Waynesboro advocates step up push for state construction funds for Virginia Museum of Natural History

Speaker 1, a member of the Waynesboro Advocacy Committee, told the group the committee will “work the outside” while staff pursue the “inside angle” in Richmond as they press for state capital construction funding for the Virginia Museum of Natural History. Committee members discussed recent meetings with Delegate Wilt, Delegate Runyon and Senator Obenshane (name as spoken in the transcript) and agreed to refresh outreach materials and target legislators directly.

Why it matters: Committee leaders said a clear, emotional message is necessary to move the budget needle. At one point Speaker 1 proposed a concise lead message: “Virginia Museum of Natural History ignites STEM education,” a phrase the committee agreed to foreground in briefing materials and one‑pagers for legislators and staff.

What was decided and next steps: Members approved a two‑pronged strategy: staff will pursue internal advocacy in Richmond while the committee expands external pressure by asking supporters who sent letters last year to send updated letters to legislators; the group will produce one‑page briefs with a clear final ask for meetings with legislators or aides. Speaker 3 said the committee is “on the precipice of, you know, $35,000,000 commitment to the state — the state has not said no. It’s just basically said it’s not your turn yet,” and the committee discussed preparing now to be ready when the funding window arrives.

Fundraising plan and private partners: Multiple speakers urged recruiting a deep‑pocket private donor to change the political dynamic. Names raised in the discussion included members of a local family and regional business leaders; committee members emphasized direct, personal outreach rather than email. Corporate partners such as Northrop Grumman were mentioned as future targets for conversations once state momentum builds.

Numbers and messaging: Committee materials will be revised to make annual figures and regional economic benefits clearer; staff were asked to verify numbers in the new advocacy brief. Members also discussed using a concise metric (the committee proposed a goal of 50,000 new visitors to the Shenandoah Valley tied to the museum) as part of the economic case.

What was not decided: No formal commitments of state funding were made at the meeting, and the committee did not vote on any motion to authorize expenditures or contracts. The timing and amount of any state appropriation remain uncertain; several speakers said much of the current surplus is already allocated to other priorities.

Next meeting: The committee adjourned and scheduled the next meeting for February 2, with a recommendation to hold that session virtually due to the General Assembly schedule.