The Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation has received a $10,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) to support the museum’s “Celebrating 250 Years of Natural History in Virginia” initiative.
Developed to coincide with the Commonwealth’s VA250 campaign commemorating Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence, the initiative will feature a series of programs, exhibits and publications throughout 2026 celebrating Virginia’s contributions to natural history.
“The museum is excited to play its part in helping the Commonwealth celebrate its unmatched role in shaping American history,” said Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) Deputy Director Ryan Barber. “We are incredibly grateful to have the support of the VTC and look forward to shining a spotlight on some of the incredible natural history stories Virginia has to tell.”
As part of the initiative, the museum will offer the original special exhibit “Clash of Giants: Jefferson vs. Buffon and the Battle for America’s Natural Legacy”. The exhibit will feature captivating stories and scientific specimens that highlight the long-time feud between Thomas Jefferson and Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon — a prominent French naturalist, mathematician, and cosmologist — regarding Buffon’s assertion of “American degeneracy”.
In his work, “Natural History – General and Particular”, Buffon laid out his theory that, compared to the Old World, animal life in the New World was “shriveled and diminished” and, therefore, inferior. The exhibit will highlight this long-time feud between Jefferson and Buffon, with Jefferson arguing through lively correspondence for the equality and superiority of natural history in the New World.
“Many people are familiar with the immeasurable role that Thomas Jefferson played in shaping American history, but many may be surprised to learn that he was also an avid naturalist who shaped the study of natural history in the United States and abroad,” said VMNH Executive Director Dr. Joe Keiper. “His research involving fossil specimens even earned him the moniker ‘Father of American Paleontology.’ His contributions will be well represented in this exhibit, including a first English edition of his ‘Notes on the State of Virginia,’ printed in 1787.”
The museum also plans to release a special edition of its “Virginia Explorer” publication in 2026, which will feature a series of original articles focused on Virginia’s role in expanding knowledge of natural history. The special edition publication will highlight stories ranging from the establishment of the Virginia Museum of Natural History to the story of Virginia’s state fossil, Chesapecten jeffersonius.
Additionally, the museum will promote the VA250 commemoration during its 2026 lineup of VMNH Science Festivals, while providing visitors with additional opportunities to learn more about Virginia’s 250 years of natural history.
“The museum’s lineup of science festivals is set for 2026 and we look forward to using these incredibly popular events to help bring attention to the VA250 commemoration and to 250 years of natural history in the Commonwealth,” said Barber.
The 2026 lineup of VMNH Science Festivals includes:
- Reptile Festival, April 24-25
- Dino Festival, July 24-25
- Bonez & Booz, October 31
To learn more about the museum, visit www.vmnh.net.
To learn more about the VA250 commemoration, visit www.va250.org.
