About the Exhibition
Stories of opportunity, community and resilience are brought to life at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) in “We The People: The World in Our Commonwealth,” an exhibition that brings together more than 100 voices speaking to distinct perspectives on the immigrant experience of Virginians. A signature component of the Museum’s multi-year slate of exhibitions, programs and activations commemorating the 250th anniversary of America, “We The People” presents the deeply personal narratives of individuals born in 68 countries who sought freedom, opportunity and refuge by immigrating to the United States.

One of the leading catalysts for semiquincentennial commemorations in Virginia and beyond, VMHC has played a key role in shaping the Commonwealth’s 250th anniversary efforts. The Museum was among the first institutions to convene statewide history leaders and encouraged Virginia’s General Assembly to found the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250). In July 2023, VMHC announced a comprehensive program for the anniversary, including two marquee exhibitions, “We The People: The World in Our Commonwealth” and “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation,” which opened in March 2025 as the first major exhibition in the nation to mark the milestone anniversary.

Accompanying programs
March 28: Commonwealth Crossroads: A Celebration of Virginia's Immigrant Traditions

• Celebrating the richness of artistic traditions brought to Virginia by recent immigrants and refugees, this showcase event includes music, dance, food, visual arts and ceremonies performed by master artists from around the world now living in the Commonwealth. The traditions featured were born and nurtured over centuries in places like Mongolia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Bolivia, Guatemala and Cambodia; and that are now thriving here.

• Artists and groups include Señora Julia Garcia (Quechua welcoming ceremony), the Nguyen Family Band (music from Vietnam), Gankhuyag (GanNa) Natsag (Tsam Buddhist masks), Ubaldo Sanchez (Alfombra), Tradiciones Bolivianos (Bolivian dancing), Sochietah Ung (Cambodian dance and costumes) and Lemlem Gebray and her twin daughters Datta and Akeza Seyoum (Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony).

·       April 12: Latinx Fashion Show

• Latinx Fashion Show (LFS) VCU hosts their annual fashion show celebrating Latinx designers and the power of visibility, resilience and community. This year's theme, orchids, represents reblooming after damage as well as strength and perseverance in unstable conditions. An artist discussion, moderated by local Virginia designer, Jennifer Ortiz,
  follows the show.

·       March 30-April 3: Spring Break Family Events

• Mon: Global Crafts for Kids

• Tue: Irish Dancing

• Wed: Games from Around the World

• Thu: Muevelo! Latinx Dance

• Fri: Sensory Friendly Morning