Hollywood Cemetery has miles of walkable paths through its historic grounds. | Photo by RICtoday
The iconic 135-acre Hollywood Cemetery is nestled in Richmond’s Oregon Hill neighborhood and has been active since the 19th century. Over 80,000 people have been memorialized in the gardens, and people are still buried there each year.
The Hollywood Cemetery Board created an official list of 47 “notables” in 1953 within the grounds who have “significantly influenced the course of history due to their actions or opinions.”
Hollywood Cemetery is nestled between the historic Oregon Hill neighborhood and the James River.
|
Photo by RICtoday
Some of those mentioned include:
Frederick William Emrich | An 18-month-old, the first burial at Hollywood back in June 1849.
President James Monroe and President John Tyler | Two of the eight US presidents born in Virginia. Their wives, Elizabeth and Julia, are buried alongside them.
Virginia Randolph Ellett | The first headmistress for what is now the St. Catherine’s School, which has been educating young women since 1890.
Isabel Matthes | An early executive director with the Richmond Girl Scout Council, she died at 27 in 1925. Scouts still bring flowers to her grave, marked with the signature trefoil design.
Florence Rees | A 2-year-old girl who died of scarlet fever in 1862. Her grave is guarded by a large iron dog. The statue was once at her grandfather’s house, so he brought it to her grave to prevent it from being melted for ammunition during the Civil War.
Visitors still leave trinkets + toys for Florence and the Iron Dog.
|
Photo by RICtoday
Guided tours
The cemetery hosts multiple tour options so you can explore in person.
Guided walking tours are available through the Valentine museum. Grab tickets here for the next tour on Friday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. The Valentine also offers walking tours of the historic Shockoe Hill Cemeteries. Pro tip: Walking tours start at the Cherry and Albemarle Street entrance.
Groups can explore by GEM car, segway, trolley, or tuk tuk for a less physically-demanding tour.
On your own
The cemetery is open for the public from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Take the Virginia Mysteries Tour for a self-guided experience, with afull map and must-see grave sites outlined with directions.
You can also see Hollywood Cemetery’s complete burial records from the 19th century to today and plot your own route.
Events
Wednesday, Oct. 18
Sankai Juku, KŌSA: “between two mirrors” | Wednesday, Oct. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Modlin Center for the Arts, 453 Westhampton Way, Richmond | $10-$50 | The Tokyo-based Butoh dance company brings its North American tour to the Alice Jepson Theatre.
Thursday, Oct. 19
Halloween Movie Night | Thursday, Oct. 19 | 6 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St., Richmond | Cost of purchase | Enjoy a brew and a double feature of “Hocus Pocus” at 6 p.m. and the sequel at 8 p.m.
Artober at the Poe Museum | Thursday, Oct. 19 | 6-9 p.m. | The Poe Museum, 1914-16 E. Main St., Richmond | $15 | Enjoy live music by Flashlight Tag, brews by Tabol Brewing, and the culinary crafts of TBT El Gallo.
Friday, Oct. 20
“Scream” | Friday, Oct. 20 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | This slasher satire directed by Wes Craven kicked off an ongoing series.
The Magic Beans | Friday, Oct. 20 | 8 p.m. | The Camel, 1621 W. Broad St., Richmond | $15 | Enjoy an evening with the alt-indie band.
Saturday, Oct. 21
18th Annual Touch a Truck Event | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Richmond Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum Ave., Richmond | $12-$59 | Kids will be able to touch their favorite vehicles and get behind the wheel at this Junior League of Richmond event.
Deep Groove Records Sidewalk Sale | Saturday, Oct. 21-Sunday, Oct. 22 | 12-6 p.m. | Deep Groove Records, 317 N. Robinson St., Richmond | Free | Make a pay-what-you-can donation to the Harvey Family Endowment and dig through thousands of records at this Fan shop.
Harry’s at Hofheimer, a speakeasy-themed restaurant, has opened in Scott’s Addition. The restaurant, located in the Hofheimer building, has a menu of inventive American cuisine and historically-inspired craft cocktails.
Eat
Richmond Restaurant Week is next week, Oct. 23-29. Each of the dozens of participating restaurants will offer a three course prix fixe meal for $35.23, with $5.23 per meal donated to Feed More.
Development
The Goochland County Board of Supervisors shot down a plan for development in Centerville, saying it allowed for an excess of homes and businesses including chains and big-box retailers. However, residents are more supportive of development east of Interstate 288. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Edu
The Richmond School Board voted on Monday to address mold problems plaguing several schools. Prior to the vote, several parents and teachers spoke to the board about the mold-related problems Richmond schools have been facing. (ABC 8News)
Plan Ahead
The Fan District Association is hosting its Holiday House Tour the weekend of Dec. 9-10. From 1 until 5 p.m., come along to see one of the most historic and architecturally varied neighborhoods in the city.
Civic
The Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission, a non-partisan government research firm, will likely be looking into the cancelled development that cost VCU Health $73 million to back out of. The committee will settle on an official list for next year’s topics at its meeting on Monday, Nov. 13. (Richmond BizSense)
Cause
Help a local mom in need by donating spare items (think: formula, diapers, menstrual supplies) at any Virginia Physicians for Women location now - Oct. 30 (or via their Amazon Wishlist). VPFW will give out donations during its Prince George Mama and Baby Supplies Drive & Giveaway on Thursday, Nov. 2. See items needed.*
Finance
One card, all the perks. A $200 welcome bonus, unlimited cash back, and 0% interest into 2025 (all with no annual fee) almost sounds too good to be true — but this card has it all.*
City
Extra time to look both ways
Department of Public Works expanding LPIs at Richmond intersections
The vast majority of the 89 new LPIs are situated near VCU campus or the Capitol. | Photo via the Richmond Department of Public Works
The Department of Public Works is expanding leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) at intersections around the city. There are currently 28 intersections in Richmond with LPIs — the city wants to increase that to 107.
LPIs at crosswalks provide a buffer for pedestrians, giving them a few seconds to legally walk before traffic lights change for vehicles. The head start provided to pedestrians makes them more visible to turning vehicles. DPW says that this extra visibility can reduce crashes involving pedestrians and cars by up to 60%.
The city calls this a low-cost and effective way to improve pedestrian safety. The majority of these new LPIs are planned for the areas around VCU and the Capitol.
Shop
No Group Shop 10.18.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Drink
Get cozy and indulge in the unique flavors of Matcha Nude’s organic matcha, perfect for the cooler months.
Seasonal
Stay cozy this season with the French Terry Crewneck from Kennedy Gray. With this soft fabric, it’s the perfect piece to keep you warm.
Tech
Why upgrade to smart light bulbs? Set your lights to custom timers, turn lights off when you’re not home, and set the mood with different colors — all from your phone.
Home
This arched floor mirror’s modern shape will complement any room’s decor and refresh your space.
Travel
First class flights don’t have to come full price. Shop an Elite Going membership, get 40-90% first class flights, and fly to your next vacation in style.
Though I missed last Friday’s $13 adoption event at RACC, I found myself a new little buddy at the Richmond SPCA on Monday. I’m about 24 hours into having a kitten and let me tell you — this was worth the extra $137.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.