Culture

James River Association: 50 Years of Restoring the James River

When the James River Association marks its 50th anniversary this year, it does so against a backdrop that would have seemed unimaginable at its founding: a river reborn. When the JRA formed in 1976, its namesake waterway was a poster child for environmental disaster. Fish and shellfish populations were threatened by decades of unsustainable harvesting […]

by Eric J. Wallace

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Sail250 Virginia Brings Tall Ships From Around the World

When more than 60 tall ships and military vessels from 30 countries glide into Virginia waters this June, they’ll carry centuries of seafaring history—and usher in one of the most ambitious celebrations America has ever staged. Sail250 Virginia, the Commonwealth’s landmark commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, runs June 12–23, transforming Norfolk and 11 affiliate […]

by Madeline Mayhood

All Aboard: Virginia’s Summer of Steam Celebrates America250

This summer, the legendary Norfolk & Western 611 steam locomotive is firing up her wheel—and she’s bringing history along for the ride. Built in 1950 in Roanoke, Virginia, the 611 is the last surviving member of the “J-Class” fleet, widely regarded as the pinnacle of steam technology. With her iconic bullet-shaped nose, Tuscan Red stripe, […]

by Abby Borgeson

Atlantic Park Surf Brings a New Era to Virginia Beach

In 2017, Virginia Beach architect Alec Yuzhbabenko was two years out of college when a company principal pulled him into a meeting with one of Hampton Roads’ biggest real estate and development firms. The topic? How to transform 10 acres of blighted parking lots in the heart of the resort area into a signature, place-defining […]