Virginia Living Museum enhances community engagement and educational outreach in Newport News

The Newport News City Council held a public hearing on the FY2026 budget on April 11, 2025, where community members voiced their support for local institutions, particularly the Virginia Living Museum. The museum's president of the board of trustees highlighted its role in promoting natural science education and community engagement.

During the meeting, the museum's president emphasized its significance as a cultural and educational hub, noting that it is accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums. This distinction is shared by only 14 institutions nationwide. The museum relies heavily on community volunteers, who outnumber staff by a ratio of 7 to 1, showcasing the strong local support for its mission.

The president pointed out that city funding for the museum is reinvested into the community, enhancing the quality of life in Newport News. The museum not only attracts visitors, boosting local businesses, but also supports school systems by providing vital science education. Additionally, it offers free and reduced admission days for residents and participates in initiatives to increase accessibility for low-income families.

The meeting also featured remarks from Justin Kennedy, who represented seniors in the community, indicating a broad interest in how the budget impacts various demographics.

Overall, the public hearing underscored the importance of the Virginia Living Museum as a community asset and its contributions to education, local economy, and quality of life in Newport News. The council's decisions regarding the budget will likely reflect the strong community support for such institutions.