In a vibrant gathering at the Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH), board members celebrated a record turnout for the recent "Bones and Bones" event, which attracted nearly 2,300 visitors, including over 1,000 participants from the "Museums for All" initiative. This impressive attendance reflects the museum's growing appeal and commitment to accessibility.

As the meeting progressed, discussions turned to upcoming exhibits, with the current "Masters" exhibit set to close on January 12. Anticipation is building for the "Night Source" exhibit, which will open to the public on February 8, following a special preview for members on February 6. The board encouraged early ticket purchases for the popular Speakeasy event scheduled for February 22, highlighting the importance of community engagement through diverse programming.

The conversation also touched on the success of previous fundraising efforts, particularly the silent auction, which featured a variety of gift baskets. Board members shared anecdotes about popular items, such as a bourbon tasting basket and a "Taste of Abingdon" collection, emphasizing the auction's role in fostering goodwill rather than solely raising funds. The goal remains to create an inclusive atmosphere where all community members feel welcome to participate.

A significant point of discussion was the demographic data revealing visitor trends. Board members noted that while 8% of visitors hailed from the Shenandoah Valley, this figure could indicate a growing interest in the museum from that region. The board expressed interest in analyzing visitor statistics further to understand better how outreach efforts are impacting attendance.

As the meeting wrapped up, members reflected on the importance of continued engagement with local communities, particularly in Southern Virginia, where membership and visitation rates are on the rise. The board's commitment to enhancing accessibility and fostering connections within the community remains a priority as they look ahead to future events and initiatives.