Virginia and the Vietnam War

Date: November 05 - December 15, 2025
Time (Duration): All Day

Event Description

The Rockbridge Historical is proud to partner with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, by hosting the traveling exhibit, "Virginia and the Vietnam War," from November 2 to December 15, 2025, at the RHS Museum (101 E. Washington St., Lexington, VA).

When Saigon fell in 1975, so ended one of America’s most controversial conflicts-the Vietnam War. For many Virginians, however, there remained a feeling of disconnectedness which was to endure for decades. This signature, anniversary exhibit, "Virginia & the Vietnam War," will explore the choices, perspectives, and experiences of Virginians during the Vietnam War era to help facilitate untapped understandings about this tumultuous time.

This traveling exhibition also provides kiosk access to oral history interviews featuring a variety of individuals, including Vietnamese American refugees, veterans, family members on the home front, and pro and anti-war activists.

Exhibit Closing Reception: Dec. 13, 2025 | 12-4PM
Rockbridge Historical Society | 101 E. Washington St. | Fri/Sat/Sun 12-4 PM
Between 1-2:30 PM, local veterans will discuss some of their specially-loaned artifacts, including readings from a recently published Vietnam War memoir, with signed copies for sale onsite from the author, at a discount.

Exhibit Final Week: Dec. 15-18, 2025
Lexington Library | 138 S Main St, Lexington, VA 24450 | M-Th, 10 AM-7 PM

The 50th Anniversary series continues with two other special events ahead:
"Revolutionary Films, 1776-2026" | Dec.17, 2025
Lexington Library | 138 S Main St, Lexington, VA 24450 | 6-8 PM
Free screening and discussion of the 1968 warfront/homefront episode of Ken Burns' documentary, "The Vietnam War."

"Revolutionary Books, 1776-2026" | Jan. 13, 2025
Lexington Library | 138 S Main St, Lexington, VA 24450 | 5:30-7:00 PM
Tim O'Brien's story collection-memoir, "The Things They Carried" & Dr. King's "Beyond Vietnam"

Follow our series of historical anecdotes and images at RHS Instagram and RHS Facebook for updates and historic images!