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Virginia Living Museum Calendar

January 14, 2017

Virginia Living Museum Calendar

Jan. 14 – May 14 Planetarium Shows

Choose among three shows in the Virginia Living Museum’s Abbitt Planetarium. “The Friendly Stars” introduces preschoolers to the night sky. It is shown Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. “The Future is Wild” envisions the fantastic creatures that may walk the Earth in 5 to 200 million years. It is showing Wednesday through Sunday at 1:30 p.m. A staff astronomer takes a tour of the current night sky in “Virginia Skies,” showing Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The planetarium is open Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are $4 plus museum admission.

 

Jan. 14 – May 14 Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs

Today, dogs enhance the lives of millions in countless ways, but they are also some of humans’ oldest friends. Ancient clues like cave paintings and burials reveal that dogs and people have lived together for thousands of years. But why have humans formed such close relationships with dogs, and not cows or chickens? “Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs” sniffs out the facts on dogs and explores what makes the human/dog relationship so unique. Through multimedia displays, dioramas and interactive stations visitors to the Virginia Living Museum can learn about the different types of dogs, how they are related to wolves, how they have helped humans and what we can do to help them. Enter a "howling area" and guess what dogs are saying, test your nose against a dog's great sense of smell, and climb into an avalanche scene to see what it's like to be saved by a search-and-rescue dog. This is the largest and most comprehensive traveling exhibition ever created on the history, biology and evolution of dogs. It uses the familiarity and love of these four-legged friends to explore science and biological concepts. Created by Wonderworks Exhibits Co., the exhibit is sponsored by Judy and Henry Morris.

Jan. 14 Star Party/Laser Light Shows

Free observing begins at sunset at the Virginia Living Museum. Take a tour of the current night sky in “Virginia Skies” at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy the state-of-the-art laser system that splashes brilliant high-color LED laser light all across the entire surface of the planetarium dome. Hypnotica (family) at 8:30 p.m. pairs techno with awesome laser effects. Enjoy a Pink Floyd double feature with “The Vision Bell” at 10 p.m. and “The Wall” at 11:30 p.m. All shows $6.

 

Jan. 17 Naturally Speaking: Wolves: A Vital Role in Nature – Still Threatened

For many people, wolves in the wild represent the wild itself – reflecting both the will and the skills to survive, the dynamic connections between living things in the environment, and the freedom from a reliance on humans.  Historically, these fascinating and highly intelligent predators thrived as a vital part of a balanced natural world.  Today, both because of and in spite of human intervention, some species and populations of wild wolves are recovering – and overall, their contributions to a healthy natural balance are recognized.  However, the story of the Red Wolf recovery program in the Eastern U.S. is one of increased challenges, and a decrease of both state and federal support. Virginia Living Museum Animal Keeper Carrie Bridgman will present an informative overview of wolf species throughout the world, with a special focus on the current status of the Red Wolf recovery program, under which the VLM’s own Red Wolves are included. Time: 6:30-8 p.m. Free admission, but please register in advance at 757-595-9135 or thevlm.org.     

 

Jan. 21 Story Time

The third Saturday of the month is story time at the Virginia Living Museum. Hear a nature-related story. 10 a.m. Included in museum admission.

 

Feb. 2 Groundhog Shadow Ceremony 

The Virginia Living Museum’s groundhog, Chesapeake Chuck, will make his official groundhog weather forecast on Groundhog Day, Thursday, Feb. 2 at noon. WAVY-TV 10 Meteorologist Jeremy Wheeler will be on hand to assist Chesapeake Chuck in the annual ceremony held in the outdoor amphitheater. Chesapeake Chuck has been predicting since 2011. 2015 was the first time he did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring. Included in Museum admission. 

 

Feb. 3 Bacchus Wine and Food Festival

Enjoy delicious samplings of fine wine, craft beer, local restaurant fare and an eclectic mix of live music, entertainment and games, all at the Virginia Living Museum’s 13th annual Bacchus Wine & Food Festival. This fundraiser has four times been voted "Best in the 757 Gold" for Event & Gala by Coastal Virginia Magazine. You don't want to miss this sell-out event. Over 21 of course. The main event is 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $60 by Jan. 29, $70 after. Restaurants include: Abeulo’s Mexican Restaurant, Chef by Design, Dier House Coffee Roasters, Donatos Pizza, The Grey Goose, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Schlesinger’s, Sinful Treats, Smoke BBQ Restaurant, Vintners Cellar Winery & Restaurant, Wild Side Café, Whitley’s Peanuts and Zoe’s Kitchen.

Headlining the entertainment is The Fuzz Band, an R&B/soul/urban rock/hip hop/jazz/ funk/pop band from HamptonAlso appearing are Fifty Thirds, an acoustic act from Norfolk; PC Duo, classical guitar duo performing a danceable mix; Louis Vangieri/LCV Project, an eclectic blend of acoustic guitar works and original pieces; Zen Mojo, an acoustic duo known for their groove infested remixes of songs from your favorite radio stations and Chris Crank, the piano man. Colonial DJs will host Karaoke in the cafe, Hugh Koontz will perform strolling magic and Melissa Kepley of The Magickal Attic will do card reading.

Want even more? Start with the VIP reception (6-7 p.m.). For a full hour enjoy exclusive samplings and priority access to all restaurants in a relaxing atmosphere. Not just a taste, we'll fill your VIP glass with highly rated wines (90 points or more). VIP parking is a breeze, close by. You’ll be more than ready for the Main Event at 7pm. $125 (includes main event). 

Tickets can be purchased online at thevlm.org or at the museum.

Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 Follow the Drinking Gourd

Celebrate Black History Month with this popular planetarium program at the Virginia Living Museum about the Underground Railroad and learn how the stars of the northern sky led slaves to freedom. This poignant and inspiring tale of one family’s desperate flight to freedom is based on the children’s book written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter. Shown on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. Free, museum admission is not required and not included.

 

Feb. 4 Wolf the Predator: Groundhog the Prey. Who will Win?

It’s a “Predator and Prey” day at the Virginia Living Museum to celebrate Groundhog Day and acknowledge the vital role that predators – like wolves - play in nature. Meet “Chesapeake Chuck,” the museum’s resident groundhog, and learn about the special adaptations that he and his relatives use to survive in a world filled with hungry predators. The event will also feature a special focus on wolves and their relatives, who are fascinating examples of nature’s need for a healthy balance of predators and prey. Enjoy crafts, games, a raffle, and a chance to vote for your choice of which animal will “win the day” in the struggle for survival. Special activities 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Included in museum admission.

 

Feb. 11 Star Party/Laser Light Shows

Free observing begins at sunset at the Virginia Living Museum. Take a tour of the current night sky in “Virginia Skies” at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy the state-of-the-art laser system that splashes brilliant high-color LED laser light all across the entire surface of the planetarium dome. “Laser Genesis” (family) at 8:30 p.m. is a new show featuringf the music of Genesis paired with breath-taking laser lights. The sixties are back, and they are as psychedelic as ever with “The Doors” at 10 p.m. Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” will be shown at  11:30 p.m. All shows $6. The Wild Side Café will be open.

 

Feb. 18 Story Time

The third Saturday of the month is story time at the Virginia Living Museum. Hear a nature-related story. 10 a.m. Included in museum admission. 

Virginia Living Museum 
524 J. Clyde Morris, Blvd.
Newport News (I-64 Exit 258-A)
757-595-1900
www.thevlm.org

Museum admission: $20 adults, $15 children (3-12), ages 2 and under free. Planetarium programs $4 in addition to museum admission.