January 2019
Happy New Year to one and all! It’s hard to believe the calendar has already turned to 2019. To think that only seven short months ago we opened the newly renovated museum for the summer of 2018. And what a summer it was! We kept that momentum up all through the fall, with a busy Ghost Walk season and another unforgettable Pig & Oyster Fest. A special thank you to our members and supporters for making 2018 an important step in the museum’s growth. 2019 will be an even more important step. With our building renovations behind us, it’s time to propel this magnificent community space into the new era.
January will kick off our Capital Campaign with our target of raising $100,000 by year’s end. We’ll be enhancing our exhibits, increasing our community outreach, and establishing broader support to maintain this historic, cultural center for generations to come.
Abby Lockler
January brings a new admission price of only $1! It’s never been easier to bring the entire family to explore, relax, and unwind through two beautiful floors of exhibits and activities. There’s Scavenger Hunts for the whole family, and the kids will have a ball in the costume shop, taking great photos in their vintage get-ups. Be sure to visit on the weekends this Winter, for we’ll be closed from Monday through Friday as Ol’ Man Winter chills the oceanfront. Group tours are still available to book during the week. We’ll look forward to getting back to a full schedule by early Springtime.
This month also welcomes a new staff member, Abby Lockler, as our Development Coordinator. We are so excited to have her on board. Abby began in the fall as an Intern helping with a number of fundraising projects. Exceeding expectations, Abby now joins the staff at this very critical time to help us grow both funding and visitation.
Jessica Dresen
Congratulations goes out to staff member Jessica Dresen for her promotion to Museum Store Manager. Jessica began with us shortly after renovations were completed and has quickly become a driving force in updating and transforming the museum store to keep up with all the new activity. Say hello to her in the shop and tell her thank you for helping to make the visitor experience so special.
January also brings a very special time of quiet along the oceanfront. Be certain to take advantage of these wonderful months. When the sun gets that little bit lower this time of year, the seaside colors simply explode. And the the best part is that every day, the show is for free. Yes, it can be a bit chilly, so bundle up, bring a thermos of something warm, and hit the boardwalk to see the oceanfront in all its Winter splendor. Catch a sunrise or two. Maybe even three. Wander along with ocean in the late afternoon and watch the twilight unfold. And don’t forget, Virginia Beach has some of the most gorgeous Moonrises you will ever see. So check the times and make it a date. 
And don’t forget, January can be a perfect time to enjoy the view from the Lookout Tower. Climbing the historic tower has been a great addition we’ve brought to the museum experience and a very special privilege of your VBSRM Membership.
So let’s have a great start to 2019. We’ll meet you right here.
Right at the center of it all.
William