown-Williamsburg-Yorktown continued on page 2 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Objects Featured in Upcoming Jamestown Settlement Exhibition “The 17th Century: Gateway to the Modern matter is organized in theme areas, World,” an exhibition developed by the Virginia with objects selected to illustrate the Museum of Fine Arts in cooperation with the Mediterranean world, Europe’s westward Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, will open at turn toward the Atlantic, advances in Jamestown Settlement November 16. Seventy science and technology, religion and artifacts from European, Asian and African the age of exploration, and trade and cultures – oil and watercolor paintings, etchings the establishment of colonies across the and engravings, needlework, and decorative and globe. utilitarian objects of ceramic, wood and metal – will “We are delighted to have the come from the Virginia Museum for the exhibition, opportunity to work with another which will run through August 15, 2012. great state cultural agency and share “Gateway to the Modern World” will explore objects from our stellar collection,” said developments beginning in the 15th century that Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Director set in motion the transition from “old” world Alex Nyerges. “This is an exciting of the Mediterranean – the center of European collaboration.” commerce and diplomacy since ancient times – “Gateway to the Modern World,” to a new globally connected world. The subject supported in part with a grant from James City County, will be Sir Thomas Dale served as marshal and subsequently deputy governor in Virginia between 1611 located in Jamestown Settlement’s and 1616 and is best known for strict enforcement of martial law and expansion of the colony. special exhibition gallery, where This large, full-length portrait, to be exhibited at Jamestown Settlement in “The 17th Century: “Werowocomoco: Seat of Power” is in Gateway to the Modern World,” was painted by an unknown English artist in the early 17th century. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Purchase, The Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund. place through June 30. n Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Museums Earn Continuing National Accreditation The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation muse- A lengthy accreditation process included a ums have earned continuing accreditation from the comprehensive self-study and subsequent review American Association of Museums (AAM), meet- of the museums’ operations by an Accreditation ing national standards and best practices for U.S. Commission visiting committee, which “observed museums. an institution with a clear sense of mission and ser- “We found the educational programs and col- vice to its audience.” The committee report noted lections management practices to be excellent, as are a “model of hospitality … firmly rooted within the all aspects of museum operations,” AAM Accredita- culture of the organization,” inclusion of “issues of tion Commission Chair Bonnie W. Styles said. “We race, ethnicity and gender” in programs and exhib- particularly commend the well-written and strategic its, and a planning and evaluation process that institutional plan.” results in positive change. Of an estimated 17,500 museums nationwide, only 779 “It was a pleasure to serve as the visiting committee for are accredited. The Foundation museums, initially accredited the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation accreditation review,” in 1987, are among 36 AAM-accredited institutions in Vir- said Barbara Franco, executive director of the Pennsylvania ginia. Historical and Museum Commission, and Patrick Clarke, di- “Accreditation validates our efforts to offer the highest rector of President James Buchanan’s Wheatland in Lancaster, quality museum experience and educational programs,” said Pa. “Tidewater Virginia has always been a magical place to Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Chairman H. Benson Dendy visit. The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation team has created III. “We are pleased and honored by the action of the Ameri- very special ways that bring cultural history to life for a variety can Association of Museums.” of audiences, most notably families. We extend our hearty “This is additional confirmation for our donors, who congratulations on their well-deserved news of continued ac- provide significant support for artifact acquisitions, exhibits creditation.” and public programs, of the value of their investment,” said Accreditation of the museums will be formally reviewed Jamestown-Yorktown, Inc., President Sue H. Gerdelman. again in 2024. n Funding for New Yorktown Victory Center The announcement from continued from page 1 Governor McDonnell the future of the Historic Triangle, and 35 years of continuous of $41 million to fund construction of the new we expect the new Yorktown Victory operation, the museum Yorktown Victory Center Center will be an important magnet for has hosted five million was first made May 12 new and repeat visitors from across the visitors and has served at a joint meeting of the nation and will have a significant impact more than 800,000 Jamestown-Yorktown on the Virginia economy. Williamsburg, students with curricu- Foundation and Jamestown-Yorktown Jamestown and Yorktown all played a lum-based structured Foundation, Inc., boards, pivotal role in the history of our nation, educational programs. accompanied by military and this new museum will help us share In the early 1990s, the fife and drum music of that history with people from all around museum’s focus was the 18th century. the world for many years to come.” broadened to encom- “We are grateful for the exceptional pass events that led to the Revolutionary generated revenues, for environmental support from the Governor’s Office and War and the subsequent formation of a studies and architectural and exhibit General Assembly,” said Jamestown-York- new national government and to inter- design planning. The newly announced town Foundation Chairman H. Benson pret the Revolution from diverse points funding will come from the sale of Vir- Dendy III. “The Yorktown Victory of view and experiences. Critical short- ginia Public Building Authority bonds. Center has an essential role, along with term exhibit renovations were completed The new museum building will be Colonial Williamsburg, the National in 2006 in time for major commemora- positioned on the site with an entrance Park Service and other partners, in tions in which the Jamestown-Yorktown that will serve as a focal point for arriv- interpreting events that transformed 13 Foundation had a key role – the 225th ing visitors. Featuring state-of-the art British colonies into the United States of anniversary of the decisive American vic- museum galleries with immersive learn- America. The Commonwealth’s support tory at Yorktown and 400th anniversary ing environments, interactive exhibits is critical to realizing our vision for the of the founding of Jamestown, America’s and period artifacts, the structure also future and helps galvanize efforts of the first permanent English colony and will house classroom and event space, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Inc., birthplace of the nation. visitor services, gift shop and support to seek private donations to fund com- In 2007 the Foundation board functions and will provide improved ac- ponents of gallery and outdoor exhibits adopted a master plan to address long- cess to the museum’s outdoor re-created and educational resources.” term